Several of the most popular areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park reopened for the start of the fall tourism season amid the ongoing federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1, which caused nonessential staff furloughs and closures earlier this month.

That’s because most of the 275 full-time employees in the park are now being supported by a nearly $2 million commitment from local governments and nonprofits in the region.

The popular scenic drive in Cades Cove, the Sugarlands Visitor Center outside of Gatlinburg and the Chimney Tops picnic area — each of which average over 100,000 visitors a month — reopened Oct. 4.

Sevier County Vice Mayor Bryan McCarter said when popular attractions like these are closed, people begin to think the entire park is shut down. That misunderstand

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