Story perspectives

2025 Sees Decline in National Park Visitors, Records Set

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, the National Park Service logged 323 million visitors, down 8.8 million from 2024.
Despite the decline, 26 parks set attendance records.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park remained the most visited at 11.5 million, though down from the previous year.
Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska had 7,786 visitors, the lowest in the system, while Gates of the Arctic and Isle Royale were among the lowest.
The National Park Service aims to enhance accessibility and management for future visitors.

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Story summary

In 2025, the National Park Service logged 323 million visitors, down 8.8 million from 2024.
Despite the decline, 26 parks set attendance records.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park remained the most visited at 11.5 million, though down from the previous year.
Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska had 7,786 visitors, the lowest in the system, while Gates of the Arctic and Isle Royale were among the lowest.
The National Park Service aims to enhance accessibility and management for future visitors.