Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees visitors increase. (Source: Kyle Grainger, WVLT)

KODAK, Tenn. (AP) -- The group Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park says the park is considering a sister park arrangement with a similar area in Iceland.

The announcement came as the Alcoa Foundation is providing funds to the group and The American-Scandinavian Foundation to begin a two-year Icelandic National Parks training program. The Smoky Mountains organization will get $40,000 and the ASF will get $112,000.

Friends of the Smokies has previously consulted on the creation of the Friends of Vatnajokull group. Vatnajokull is a national park in Iceland and site of the Dettifoss waterfall, seen in the movie "Prometheus."

Friends of the Smokies raises funds and provides volunteer support to help preserve the national park.