National Parks Status: Where to Enjoy the Fall Weather

October is one of the best times of the year to visit the country's stunning collection of national parks. The low crowds and the moderate weather make this a lovely month to explore these gems. However, the ongoing government shutdown is throwing a wrench into some of these travel plans as parks are forced to limit services or shut down entirely.

The contingency plan submitted by the National Park Service (NPS) details that park roads, trails, and open-air monuments will most likely remain accessible to visitors. However, the parts of the parks that are typically secured during non-business hours will remain closed until the government reopens. What can make travel plans more challenging is that many of the NPS websites have not been updated because of the shutdown. Here is the latest update on how the shutdown is impacting some of the most popular parks and monuments throughout the U.S.

Parks to Consider Visiting During the Shutdown

Not every park is closed during the shutdown. After a brief closure last week, Great Smoky Mountains National Park reopened for visitors on October 4. This park was able to stay open and fully operational thanks to financial support from state and local governments. In addition, nonprofit agencies such as the Friends of the Smokies have also been able to contribute financially to keep the park open, while many other areas throughout the country have been forced to close.