MORGAN COUNTY, Tenn. — The Obed Wild and Scenic River national park saw a record number of visitors in 2022 — more than 300,000 people.
Daniel Banks, the acting chief of interpretation and education of Obed, said the record-setting number could be due to people searching for peace and quiet following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said being in the midst of the sounds of nature may be one way to achieve serenity.
"Our park was set aside because it’s such a beautiful quiet place. It’s completely pristine,” Banks said. "So, we were set aside to protect the river and to protect the scenery that’s here and keep it all pristine.”
Banks said Obed is one of the few rivers kept in its natural state. According to a press release from the park said they saw a 25% increase compared to 2021 and a 40% increase over the average number of visitors.
"For us, it's a big hike. For many years, we had pretty much the same visitation,” Banks said.
And with big crowds, money could follow.
Lisa Collett, the executive director of the Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, said visitors to the park could end up staying in town. There, they may spend money and help businesses generate more revenue.
“Our tourism is what we thrive on here, we’re a very rural county," Collett said. "We don’t have the infrastructure that it takes to land a big manufacturing company, but we do have a lot of beauty ... It’s revenue for the folks who have Airbnbs here, and we have several. It’s hotel-motel tax here.”
She also said an increase in tourism could lead to an increase in the number of jobs available during busier seasons. However, she said more visitors could also lead to an increase in the amount of littering.
Banks said that even if people bring trash to the park, the increased tourism can help them fund other ways to protect the park.
"That's what my hope is that people will come out to the Obed," Banks said. "They’ll experience the beauty, or they’ll hear it, they will fall in love with it, and will help protect it.”