If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you’ve likely heard about the 2025 government shutdown. Many folks, especially those with upcoming trips planned to the Smokies, have the same question: is Smoky Mountain National Park open during the shutdown? With fall colors beginning to paint the landscape during this popular time of year, we want to share all the latest information. Here is what you need to know about visiting Smoky Mountain National Park during the 2025 government shutdown:
Smoky Mountain National Park Remains Largely Accessible
Yes, the park is still open and the majority of areas in it are accessible! You can still enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls, and of course the stunning views when visiting the Smokies. Outside of the park, everything in the area is operating as usual so you can still experience everything that makes Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville so special.
While you can still experience the majority of what the national park offers, some visitor services and facilities are closed or limited until further notice. Officials at the local and state level are working with the National Park Service to return the national park to its normal operating schedule as soon as possible.
What’s Open When Visiting the Smokies
Here are a few things you can still do when visiting the Smokies:
- Scenic Drives & Fall Foliage: Some of the area’s top scenic drives like Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Foothills Parkway remain open, meaning guests can still enjoy the spectacular display of fall foliage.
- Hiking Trails: The majority of hiking trails remain open for guests to explore when visiting the Smokies.
- Wildlife Viewing: Since trails remain open, you should still be able to spot wildlife inside of Smoky Mountain National Park.
- Surrounding Communities: The communities that surround the national park are unaffected by the government shutdown, so you can still enjoy your favorite attractions, restaurants, and stores in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
What’s Closed When Visiting the Smokies
Until federal funding resumes, some areas in Smoky Mountain National Park are closed. Here is what is currently closed in the park:
- Cades Cove Loop Road, Visitor Center, & Picnic Area
- Chimneys Picnic Area
- Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Straight Fork & the one-way portion of Balsam Mountain Road (unrelated to government shutdown)
- Park Headquarters Road & part of the Gatlinburg Trail (unrelated to government shutdown)
- Old NC 284 from Cataloochee Creek to Cataloochee Valley (unrelated to government shutdown)
- Laurel Falls Trail (unrelated to government shutdown)
Fewer on-site park staff is expected during the 2025 government shutdown, which could make response times longer for rangers and first responders in case of an emergency. In addition to staff, some services like restroom cleaning may be limited.
Why You Should Still Visit
Even with limited closures, visiting the Smokies is an experience that you won’t forget, particularly during fall! Autumn is a vibrant time of year as fall colors paint a masterpiece of natural beauty across the Smokies. If you had plans to visit one of the areas currently closed due to the 2025 government shutdown, consider experiencing another portion of the park. There are endless areas full of spectacular beauty that have a way of refreshing the soul during fall in the Smokies.
Stay Up-To-Date
You’re all up to speed on how the 2025 government shutdown is impacting Smoky Mountain National Park. Additional closures could be added if safety or health issues arise from the lack of services. Before you visit, make sure you know the latest by checking out the National Park Service Alerts Page.
