2002 National Park Visitors

279 million visitors in 2002.

In 2002, America's national park system continued to be a magnet for millions, with perennial giants like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon consistently drawing immense crowds, though the **Great Smoky Mountains National Park** often claimed the top spot for visitation. Among these, the Great Smoky Mountains, nestled along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, stood out as a remarkably accessible and ecologically rich destination. Its ancient, undulating Appalachian peaks, frequently shrouded in the park's namesake blue-tinged haze, offered a unique blend of lush, temperate rainforest and sprawling old-growth forests. In 2002, visitors reveled in its incredible biodiversity, home to black bears, salamanders, and over a hundred species of trees, exploring vast trail networks, scenic drives like Cades Cove, and historic log cabins that told tales of early Appalachian life. Its popularity stemmed not just from its natural beauty but also its sheer scale and the ease with which millions could experience its serene, verdant wilderness.

Data Source: National Park Service Stats