Gatlinburg remains fully open and ready to welcome visitors. While portions of Great Smoky Mountains National Park may have limited access during the federal shutdown, the heart of Gatlinburg continues to thrive - with attractions, shops, restaurants, lodging, and outdoor activities all operating as usual.
This fall season, visitors can still experience breathtaking mountain vistas both inside and outside the park. From the SkyLift and record-setting SkyBridge at Gatlinburg SkyPark, to panoramic views at Anakeesta and the Space Needle, and the brand-new SkyDeck at Ober Mountain, Gatlinburg offers unmatched opportunities for vibrant leaf-peeping and mountain scenery without even stepping into the park. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the dazzling colors of autumn across the Smokies -moments you’ll want to remember and share.
What’s Open
- Scenic Drives - including Hwy 441/Newfound Gap and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Hiking Trails - within GSMNP (where accessible) and at local attractions like Gatlinburg SkyPark
- Outdoor Adventures - ziplining, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, and more
- City Parks - Mynatt Park, Mills Park, and Herbert Holt Park, each offering recreation for families and individuals, including basketball, soccer, walking and exercise tracks, picnic pavilions, trout fishing, and tennis/pickleball at the Don Watson Tennis Center
- Attractions, Shows, Shopping & Dining - all operating as usual
- Gatlinburg Welcome Center - staffed with friendly specialists from Gatlinburg and Smokies Life, ready to answer all your questions
For the latest fall updates, visit gatlinburg.com/fall
Tip: Book your lodging now — fall weekends sell quickly, and the colors are already starting to turn.