The Great Smoky Mountains National Park saw a 10 percent increase in visitors in May as compared to a year ago. Year-to-date visitation is up by 13.5 percent which works out to 329,712 more people than last year.
There were 10 percent more visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in May than a year ago according to figures released by the Park. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)
All of the three main entrances were up during May:
– Gatlinburg +9.1 percent
– Townsend +13.5 percent
– Cherokee +11.5 percent
The 13 outlying entrances were up 7.8 percent over May 2011.
“In addition to this spring’s favorable weather, it is speculated that lower gas prices, local area special events and area attractions opening resulted in more people visiting the Park during May,” Park officials said in a statement.
– NPS
