Smoky Mountains National Park Reopens with State and Local Funding

In a move to ensure the continued operation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a group of state and local leaders have stepped up to provide the necessary funding and leadership. The park, which had been closed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, is now fully reopened and operational from October 4-10, 2025.

The plan, announced on October 3, 2025, involves a collaborative effort between the state of Tennessee, Sevier and Blount counties, the cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the nonprofit organization Friends of the Smokies. Together, these entities have agreed to cover the estimated $85,000 per day cost to keep the park open during this critical period.

"The park is a vital part of our regional economy and closing it during peak fall season is simply not an option," said Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters in a statement. With the park's reopening, visitors can once again enjoy the park's iconic trails, scenic vistas, and popular sites like Cades Cove, which had been closed during the initial shutdown.

The collaborative effort to keep the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open is a testament to the importance of the park to the local and regional economy, as well as the willingness of state and local leaders to step up and ensure that the park remains accessible to the public during this challenging time.