Great Smoky Mountains one of 3 popular national parks closing gates

SEVIERVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) – The most popular National Parks closed on Tuesday because of the coronavirus.

That includes the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in East Tennessee.

All park areas are closing except the Foothills Parkway and the Spur, including trails and roads.

The closure is through Monday, April 6th.

The park had remained open while employing CDC guidance.

But they got around 30,000 visitors which led to crowds at the most popular locations.

Alum Cave Parking lot full of vehicles on 3-22-20

The Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks also closed on Tuesday.

The Rocky Mountain and Yosemite parks in California have previously closed.