2018 National Park Visitors

2018: 318.2 million national park visits.

In 2018, millions of visitors flocked to the United States' stunning national parks, with several consistently ranking as perennial favorites due to their accessibility and breathtaking natural wonders. Among the most popular that year were Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Zion, and Yellowstone. However, the **Great Smoky Mountains National Park**, straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, definitively held the top spot, welcoming over 11 million people. This immense popularity stems from its incredible biodiversity, earning it the title of an International Biosphere Reserve, boasting more than 1,500 species of flowering plants, over 200 species of birds, and a significant population of black bears. Its namesake "smoky" appearance comes from the dense, misty fog created by the abundant vegetation releasing volatile organic compounds, blanketing the ancient Appalachian peaks in a captivating, ethereal haze. Visitors are drawn to its extensive network of hiking trails, including a substantial portion of the Appalachian Trail, scenic drives like Cades Cove Loop Road for wildlife viewing and historical homesteads, and the serene beauty of its old-growth forests and numerous waterfalls.

Data Source: National Park Service Stats