Great Smoky Mountain National Park Visitor Centers Close
Great Smoky Mountain National Park Visitor Centers Close March 17, 2020. The closures are in response to efforts to inhibit the spread of the COVID – 19 (Corona) virus. The closures include the Sugarlands, Oconaluftee and Cades Cove Visitors Centers until further notice.
Great Smoky National Park officials are heeding guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. The facilities are being shuttered to ensure the safety of park staff and visitors.
Currently all national park campgrounds, picnic areas, roads, trails and restroom facilities that are open seasonally remain open.
Additional closings and cancellations include the following.
-
Dollywood postponed the opening of its theme park for two weeks due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. It is now scheduled to open on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
-
The Comedy Barn Theater, Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud, and Smoky Mountain Opry will be closed until May 9, 2020.
-
Zoo Knoxville closed March 16, 2020.
-
The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville is temporarily closed through Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
-
Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Pirates Voyage closed March 16, 2020.
-
Publix grocery stores will close at 8 p.m. until further notice.
-
Kroger will temporarily shift their service hours at all Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama and Southern Kentucky stores to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. until further notice.
-
Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos is closing effective March 18, 2020.
-
Knoxville St. Patricks Day events including the parade and Shamrock fest have been cancelled.
-
Knoxville Big Ears Festival has been cancelled.
-
Seasonal Great Smoky Mountains National Park seasonal facilities such as campgrounds and restrooms remain open. All national park visitors centers including Sugarlands, Cades Cove and Oconaluftee are closed until further notice.
