SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — Even with the federal government shutdown still in effect, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is staying open , thanks to a coalition of local leaders and organizations stepping in to fund operations.

For visitors, that means access to one of the most beloved natural landmarks in the country hasn’t changed. For Tom Riley, it means his walking routine continues uninterrupted.

Riley, better known as “Walking Tom,” has been walking Cades Cove Loop for nearly 15 years. Since 2011, he’s logged more than 25,000 miles through the park, rain, shine, or shutdown.

“I would be out here six or seven days a week,” Riley said. “I think my record is 27 days in a row going around the loop.”

The 74-year-old U.S. Navy veteran has become a Smoky Mountain fixture, known for g

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