2001 National Park Visitors

Post-9/11 dip in 2001 park visits.

In 2001, millions flocked to the United States' national parks, with perennial favorites like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite National Parks drawing massive crowds. However, reigning supreme in popularity was the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, consistently the nation's most visited. This majestic park, straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is renowned for its signature blue-hued mist that gives the mountains their "smoky" appearance. It boasts an unparalleled biological diversity, home to thousands of species of plants and animals, including one of the largest black bear populations in the eastern United States. Visitors in 2001, as today, were enchanted by its ancient, old-growth forests, tumbling waterfalls, and the scenic drives like Newfound Gap Road and the historic Cades Cove Loop, where preserved pioneer homesteads offer a glimpse into Appalachian life. Its accessibility, free entry, and vast network of hiking trails through lush deciduous forests and along clear mountain streams cemented its status as a beloved natural escape, offering both serene wilderness and a rich cultural tapestry.

Data Source: National Park Service Stats