Gov. Bill Lee says Great Smoky Mountains National Park will stay open during government shutdown

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT) - Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said in a post on X Thursday that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would continue to welcome visitors during the federal government shutdown.

It comes after representatives for Sevier County said many agencies and governments, both local and state, were working to keep the park open by funding operations.

“Tennessee’s [Great Smoky Mountains National Park] — America’s #1 most visited park—will continue to welcome visitors during the federal government shutdown," Lee said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “We are grateful for the partnership of local leadership & the Trump Administration to ensure this national treasure remains open to the public.”

The shutdown began Oct. 1, but Sevier County’s Tyler Basler said teh following had been working for weeks to put together a plan to keep the park open:

  • Sevier County
  • Gatlinburg
  • Sevierville
  • Pigeon Forge
  • Pittman Center
  • Blount County
  • Cocke County
  • State of Tennessee
  • Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
  • State of North Carolina
  • Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

That said, some parts of the Smokies are still closing. To view which areas of the park are closed, click here.

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