Every one of us can do our part in Keeping the Smokies clean by picking up trash when we visit the park. With so many people visiting the park we should all do our part in preserving the Smoky Mountains and a place that so many call home.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the world. With 12.4 million visitors in 2020 it is important that we all do our part. Whether you are camping, hiking, biking or just taking a drive through, make sure to pick up trash and dispose properly. More people in the park usually means more litter, which can cause a serious problem.
Do Your Part Keeping The Smokies Clean
If everyone does their part to clean up the park will be a healthier place for all. A cleaner, healthier environment is optimal for nature and wildlife that call the Smoky Mountains Home.
– Volunteer groups have made a huge impact in the park. Many willing volunteers offering thier needed service.
– School groups have made a huge impact in the park.
– Staff contributing to collection and disposal of trash throughout the park.
– Visitors make a huge contribution by picking up their own trash. Many visitors go above and beyond and pick up the trash of others as well.
Pick Up Trash During Your Trip
Guests visiting the Smoky Mountains are asked to contribute to clean up. While it is always advised to pick up after yourself, we ask to go above and beyond. Therefore, go the extra mile to pick up trash close to you that is not yours.
Make a Plan for waste
– Bringing bags with you for trash is a great way to plabn ahead. By bagging the trash it makes it easy to properly dispose.
– throw away in designated areas
– do not anything that will potentially harm wildlife
– only bring what you can rightfully dispose of
Record Number Of Park Visitors
With the Annual visitation numbers up 32% since 2009, there is more litter left behind.
How can I Help?
There are a number of ways that visitors can help cut down on the amount of waste throughout the Smokies.
When you travel, make a conscious effort to cut down on the amount of waste you use.
– Air Dryers instead of paper in Restrooms. By doing this you eliminate the excessive waste of paper products.
– Travel in Groups. This will cut down on traffic as well as waste. Groups are often more collectively conscious of waste.
– Refill your water bottle. This will help cut down excessive waste of plastic and litter throu the park trails.
Whether you hike, bike, run or camp, you can enjoy yourself and contribute to a clean park. We encourage everyone to do their part and make an effort to pick up trash, A little goes a long way.
A trip to the smokies should be enjoyable for everyone. If we all do our part we can keep the park clean for visitors and wildlife alike.
For more information on how to keep the Smoky Mountains clean: Visit our friends at Road Runners Sports.