Smoky Mountains park back to normal operations post-shutdown

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Great Smoky Mountains National Park has resumed regular operations after the end of the partial federal government shutdown.

Park officials said in a news release Monday that visitor centers have reopened seven days a week and reservation services for the frontcountry and backcountry are fully operational. All park staffers are back to work.

During the shutdown that began Dec. 22, the park that straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border stayed open and maintained many basic services on weekends and holidays with money from partners and recreation fee revenues.

Park officials says visitors may see delays this spring in opening some park campgrounds, picnic areas and seasonal roads due to the shorter timeframe to hire seasonal workers and plan projects. An updated park operating schedule will be posted online when it’s available.