A partnership of state and local entities, including Friends of the Smokies, will provide funding to keep Great Smoky Mountains National Park open from November 3 through January 4 amid the ongoing government shutdown. The agreement will allow Cades Cove Loop Road to remain open to the public along with all visitor centers and picnic areas that are normally open this time of year.
As the park inches toward winter and visitation slows, funded staff positions will be reduced to those directly related to basic visitor services, with many park employees being furloughed if the shutdown continues beyond November 2.
"This is a tough time for our partners in the national park," said Dana Soehn, president and CEO of Friends of the Smokies. "Friends of the Smokies is proud to help fund staffing through the holidays so emergency services, restrooms, and visitor centers can remain open when visitation is high. Still, we’re deeply saddened that critical work - treating hemlocks, repairing trails, and preserving historic cabins will pause due to furloughed staff. Caring for this park is year-round work, and the best news will be a fully funded park with an end to the shutdown."
A previous agreement allowed the park to remain open from October 4 through November 2, when all furloughed park employees returned to work, received paychecks, and continued to serve visitors during the busiest tourism month of the year.
Funding for the new agreement is coming from Sevier County, the cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Blount County, the State of Tennessee's Department of Tourism, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and Friends of the Smokies.
It will cost approximately $80,000 per week to keep the park open during November and December. The State of Tennessee will contribute $25,000 of that weekly total while the remaining seven partners will provide $7,000 weekly.
Funding will keep all four visitor centers at the park open, with the exception of Kuwohi Visitor Center, which normally closes on November 30. It will also allow the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10-mile and 5K race to go on as planned on November 9, as well as school activities planned for November.
Seasonal closings that would naturally occur in Great Smoky Mountains National Park regardless of the shutdown will continue as usual. The closures include campgrounds, picnic areas, and roads that close during the colder months. Visitors can see the park's seasonal facility schedule for more details.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
