GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — Full operations at Great Smoky Mountains National Park will resume this weekend as state and local governments have come together to fund normal services.

While some areas remained open after the shutdown began on Wednesday, the park will be fully operational beginning Saturday, October 4, through an agreement with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and Sevier County. Local and state partners will fund $61,703.18 each day to ensure full operations.

Areas that were previously closed, such as Sugarlands Visitor Center, Chimneys Picnic Area, and Cades Cove Loop Road, Visitor Center, and Picnic Area, will reopen, and the funding will ensure staff are on duty to respond to visitors, provide essential services to protect wildlife during peak

See Full Page