Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Program UpdatesAs part of a larger effort to streamline and modernize the National Park Service (NPS) commercial use authorization (CUA) program, the NPS has developed on online system designed to process CUA applications and collect required CUA reports. NPS hosted a public comment period from July 26, 2023, through September 20, 2023, to solicit comments about the online system. Thank you to all who provided comments. Description of Activities Currently Authorized Through a CUAAn organized group using an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold as a road-based commercial tour. Incidental activities, such as stops at scenic overlooks, visitor centers, restrooms, and stores are allowed. Also allowed are the following predesignated out-of-vehicle hiking locations:
Visit the CUA Conditions webpage for all CUA terms and conditions. An organized group using an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold as an instructor led, painting instruction session. During these sessions, workshop participants are provided painting and related art instruction and/or facilitated opportunities that embrace the scenic, cultural, and/or natural resources of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An organized group using an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold as a guided overnight backcountry camping experience. These overnight backcountry camping trips must be led by guides with extensive backcountry hiking/camping experience. Guided fishing and bicycle touring activities are not authorized under this CUA. A separate CUA must be obtained for each additional activity. An organized group using an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold as a guided bicycling tour experience. These guided bicycle tours must be led by guides with extensive outdoor and cycling experience. A guided instructional fishing experience that has been packaged, priced, or sold to an individual or group which are led by guides with extensive outdoor and fishing experience. An organized group using an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold as a guided day hiking experience. These day hiking experiences must be led by guides with extensive relevant backcountry hiking experience. Off-trail hiking excursions are not allowed. Overnight trips into the backcountry, guided fishing, and guided bicycle tours are not authorized under this CUA. A separate CUA must be obtained for each additional activity. An organized group using an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold as an instructor led photography instruction workshop. Photography workshops embrace the scenic, cultural, and/or natural resources of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to create a facilitated or instructional experience designed to provide a photography opportunity and improve a photographer’s skills and/or photography techniques. Overnight trips into the backcountry are not authorized under this CUA. A commercial company who utilizes designated towing vehicles which are equipped to provide emergency road services within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These are point-to-point, transportation-only services, also known as hiker shuttle services. Mode of transportation includes vessels, automobiles, and buses. All commercial activity ends when the client exits the mode of transportation. 
Application & Reporting Requirements
Everything you need to know about submitting a CUA application and required reporting. |
Last updated: February 1, 2024