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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Stays Open During Government Shutdown
11 Oct
Summary
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open despite government shutdown
- Local governments and nonprofits provide funding to keep the park operational
- Park generated over $2.2 billion in 2023 and supports 30,000 jobs
As of October 11, 2025, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States, has remained open during the ongoing government shutdown. This is thanks to a collaborative effort between local governments and nonprofits, who have stepped in to provide the necessary funding to keep the park operational.
The park, which spans the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, has seen over 12 million recreational visits in 2024 and is consistently the most-visited national park in the country. With 1,000 campsites, 1,050 picnic sites, and nearly 850 miles of trails, the park is a vital part of the regional economy, generating over $2.2 billion in 2023 and supporting more than 30,000 jobs in surrounding communities.
To ensure the park remains accessible to the public during the shutdown, local governments, including the cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Pittman Center, as well as the counties of Sevier, Blount, and Cocke, have raised nearly $2 million to keep the park's 275 full-time and 140 seasonal employees on the job. The agreement, which was extended this week, will keep the park funded and operational through October 19.
