A government shutdown doesn’t mean you have to shut down your travel plans to the Great Smoky Mountains. While many national parks around the nation have temporarily closed, communities around Great Smoky Mountains National Park have rallied together to fully reopen America’s most visited national park. Here’s what that means: The mountains are fully open, the fall colors are as vibrant as ever, and Sevierville is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your trip to the Smokies this October:
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is OPEN!
That’s right! Communities and state partners in both Tennessee and North Carolina worked together to fully fund and reopen Great Smoky Mountains National Park beginning Saturday, October 4, 2025. As always guests can access the scenic drives, hiking trails, and beautiful overlooks that make the Smokies so special.
What Can I Experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
- Scenic Drives: Take in the stunning fall foliage on popular roads like Newfound Gap Road, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Cades Cove Loop.
- Hiking Trails: Head out on the park’s 800 miles of hiking trails. Enjoy the crisp autumn air and the beauty of the mountains on foot.
- Plan a Picnic: Pack a lunch (or pick up to-go) and make your way to popular picnic areas including the Chimneys Picnic Area. Pro tip: Make sure and pack everything back out or use the provided bear-proof dumpsters.
- Campgrounds: Make plans to stay at a campground in the park or make reservations for a future visit.
- Visitor Centers: Stop at one of many visitor centers to learn more before heading out to explore the park (you can also purchase a parking pass there).
- Gatlinburg Welcome Center
- Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Great Smokies Welcome Center in Townsend
- Kuwohi Visitor Center
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center
- Swain County Visitor Center
Always stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the Great Smoky Mountains (from road projects to temporary weather-related closures) on the National Park Service website.
Sevierville and the Smokies are Open for Business!
Beyond the park, Sevierville is fully open and bustling with activity all fall. All of our attractions, restaurants, shops, and shows are ready to provide an unforgettable vacation experience. From thrilling mountain coasters to delicious Southern cooking, there’s no shortage of things to do and see.
Fall Fun!
Explore fall festivities throughout Sevierville during Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest. From fall decorations to spooky special events and even family-friendly corn mazes, there’s more to love about autumn than ever before! Looking for new fall views and mountain scenery outside of the national park? Look no further. Sevierville’s 8 self guided fall driving tours are a great way to see spectacular fall foliage and learn our community’s history along the way.
The Smokies are Waiting for You!
Don’t let word of a government shutdown spoil your vacation plans. The leaves are turning, the Great Smoky Mountains are open, and Sevierville is ready to welcome you with a warm smile and plenty of Southern hospitality.
We’ll see you soon!