Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remain fully open amid the government shutdown through at least Nov. 2 in a combined effort from Sevier County, the Cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Pittman Center, Blount County, Cocke County, the State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Friends of the Smokies and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Through this agreement, local and state partners will continue to ensure uninterrupted operations of the national park. While the Nov. 2 date extends beyond a standard increment, multiple agreements will be signed over the next couple of weeks to maintain funding through Sunday, Nov. 2, if necessary. If the federal government shutdown continues into early November, the partners plan to meet during the week of Oct. 27–31 to discuss next steps.

This commitment ensures that Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open and fully operational for residents and visitors, with all facilities, roadways, visitor centers, restrooms, campgrounds and trails continuing to operate as normal.