2007 National Park Visitors

2007: Over 275 million visitors.

In 2007, the national parks of the United States continued to draw millions, with perennial favorites like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite consistently ranking high for their iconic landscapes. However, the most popular park by a significant margin that year was Great Smoky Mountains National Park, attracting over 9 million visitors. This immense popularity is easily understood upon exploring its vast expanse: straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the park encompasses a breathtaking segment of the ancient Appalachian Mountains, characterized by its mist-shrouded peaks, dense old-growth forests, and incredibly rich biodiversity. Visitors are drawn to its scenic auto tours, thousands of miles of hiking trails leading to waterfalls and panoramic vistas, and the chance to observe abundant wildlife, including black bears, elk, and countless bird species. Its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural history evident in preserved historical structures, and notably, its free admission policy – a legacy of the initial land donations – made it an accessible and cherished escape for families and nature enthusiasts alike, cementing its status as the nation's most visited national park in 2007.

Data Source: National Park Service Stats