Parks in the News

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trying To Find A Workaround During Shutdown

Tennessee and North Carolina are coming together to try to find a way to fully open Great Smoky Mountains National Park, despite the recent government shutdown.

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By NPT Staff - October 2nd, 2025

Sierra Club: Trump Shutdown Forces National Parks To Remain Open, Operate With Skeleton Crews

According to an October 1 release by the Sierra Club, as part of the federal government shutdown that began at midnight on Wednesday, October 1, the National Park Service has been ordered to keep national parks open and to operate them with skeleton crews.

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By NPT Staff - October 1st, 2025

Parks Laboring With Few Tools To Conduct An Orderly Shutdown

The Traveler has learned the National Park Service has been directed to furlough all field-based communications staff as a result of the federal government shutdown that began at 12:01am eastern time Wednesday, October 1, exacerbating the uncertainties and confusion over what National Park System facilities and services will remain open despite the lapse in appropriations.

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By NPT Staff - October 1st, 2025

How Does Water From Snow And Rain Get To The Numerous Hot Springs In Yellowstone?

Water molecules (H2O) are made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, but these atoms aren't always the same. Tracking how these atoms in water molecules differ is a powerful tool for tracing where snowmelt or rain seep into the ground, how water flows beneath the ground, and how long does water flow until the arrives at a hot spring.

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By Yellowstone Volcano Observatory - October 1st, 2025

Grand Canyon Inner Canyon Trail and Campground Reopenings / Closures

Several upcoming changes to inner canyon operations will go into effect in the coming weeks at Grand Canyon National Park, including trail and campground reopenings and ongoing closures related to major infrastructure repairs and safety concerns.

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By Compiled From NPS Releases - October 1st, 2025

Take A Hike! (But Not Like You Think)

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy wants to make "take a hike" nice. You can sign a petition to help.

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By NPT Staff - October 1st, 2025

Joint Memo Warns Government Shutdown Will Deepen National Parks, Public Lands Crisis

A joint memo issued by the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition) and Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR) warns a government shutdown will make an already bad situation at national parks and public lands – pushed to the brink by budget cuts and staff reductions - far worse.

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By NPT Staff - September 30th, 2025

UPDATE | Six Unoccupied Houses Collapse At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore was notified Tuesday afternoon that five unoccupied houses have collapsed in Buxton, North Carolina.

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By Compiled From NPS Releases - September 30th, 2025

Water Is Back On At Paradise – More Or Less

Water and limited flush restrooms (supported by porta-potties) are available again at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State. While Narada Falls water has not yet been restored, porta-potties remain in place for visitor use.

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By NPT Staff - September 29th, 2025

UPDATE | Gatlinburg Bypass At Great Smoky Mountains Is Now Open

The Gatlinburg Bypass in Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains closed as crews continue cleanup efforts following a significant landslide that occurred the morning of Saturday, September 27.

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By Compiled From NPS Releases - September 29th, 2025

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