Sevier County Government reports that as of 12:01 AM on Saturday, October 4, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is fully open and operational, per an agreement with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior, and Sevier County, Tennessee. Under the agreement, areas that were previously closed due to the government shut down, such as Sugarlands Visitor Center, Chimneys Picnic Area, and Cades Cove Loop Road, Visitor Center, and Picnic Area, reopened Saturday morning. This funding also ensures that staff are on duty to service restrooms, respond to visitors in need, and provide essential services to protect wildlife during this peak visitor season. Per the terms of the agreement, local and state partners will fund almost $62,000 each day to ensure full operations of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Additionally, the national park will fund remaining daily operational costs through recreation fee revenue, which includes revenue from campgrounds and parking tags.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fully Reopened Saturday, October 4, 2025
Oct 4, 2025 | 9:55 AM