Sevier County leaders say state and local partners will continue to provide funding to keep the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open through Sunday, January 4, 2026, if the federal government shutdown continues. The previous agreement was set to end on November 2nd.
Under the new agreement, visitor services will operate as normal, with traditional seasonal closings of certain facilities taking place throughout the months of November and December. All four visitor centers will remain open through January 4, with the exception of Kuwohi Visitor Center, which normally closes on November 30. Additionally, Cades Cove Campground and Smokemont Campground will remain open, with Elkmont Campground closing as normal on November 30. The Cades Cove Picnic Area, Deep Creek Picnic Area, Greenbrier Picnic Area, and Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area will remain open, while Chimneys Picnic Area will close as normal on November 30.