Where to go. What to See. Things to Do.
The government shutdown of 2013 affected the number of visitors to National Parks across the United States. Almost 8 million fewer visitors traveled to the National Park because of course the parks were closed. Overall National Parks and the surrounding communities nationwide cost an estimated $414 millions in revenue as reported by the Interior Department that oversees the park system.
A Western Carolina University economist estimates more than $33 million have been lost in revenue just the first 10 days of the government shutdown in the GSMNP and the surrounding areas. He also reports: > $12 million in lost wages $1.8 million in lost state taxes $1 million in lost local taxes Lost revenue will continue as long as the government shutdown continues and the park remains closed.
A funny rumor and true stories related to government shutdown and our nation: Helicopter dropped drape over Mt Rushmore to obstruct view of monument. (rumor!) Grand Canyon is a ghost town. Two dozen citations written by park officials for people trying to sneak into the park. School Bus route using road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park had to be rerouted because road was in national park land and road was closed to all traffic. National Park Service Guards held a tour group under armed guard in a Yellowstone National Park and told group that they weren’t to “recreate.” Couple…
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Blount County TN residents are feed up with the government shutdown. Almost 1/3 of the county is inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With the shutdown the county lost its main source of revenue. October is one of the busiest times of the year due to the fall foliage season. The area has lost access to the park for fishing, camping, hiking, horse-back riding, and driving the back roads to enjoy the colorful scenery this time of year. Businesses are suffering and business owners are upset. One of the roads closed was a school bus route. The school bus…
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The privately owned Pisgah Inn along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina was forced to close by the National Park Service. Park rangers have blocked the three entrances to the Pisgah Inn. A protest took place Saturday Oct. 5 by conservative activists. Park service management out of Washington directed the local parkway chief to block access to the inn. Pisgah Inn operates on leased land along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway’s 470-mile federal road is open but facilities, campgrounds, picnic areas, and bathrooms are closed due to the government shutdown.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park fall foliage show has been hurt by the government shutdown. Of the 326 Great Smoky Mountains National Park employees only 47 remain on duty during the park’s closure. Those 47 are mostly law enforcement staff and maintenance staff for human health safety reasons. The employees on furlough due to the Government Shutdown will probably not receive pay during the shutdown period. A shutdown of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park couldn’t be at a worse time. In October about 1.1 million visitors come to the area to see the fall foliage display. This time…
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About 50 couples planning to get married in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have to make other arrangements thanks to the Government Shutdown that has closed down all National Parks. Weddings in October during the fall foliage season is very popular but about 50 couples that have wedding plans in the Great Smoky Mountains for this month may have to make other arrangements if the Government Shutdown continues.
