GATLINBURG, Tenn. – Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced a plan Wednesday to start charging parking fees along with higher rates for campsites, day-use cabin rentals and picnic pavilions starting next year.
Visits to the park have increased 57% over the past decade to a record 14.1 million last year and have taken a toll on facilities, the park said in a news release. Additional revenue from the changes would allow the park to address renovations along with law enforcement staffing challenges and services including trail maintenance and trash removal.
The park is seeking public comment through May 7 and has scheduled a virtual public meeting on April 14 to discuss the proposals. Comments can be submitted online or by mail.
