Pilot program will bring shuttles, paid parking to Laurel Falls
In a virtual public meeting this evening, Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials unveiled a pilot plan to manage congestion at Laurel Falls Trail.
Between Sept. 7 and Oct. 3 this year, visitors will need to make a parking or shuttle reservation to visit the popular site. After the period ends, park staff will evaluate the results and public feedback to formulate long-range plans for the area.
During the pilot project, parking at the trailhead will require a reservation at www.recreation.gov with a fee of $14 to cover administrative costs. Shuttle service will cost $5 per person, with parking available for $10 per car.
Park managers propose implementing these temporary measures to assess their effectiveness in reducing congestion, enhancing visitor safety, and creating a more enjoyable Laurel Falls Trail experience. Information gathered during this pilot will be used to inform the alternatives developed in the previously announced Laurel Falls Trail Management Plan, which is also open for preliminary public comment. Public commenting on the Laurel Falls Trail Congestion Management Pilot Project is open through Aug. 7, 2021.
Further information about the pilot project and its implications for the park’s future will be available in future Smoky Mountain News reporting.
