The Great Smokey Mountains National Park announced today that it will begin its own phased reopening beginning on May 9. The date was selected in order to balance the reopening decisions being made between Tennessee and North Carolina which both contain land in the park.

Beginning 5/9, the park will reopen many roads and trails. Campgrounds, picnic pavilions, visitor centers, & many secondary roads will remain closed during the 1st reopening phase, expected to last for at least 2 weeks. Further info to be shared next week. Stay tuned for updates. pic.twitter.com/Pd2hjYOoNf

— GreatSmokyNPS (@GreatSmokyNPS) April 30, 2020

Some roads will continue to be closed along with campgrounds, picnic pavilions, and visitor centers. Those will remain closed for a minimum of two weeks and will reopen as the park decides based on Covid-19 data.