Park It Forward Program Paying Off

The Park it Forward program is paying off for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After one year of charging to park for more than 15 minutes in the park, the national park has seen a windfall of $10 million in recreation fee revenue, which includes not just parking tag sales, but also camping fees. The park is putting the money to good use. They are improving visitor safety, increasing park ranger presence, the extra revenue allows the park to also repair, enhance and maintain public park facilities. That includes some that are nearby. Part of the funds will be used to resurface the Cosby access road and replace sidewalks in the Cosby picnic area.

Recreation fee revenue will also fund the construction of 50 new parking places at Laurel Falls Trailhead that will begin later this year. Revenue will also be used to rehabilitate Mingus Mill, a historic gristmill near Oconaluftee Visitor Center on the North Carolina side of the park.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is improving visitor safety by starting the park’s first Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) team. These seven rangers aim to reduce search and rescue missions through visitor preparation, education and information. These rangers are trained medics and EMS professionals who will respond to search and rescue incidents throughout the park.

They will be out on the trails this summer!