Smokies Life updates as of October 1, 2025
As a nonprofit partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Smokies Life is supporting the national park during the current government shutdown based on federal guidance. Our operations will continue to support the park in its core mission, and the cash aid provided by Smokies Life directly funds important education, interpretation, and science in the Smokies. Please visit us at one of our open facilities during your time in the park.
Smokies Life will maintain operations at five visitor centers:
OPEN: Great Smokies Welcome Center in Townsend, Tennessee
OPEN: Kuwohi Visitor Center in North Carolina
OPEN: Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, North Carolina
OPEN: Swain County Visitor Center in Bryson City, North Carolina
OPEN: Gatlinburg Welcome Center in Tennessee
In addition, Smokies Life headquarters in Gatlinburg remains operational. Our staff are available to provide visitor information by phone or email:
865.436.7318Â Â |Â Â info@smokieslife.org
Our web store will remain online during this period, and sales will be processed as normal.
Branch Out events will take place as scheduled for those who have registered, unless otherwise notified directly by Smokies Life staff.
For information about national park services, check this link listing park closures.