As of 12:01 a.m. October 1st, 2025 the federal government has partially shut down. For those planning visits to the Smoky Mountains, it’s important to know that national parks, forests, and refuges now are operating with limited or no staffing, and many federal facilities are now closed.
This affects the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. There are organizations providing hands on help.
This does not impact state- or -locally-managed facilities.
What’s Still Open
- State-run areas and town parks remain open as usual.
- Local events, greenways and community parks are great, scenic alternatives for outdoor time.
- Essential services such as law enforcement and emergency medical care continue.
- 441 from Cherokee to Gatlinburg open for travel.
Smokies Life will maintain operations at the following Western North Carolina visitors centers to keep them open:
- Kuwohi Visitor Center in North Carolina
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, North Carolina
- Swain County Visitor Center in Bryson City, North Carolina
What’s Closed
- Federal visitor centers and ranger stations.
- NPS-managed campgrounds and lodging (concessionaire hotels and stores may remain open).
- Restrooms, trash collection, and maintenance.
- Blue Ridge Parkway – At this time, the road appears to be open, but visitor centers may be closed.
Why It Varies
Each park superintendent decides how to operate with limited staff and no budget. In past shutdowns, some parks closed completely, while others remained technically “open” but unstaffed, leading to safety and cleanliness issues.
What IS Open – Cultural & Local Experiences
The Smokies are rich with cultural treasures, mountain towns, and community spaces that remain open and ready to welcome you.
Cultural Experiences
- Local events (Across the Smokies) – Towns and counties across the Smokies are still hosting Fall events. Great fun for the whole family.
- Museum of the Cherokee People (Cherokee) – Learn how the Cherokee thrived for centuries, living from the land and preserving traditions.
- Oconaluftee Indian Village (Cherokee) – Living history village with shops full of Cherokee art and crafts.
Community Arts & Heritage
- John C. Campbell Folk School (Brasstown) – Classes in Appalachian music, dance, and crafts.
- Murphy Art Walk (Cherokee County) – A downtown showcase of art, music, and culture, perfect for an evening stroll.
Town Greenways & Parks (safe, maintained spaces)
- Franklin Greenway (Franklin) – Easy riverside trail along the Little Tennessee River.
- Jackson County Greenway (Sylva/Dillsboro) – Scenic riverside path, great for families.
- Island Park (Bryson City) – Family-friendly river island with short trails and picnic areas.
- Cherokee Island Park (Cherokee) – Riverside walking and gathering space for families and events.
- Murphy Greenway (Cherokee County) – A scenic community trail system connecting to the Hiwassee Riverwalk.
Entertainment & Adventure
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort & Harrah’s Cherokee River Valley Casino & Hotel – Gaming, dining, and entertainment.
- Nantahala Outdoor Center (Bryson City) – Rivers, ziplines, dining, and gear shops.
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Bryson City) – Scenic train rides through brilliant mountain landscapes.
- Plateau Playground (Highlands–Cashiers Plateau) – Family-friendly hiking, ziplining, and autumn views.
Fall Color Updates
Because all of the mountain towns are truly scenic, we’ll post regular updates on fall color at safe, accessible spots: greenways, overlooks, town-level displays, and cultural sites. Bookmark this page and join us in experiencing fall across Western North Carolina.
Official Sources for Park Updates
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park → www.nps.gov/grsm
- Nantahala National Forest → www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc
- Blue Ridge Parkway → www.nps.gov/blri
Traveler Reminder: Be prepared for limited facilities at federally run sites. If you booked NPS campgrounds or tours, expect cancellations.