Sometimes the 'No Parking' signs just don't register/NPS

What did you think of your most recent visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Was it more crowded than you expected? Were you able to enjoy yourself, or was your experience less than you expected?

The summer season in the park that straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border has been busy. Too busy at times, judging by the lines of cars parking on road shoulders because trailhead parking is full, running over 'No Parking' signs, and heading to streams to cool off armed with tubes.

Park officials want to know what you think of those things.

During the week of October 19, park staff invites the public to provide input on how the park can improve visitor experiences and alleviate congestion at some of its busiest destinations. The public can participate through virtual interactive workshops, online forms, or direct mail.  

Parking can be a premium at times at popular trailheads in the park, such as the Alum Cave Trail/NPS

“We look forward to working hand-in-hand with our local communities and visitors from across the country to thoughtfully address growing challenges associated with extremely high visitation,” said Great Smoky Superintendent Cassius Cash. “Congestion at the most visited park in the nation is complex, but we believe by working together, we can find solutions that help us continue to protect the park and provide better experiences for millions of visitors.” 

Providing a high-quality visitor experience has grown more challenging due to recent, increased visitation. Since 2009, annual visitation to the Smokies has increased by 32 percent, resulting in congested roadways, overflowing parking lots, roadside soil erosion, vegetation trampling, and long lines at restrooms and visitor center facilities. The park received a record 12.5 million visits in 2019 and has set monthly visitation records in June, July, and August in 2020. 

The public is invited to attend facilitator-led, two-hour workshops online with park managers on the following dates: Monday, October 19 from 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Eastern; Tuesday, October 20 from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.; Thursday, October 22 from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; or Thursday, October 22 from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.  

Through the workshops, participants will learn about the current state of park visitation and be introduced to congestion management strategies used on public lands across the world. Participants will be asked to provide input on the following places in the park: Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, Deep Creek, Big Creek, Rainbow Falls, Grotto Falls, Alum Cave, Chimney Tops, and Laurel Falls. In small online groups, participants will be asked to provide input on how the park might improve visitor experiences and alleviate congestion at these busy destinations. 

The Deep Creek Trail was popular this summer/NPS

Participants must register for the virtual workshop by filling out an online form at https://tinyurl.com/grsmves by October 14. Once registered, participants will receive instructions and a link to join the online workshop.   

The public may also submit input without participating in the workshops by sending comments through October 31 to the following:  

•  On the web (preferred method) at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/grsmves-survey. 

•  By mail: 

Visitor Experience and Stewardship 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park 

107 Park Headquarters Rd 

Gatlinburg, TN 37738 

For more information about visitation in the Smokies, please visit www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/management/VES.htm.