GSMNP To Remain Open Through New Years
If the government shutdown continues, a local partnership led by Sevier County is making sure that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open through the end of the year. Should the issues leading to the government shutdown no be resolved, the partners have agreed to continue supporting the park to ensure that key areas remain open to the public through Sunday, January 4, 2026. Under the agreement, visitor services will operate as normal, with traditional seasonal closings of certain facilities taking place throughout the months of November and December. All four visitor centers will remain open through January 4, with the exception of Kuwohi Visitor Center, which normally closes on November 30. Additionally, Cades Cove Campground and Smokemont Campground will remain open, with Elkmont Campground closing as normal on November 30. The Cades Cove Picnic Area, Deep Creek Picnic Area, Greenbrier Picnic Area, and Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area will remain open, while Chimneys Picnic Area will close as normal on November 30.
As far as roads, Newfound Gap Road, Cades Cove Loop Road, Upper Tremont Road, Cataloochee Road, and the Foothills Parkway are open year-round, subject to closure due to winter weather.
The current agreement to keep the park open expires this Sunday, so the new agreement will keep the park open through New Years’ weekend. The partners will continue to monitor the status of the federal government and plan to meet again in mid-December to discuss next steps if the shutdown remains in effect.
According to Friends Of The Smokies, the total cost to keep the park open with basic services and reduced staffing is approximately $80,000 per week. The State of Tennessee will contribute $25,000 of that weekly total while the remaining seven partners provide $7,000 weekly. Fees collected by the national park for recreation and parking will also be used to fund essential operations.