Announcements

Through continued local financial support during the ongoing federal shutdown, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will maintain essential operations through Sunday, January 4, 2026, adjusting operations by making seasonal changes and focusing on basic visitor services. Restrooms, campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers will remain open and accessible to the public on the park’s normal seasonal schedule.

We extend our thanks to a successful partnership of more than ten local entities during the lapse in federal funding: Sevier County, the cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Pittman Center, Blount County, Cocke County, the State of Tennessee, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Friends of the Smokies.

For greater details, check this Sevier County release.

As a nonprofit partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Smokies Life supports the park in its core mission by directly funding important education, interpretation, and science in the Smokies. Please visit us at one of our open facilities during your time in the park.