The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Anniversary: A Celebration of Natural Beauty and Heritage

By Jason Grant | April 10, 2025

                                                                                                  Photo by: Jason Grant

GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE  — One of America’s most cherished natural treasures is marking a major milestone this year. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, celebrates its 91st anniversary in 2025 — and with it comes a year-long tribute to the park’s breathtaking landscapes, deep-rooted history, and enduring legacy.

Established in 1934, the park has grown to become the most visited national park in the United States, welcoming over 12 million visitors annually. This anniversary not only honors the park’s past but also looks toward its future with renewed efforts in conservation, education, and community involvement.

To commemorate the anniversary, the National Park Service, along with local partners and communities, has organized a series of special events and programs throughout the year. These include guided historical hikes, cultural exhibits, storytelling sessions, and           

                                                                                                                           environmental workshops — all aimed at celebrating the diverse history and ecology of the Smokies.

“This park holds the stories of generations — from the Cherokee people to the mountain settlers and beyond,” said Cassius Cash, Superintendent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “This anniversary is about reflecting on those stories and recommitting to preserving them for the future.”

Covering more than 522,000 acres, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 19,000 documented species, including black bears, salamanders, elk, and a wide array of birdlife and wildflowers. The park's mist-covered ridgelines, dense hardwood forests, and rushing waterfalls have become iconic symbols of American wilderness.

In honor of the anniversary, the park has released a special digital archive showcasing rare photographs and oral histories collected from Appalachian families and tribal communities. A new interpretive trail in Cades Cove, featuring educational signage and augmented reality elements, is also set to open this summer.

Beyond its natural beauty, the park continues to be a vital economic engine for the region. In 2024, tourism tied to the park generated an estimated $1.7 billion for surrounding communities, supporting thousands of jobs in hospitality, guiding services, retail, and more.

“This park is the heart and soul of our region,” said Mary Lou Barnett, a lifelong resident of Townsend and owner of a family-run lodge. “It brings people together — not just from across the country, but from all walks of life. Every anniversary reminds us how lucky we are to live near such a treasure.”

As part of the 91st anniversary, the park is also announcing a renewed sustainability initiative focused on reducing pollution, protecting endangered species, and restoring native habitats. Plans include expanding electric shuttle services, improving waste management, and increasing visitor education around Leave No Trace principles.

“We want to ensure that 100 years from now, future generations can still marvel at this place as we do today,” Superintendent Cash said. “This anniversary is as much about preservation as it is celebration.”

Park visitors are invited to participate in anniversary activities throughout 2025, including the "Smokies 91 Challenge", which encourages hikers to log 91 miles on park trails before year’s end. Special commemorative merchandise, educational kits for schools, and a documentary series airing on PBS later this year are also part of the festivities.

As the Great Smoky Mountains National Park steps into its 92nd year, its legacy continues to thrive — as a sanctuary of biodiversity, a symbol of shared heritage, and a beloved destination for all who seek the healing power of nature.