Local and state governments working on plan with National Park Service to fully open the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during federal government shutdown

Sevier County, the cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Pittman Center, Blount County, Cocke County, the State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the State of North Carolina, along with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, have been working together since last week on a plan to provide financial support to make the Great Smoky Mountains National Park fully operational during the federal government shutdown that began on Wednesday, October 1.

Currently, the National Park remains accessible, including main roadways; however, some services or popular areas such as Sugarlands Visitor Center and Cades Cove Picnic Area and Visitor Center are closed as a result of the federal government shutdown. Local and state governments are working on a plan with