2003 National Park Visitors

**Visitor numbers surged in 2003.**

In 2003, America's national park system continued to draw millions, with several iconic destinations leading the pack in popularity, including the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, the geyser-rich Yellowstone, the majestic Yosemite, and the dramatic canyons of Zion. However, none captivated as many visitors as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, this sprawling wilderness, a UNESCO World Heritage site and International Biosphere Reserve, offered visitors a unique blend of natural splendor and cultural history. Its ancient, mist-shrouded peaks, which give the park its name, harbored an incredible biodiversity, boasting the densest black bear population in the East, vibrant old-growth forests, and a spectacular array of wildflowers that burst forth in spring. Beyond its ecological riches, the park also served as a living museum of Southern Appalachian culture, preserving hundreds of historic log cabins, churches, and gristmills that told tales of early settlers. With abundant opportunities for hiking, scenic drives like Cades Cove, and wildlife viewing, coupled with its free admission, the Great Smoky Mountains stood as the undisputed most visited national park in 2003, beloved for its accessible natural beauty and rich heritage.

Data Source: National Park Service Stats