Great Smoky Mountains National Park will fully reopen for one week despite the federal shutdown, thanks to emergency funding led by Friends of the Smokies. The park will be fully staffed and operational from Saturday, Oct. 4, through Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.
Cades Cove Loop Road, the Sugarlands and Cades Cove visitor centers, and the Chimneys and Cades Cove picnic areas—closed since Oct. 1—will reopen Saturday.
Friends of the Smokies joins Tennessee, Sevier and Blount counties, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville to cover costs. Tennessee will contribute $80,000, with other partners providing more than $45,500 each; recreation fees will also help.
President and CEO Dana Soehn says the funding ensures staff can maintain restrooms, assist visitors and protect wildlife during peak season.
Until Saturday, current closures remain. Most roads, trails and facilities are open, with welcome centers operating in Oconaluftee, Kuwohi, Swain County, Gatlinburg and Townsend.
