Great Smoky Mountains National Park facilities close in shutdown

AI-assisted summary

A federal government shutdown will close facilities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Roads and trails will likely stay open, but services like restrooms and trash pickup will stop.

Most park employees will be furloughed, but some law enforcement and emergency crews will remain.

The park may close areas if safety or health issues arise from the lack of services.

The federal government shutdown means facilities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close.

After failing to pass a stopgap spending bill, the shutdown began Oct. 1, meaning thousands of federal workers are furloughed or working without pay, though the White House is considering layoffs rather than temporary furloughs.

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