Bryson City Travel Advisories
October 1, 2025 - Government Shutdown and Its Effect on Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
How does the federal government shutdown affect visitor access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Here is what is OPEN:
- Most roads, overlooks, trails, and restrooms are open.
- Newfound Gap Road
- Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) observation tower and visitor center
- Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingmans Dome Road)
- Deep Creek
- Road to Nowhere
- The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is open. There will be no elk patrol, so as the elk roam in the Oconaluftee area, please keep these safety issues in mind: Keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet. Do not approach or corner the elk as they are wild animals. Do not block traffic or pull into residential property.
- Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum in Bryson City
- Gatlinburg Welcome Center in Tennessee
- Great Smokies Welcome Center in Townsend, Tennessee
- Most campgrounds and picnic areas are currently open.
- Trash collection will continue during the shutdown.
- Please understand that if you visit, some services and staffing will be limited. Use caution and common sense. Fewer on-site staff could mean longer response times from rangers and first responders in an emergency.
- All of Bryson City's attractions and outdoor experiences are open, including the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Fontana Dam, the Nantahala River and Gorge, all waterways and fishing streams.
October 8, 2025 Update
Closures have been in effect since the start of the shutdown Oct. 1 for Cades Cove Loop Road, two visitor centers at Sugarlands and Cades Cove, and two picnic areas at Chimneys and Cades Cove. All have reopened on Saturday, October 4, through Sunday, October 19, 2025 (an extension that previously reopened the park from October 4 to October 10, 2025).
Friends of the Smokies is among several partners that have provided support to fully open the park during the shutdown, including the State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Sevier County, Blount County, Cocke County, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Pittman Center.
Nantahala River Live Webcam at the NOC
Train Depot - Downtown Bryson City
Downtown Bryson City Live Webcam