The fall beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is officially safe for visitors through at least
As the federal government shutdown continues, the region’s non-profit and local partners have stepped in for a second time to ensure that America’s most-visited national park remains fully open and operational—a critical move to protect the local $3 billion tourism economy.
The latest agreement guarantees that the park will run as normal: all roads (including Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove), trails, campgrounds, restrooms, and visitor centers (like Oconaluftee) are staffed and ready for the peak autumn leaf-peeping crowds.
The Coalition of Community Support
Keeping the Smokies open costs over $61,700 per day. This massive bill is being footed by a strong coalition that includes:
The Friends of the Smokies non-profit
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI)
The State of Tennessee
Local counties and cities in Tennessee (Sevier, Blount, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and others)
How You Can Help Fund the Park
The Friends of the Smokies organization is a key partner in this effort, funded by donations and their famous specialty license plates. These "Bear Plates" are one of the most popular specialty tags in both North Carolina and Tennessee, generating millions of dollars for park programs like trail maintenance and wildlife research.
To learn more about the license plates, which directly fund the GSMNP, or to make a direct donation to the Friends of the Smokies, you can visit their website.
What Happens After November 2nd?
The November 2 deadline marks the end of the current local funding commitment. While the partners have successfully extended operations twice already, the park’s future remains on thin ice.
The coalition will meet during the week of October 27–31 to discuss new agreements and attempt to raise the necessary funds to keep the park from closing should the federal government shutdown continue.
For now, visitors can enjoy the mountains knowing that local leaders and organizations are fiercely committed to keeping the gates open for all.
WNCTimes
Image: WNCTimes