In the wake of the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, one national treasure remains open for visitors: Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While most government operations are either stalled or functioning at a reduced capacity, this iconic park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, has managed to stay operational—thanks to a unique local collaboration that ensures it stays staffed and accessible to the public.
Local Governments Step Up to Keep the Park Open
The government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has affected a wide range of services across the country, including delays in federal operations, disruptions to air travel, and the furloughing of federal employees. As per the National Park Service’s (NPS) contingency plans, two-thirds of its workforce, or approximately 9,296 employees, were set to be furloughed during the shutdown. This furlough would typically include workers at national parks, putting many of them at risk of temporary closure.
However, Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands out as an exception. In a remarkable effort, seven local governments from both North Carolina and Tennessee have come together to fund the continued operations of the park during the shutdown. These local governments have raised nearly $2 million to ensure the park remains staffed and fully operational. This collaboration includes paying the salaries of the park’s 275 full-time employees, allowing the park to remain open to tourists and visitors despite the federal government’s budget impasse.
The Economic Impact of the Park
The decision to keep the park open wasn’t just motivated by a desire to maintain access to one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. but also by the significant role the park plays in the local economy. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts millions of visitors each year, contributing substantially to the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and recreational spending. Sevier County, located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, is one of the areas that stands to lose the most if the park were to close.
Sevier County Vice Mayor Bryan McCarter spoke about the importance of the park to the region’s economy, emphasizing how tourism generated by the park supports businesses, creates jobs, and boosts local government revenues. With the shutdown already causing financial strain in various sectors, McCarter noted that keeping the park open was essential for preserving these economic benefits, which is why the local governments took on the financial responsibility.
A Community-Led Effort
The initiative to keep the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open highlights the strong sense of community involvement in the area. The $2 million raised by local governments is a testament to the commitment of the surrounding communities, whose leaders, businesses, and residents recognize the immense value the park provides. This includes the benefit of not only maintaining tourism but also protecting local wildlife and conservation efforts.
As the park remains fully staffed and operational, visitors will continue to enjoy the park’s scenic beauty, hiking trails, and rich biodiversity. The Smoky Mountains are home to diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and vibrant plant life, drawing nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country and around the world.
The Government Shutdown and Its Impact on National Parks
When the U.S. government shut down due to a failure in agreeing on a budget, the National Park Service was forced to implement its contingency plans. These plans typically include the closure of most park facilities, with only essential services being maintained. This would usually mean the closure of visitor centers, restrooms, and other amenities that are typically open to the public.
While roads, trails, and open-air memorials often remain accessible to visitors, park operations become much more limited. The NPS also states that the social media accounts and websites of national parks would not be updated during the shutdown unless an emergency situation arose. This leaves national parks with little ability to communicate with visitors about potential closures, changes in services, or emergencies.
However, the unique arrangement at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has allowed it to buck this trend. By relying on local funding and support, the park has maintained a level of service and accessibility that most other parks have not been able to offer. The continued operations of the park demonstrate how local governments and communities can come together in a time of crisis to ensure that essential services, such as public parks and natural areas, remain open.
What Visitors Can Expect at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Thanks to the funding efforts from local governments, visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will still have access to its full range of offerings. While facilities such as visitor centers may be minimally staffed or closed, the park’s main attractions—such as its hiking trails, scenic drives, and outdoor activities—are still open to the public. Visitors can continue to explore over 850 miles of trails, take in breathtaking views from the famous Clingmans Dome, or enjoy the diverse wildlife that calls the Smoky Mountains home.
Though the park remains open, the management has taken necessary precautions in light of the ongoing government shutdown. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the park’s staff and follow any temporary signage that may direct them around potential closures in the park’s internal services.
Looking Forward
As the shutdown drags on, more national parks could face disruptions, and other local governments might need to take similar steps to protect their local tourism industries. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has shown how a cooperative effort between federal and local agencies can help mitigate the negative effects of a prolonged shutdown.
While the broader implications of the shutdown continue to unfold, this example of local initiative underscores the importance of national parks to both the economy and the community. It also highlights how, in times of political uncertainty, it is the efforts of local communities that can make a significant difference in ensuring that vital public services remain operational.
For now, visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains can rest assured that their favorite national park remains open, thanks to the dedication and support of the local governments and communities surrounding the park. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen whether other parks will follow this model or face similar closures due to the ongoing shutdown.
