Trump’s Executive Order Could Raise Fees for International Visitors to National Parks, Including the Smokies
Have you ever stood at the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, breathing in that misty mountain air without reaching for your wallet? As someone who’s spent years writing about and exploring these ancient mountains, I’ve always appreciated that the Smokies remain one of the few major national parks without an entrance fee. But changes might be on the horizon for international visitors, thanks to a recent executive order from President Trump.
New Executive Order Targets National Park Fees for International Visitors
In early July 2024, President Trump signed an executive order that could increase entry fees specifically for non-U.S. residents visiting national parks that already charge entrance or recreational fees. This potential change has caught the attention of both park advocates and tourism officials across the country.
While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has historically been fee-free for general entry (one of the conditions when Tennessee and North Carolina transferred the land to the federal government), the park does collect fees for certain activities and amenities. This means the new order could potentially affect international visitors to even our beloved Smokies.
What This Means for the Great Smoky Mountains
The Smokies welcome over 12 million visitors annually, making it America’s most visited national park. A significant portion of these visitors come from outside the United States, drawn to the park’s stunning biodiversity, historic structures, and breathtaking vistas.
While the executive order doesn’t specify exactly how much fees might increase, it directs the Secretary of the Interior to “establish a policy that provides for different fee structures for United States citizens and non-citizens who visit units of the National Park System or Bureau of Land Management lands that charge an entrance or recreational use fee.”
The stated goal? To increase revenue and improve the national park experience for American citizens who, as taxpayers, already contribute to the maintenance and operation of these public lands.
Current Fee Structure in the Smokies
Though entry to Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains free, the park implemented a “Park it Forward” program in 2023 that requires:
- Parking tags ($5 daily, $15 weekly, or $40 annually)
- Camping fees ($8-$36 per night, depending on the campground)
- Backcountry camping permits ($8 per person per night)
International visitors currently pay the same rates as American citizens for these services. The new executive order could potentially create a tiered system where international visitors pay premium rates.
What This Means for Tourism and Local Economies
As someone who’s watched the gateway communities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Townsend grow alongside park visitation, I can’t help but consider the economic implications. International tourism brings significant revenue to these small mountain towns.
According to tourism officials, international visitors typically stay longer and spend more during their visits than domestic tourists. Any policy that might discourage international visitation could have ripple effects throughout the local economy.
On the flip side, the additional revenue generated could potentially be reinvested in park infrastructure and visitor services, addressing some of the maintenance backlog that has accumulated over years of increased visitation without proportional funding increases.
Similar Models Around the World
It’s worth noting that differential pricing for citizens versus international visitors is common practice at natural and cultural attractions worldwide. Many countries, including Costa Rica, Kenya, and Thailand, charge foreign visitors significantly more than locals to access national parks and heritage sites.
| Country | Local Citizen Price | International Visitor Price |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica (Manuel Antonio) | $3 | $16 |
| Kenya (Maasai Mara) | $12 | $80 |
| Thailand (National Parks) | $2 | $10 |
Implementation Timeline Remains Unclear
As with many executive orders, the devil will be in the details. The Department of Interior will need to develop specific policies to implement this directive, and we don’t yet know exactly when any new fee structures might take effect or precisely how they’ll be applied.
For now, both domestic and international visitors to the Smokies can continue to enjoy the park under the current fee structure. Those planning future visits should keep an eye on National Park Service announcements for any changes.
My Take as a Smokies Enthusiast
I’ve spent countless mornings watching the sunrise from Clingmans Dome and afternoons exploring the historic structures of Cades Cove. I’ve seen the park during all seasons and have written about its wonders for years. The Smokies have a special way of making everyone feel welcome, regardless of where they call home.
While I understand the reasoning behind generating additional revenue for our national parks, I hope any implemented changes won’t discourage international visitors from experiencing the magic of the Smokies. These mountains have stories that deserve to be shared with the world, and there’s something beautiful about people from all corners of the globe finding common ground in the appreciation of natural wonders.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re planning a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, whether you’re a local, a domestic traveler, or an international visitor, I recommend checking the official park website for the most up-to-date information on fees, permits, and regulations.
The misty mountains are waiting, and they’re just as magnificent regardless of what might change at the entrance stations.
Source: National Park Service