ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Blue Ridge Parkway will remain open to drivers during the federal government shutdown, but visitor centers and other National Park Service facilities are closed.
The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, after Congress failed to approve a stopgap spending bill. Under a contingency plan released Tuesday night, the National Park Service will furlough about two-thirds of its employees while keeping most park roads, trails and outdoor spaces open to the public.
A staff member at Mount Pisgah Inn said the popular stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway would continue operating during the shutdown.
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, most roads, trails, picnic areas and restrooms remain open, but several sites are closed, including:
- Cades Cove Loop Road
- Cades Cove Picnic Area
- Cades Cove Visitor Center
- Chimneys Picnic Area
- Sugarlands Visitor Center
The Oconaluftee Visitor Center remains open.
A spokesperson for the National Parks Service said Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds are all open except for the two closed because of Helene damage.
Open are:
- Otter Creek Campground
- Peaks of Otter Campground
- Rocky Knob Campground
- Doughton Park Campground
- Julian Price Campground
- Mount Pisgah Campground
Closed because of Helene:
- Linville Falls Campground
- Crabtree Falls Campground
Officials and advocacy groups are warning that reduced staffing could slow emergency response times. Friends of the Smokies said in a social media statement that visitors should “use caution and common sense” as rangers and first responders may take longer to arrive.
The park service said states, tribes or local governments can enter agreements to provide funding to keep facilities open during the shutdown.
Visitors are advised to check the National Park Service website for updated information on closures and conditions.
