2025 Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smokies Lead Nation Despite Historic Shutdown

Blue Ridge Parkway & Great Smoky Mountains National Park -- Western North Carolina and East Tennessee’s natural landmarks proved their resilience in 2025, according to new data released by the National Park Service (NPS). The Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park once again emerged as the most-visited destinations in the country, even as the agency navigated a historic 43-day partial government shutdown and significant post-Helene recovery efforts.Across its 406 reportin