State and Local Support Keep Great Smoky Mountains National Park Open Amid Shutdown
Amidst the federal government shutdown, a collaborative effort has ensured that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remain accessible to the public until January 4. This initiative is made possible by a partnership between the state of Tennessee and seven local organizations.
Beginning on October 4, these entities stepped in to fund park operations, contributing approximately $125,000 weekly to maintain the employment of most of the park’s 275 full-time staff members.
This funding has allowed key attractions such as the scenic drives in Cades Cove, the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, and the Chimney Tops picnic area—each drawing over 100,000 visitors monthly—to remain operational.
As winter approaches, the park plans to close certain campgrounds and roads, which will reduce staffing needs and decrease operational costs from $125,000 to roughly $80,000 per week, according to a statement from Friends of the Smokies.
The financial support structure involves the State of Tennessee committing $25,000 per week, while Sevier County, the cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Blount County, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the nonprofit Friends of the Smokies contribute $7,000 each weekly.
This nine-week agreement also ensures the continuation of events such as the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10-mile and 5K Race, one of the major annual fundraising events by Friends of the Smokies, as well as several educational school visits.
