US national parks persevere COVID-19 pandemic as visitor figures rise
US national parks stood their ground against the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some parks exceeding 2019 visitation figures.
Government restrictions put in place to control the spread of the virus forced many parks to close between March and May last year.
Following this minor setback, the National Park Service is now witnessing a surge of visitors.
Parks were between 20% and 50% busier in November 2020 according to figures released by the National Park Service.
Park managers insisted that sites were “safe” to visit and offer an escape for “the mind, body, and soul” during these difficult times.
Yet, some visitors described their experience as “a COVID nightmare”.
Recreation Visits by Month at the Top Five US National Parks
No park escaped 2020 unscathed.
All parks included in this article were affected by the pandemic, particularly between March and May.
Yosemite National Park lost 2.1 million visitors in 2020, 49% of their annual intake.
Neither was the pandemic’s treatment even-handed.
Grand Canyon National Park saw a crippling 52% hit on visitation in 2020.
On the opposite side of the country, Great Smoky Mountains National Park remained relatively afloat — losing only 4% of visitors.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park joined the National Park Service in 1934 and has defended its title as the most-visited US national park for an impressive 78 consecutive years.
In 2019, the park welcomed a total of 12,547,743 recreational visitors — the highest number of visitors the park has seen since the NPS began recording visitor data in 1931.
The park’s steady incline of visitors was interrupted when it closed to the public on 24 March until 9 May.
Whilst Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, a significant portion of the park’s revenue comes from campground fees.
Figures almost doubled in June, the month following the park’s reopening, reaching 1,535,660 visitors compared to only 828,792 the previous month.
By November, a 28% increase from visitors in November 2019 was achieved.
Dana Soehn, Management and Public Affairs Assistant for Great Smoky Mountains National Park said: “We recognize that in times like these, the park can provide a special place for the mind, body, and soul. People are seeking outdoor places to spend time with their families, to exercise, and to escape.
“With over 800 miles of trails and over 380 miles of scenic roadways, there are ample opportunities for people to have a safe visit during the pandemic if they follow some simple steps to Recreate Responsibly, which focuses on pre-planning and treating the park and others respectfully once you are in the park.”
Advertising the ‘Recreate Responsibly’ campaign has been a priority of the National Park Service since they adopted a staggered approach of reopening their sites to visitors in May.
What began as a coalition of Washington State-based organisations inspired to provide guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation during the pandemic swiftly became a diverse, international community of nearly 1,000 businesses, government agencies, non-profit organisations, outdoor media and influencers.
The campaign’s advice is as follows:
Know before you go. Visit NPS.gov/findapark for current park conditions and availability of restrooms and other facilities. Make a plan, follow the 10 Essentials, and if you are sick, stay home.
Keep it close. Follow the state and county orders governing the open status of the area you’re considering visiting. The National Park Service is working closely with state and local officials to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining public access throughout the National Park System, particularly in outdoor spaces.
Keep your distance. Recreate with the people in your household. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail, at a boat launch, or in a parking lot. Follow the CDC’s social distancing guidelines for staying six feet away from others. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth if you’re near others.
Know your limits. Consider postponing challenging hikes or trying new activities while first responders, parks, and communities continue to concentrate on responding to the pandemic.
Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas.
Keep it inclusive. Be an active part of making our nation’s parks and public lands safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
However, some visitors have questioned whether COVID guidelines are being effectively implemented by the NPS.
TripAdvisor user The_Wanderer1992 described her trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in November 2020 as “a COVID nightmare”.
Prawet J from Washington DC, said: “You are on your own when it comes to protection.”
Concerns for public health are not limited to one national park.
Marylynne P from Salt Lake City visited Zion National Park in November 2020. She said: “I’m afraid that Zion is being over-loved. It’s a stunning, small park, but the masses worried us because of COVID.
“Packed shuttles, conga lines on hikes and about 50% not wearing masks. It’s so sad to see our park system in such bad shape. Clearly, our government has fallen down on the job!”