Great Smoky Mountains National Park Just Shattered A New Record

Perri Ormont Blumberg
Updated

In no small part thanks to its sweeping vistas and natural wonders (hello, waterfalls, wildflowers, forests) Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country.

Now, the majestic park — nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee — just outdid itself. In 2018, the park welcomed a record-breaking 11.4 million visitors, a growth of around .7% over the previous year. The influx in visitors is due to the opening of a new section of the Foothills Parkway located between Walland and Wears Valley, Tennessee. Opened on November 10th, 2018 and once known as the "missing link," the two-mile road is well worth a detour on a trip to the Smokies.

“The new section of the Foothills Parkway is a spectacular scenic driving destination and we’re pleased that so many people have already enjoyed it,” said park Superintendent Cassius Cash in a statement, per the Knoxville News Sentinel. “We hope that people take the time to explore it across the seasons.”

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In November and December 2018, almost 200,000 travelers journeyed to this new area. “If you want the best view of the highest mountains in the eastern United States, you’ll drive the Foothills Parkway. The scene is so magnificent that it surprises even those of us who have grown up admiring the Smokies," Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander said of the Parkway's stellar scenery.

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We're so close now to the grand opening of the new section of the Foothills Parkway! Today, park officials, government officials, and community leaders dedicated the new Foothills Parkway in a ribbon cutting ceremony. Speakers acknowledged challenges, shared triumphs, and recognized those who have worked tirelessly for years to bring us to this day. As Senator Lamar Alexander said, “If you want the best view of the highest mountains in the eastern United States, you’ll drive the Foothills Parkway. The scene is so magnificent that it surprises even those of us who have grown up admiring the Smokies.” We're hoping that overnight icing doesn't prevent us from opening the parkway tomorrow, but if it does, we'll get it open as soon as possible! Beginning soon and for years to come, we hope that you and your families are able to experience and enjoy the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains from the Foothills Parkway. Superintendent Cassius Cash spoke for all of us at the park today in stating, "we couldn't be more excited to celebrate this major milestone in the park's history." We are all so excited to share this magnificent new road with you and can't wait for you to see it for yourselves! #FoothillsParkway NPS Photos: Jamie Sanders and Andrea Walton

A post shared by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps) on Nov 9, 2018 at 1:29pm PST

What's your favorite part of the Great Smoky Mountains? We're dreaming of venturing to Cades Cove, Clingmans Dove, and the Laurel Falls Trail.