(WSET) -- Sunday marked day 19 of the government shutdown, as the standoff between Democrats and Republicans continues to affect federally funded services nationwide, including national parks.

Despite widespread closures, parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway remain open thanks to support from partnering foundations.

This year, it's a stunning peak season on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the mountains are bursting into color.

"It's like these beautiful fire orange and reds, it's just perfect," Ali Wurm, a parkway visitor, said.

With the federal shutdown impacting funding for national parks, many feared they'd miss out on this year's colorful show.

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"I was surprised when I first got here and went on the parkway that it wasn't even closed off," another parkway visitor, Roxanne Jordan, said.

Thanks to support from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, many key spots are still open.

"We wanted to make sure that the visitors who came to the Blue Ridge Parkway had that wonderful experience that they expect. And geez, you just can't beat the views today," Kevin Brandt, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation's Vice President of Engagement, said.

Brandt said after last year's impact from hurricane Helene, keeping visitor centers and lodges open during their busiest season is critical.

"We wanted to do everything we could to help the local communities because frankly, October is like Black Friday for these communities, it's when they make most of their revenue, and that's what gets them through the winter," Brandt said.

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The funding from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation goes straight to the National Park Service. Thanks to that, the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax and the Asheville Visitor Center remain open.

Additionally, visitor centers staffed by America's National Parks are keeping their doors open despite the shutdown.

"Thank you to those organizations and private entities that are putting in money to keep the gates open," Jordan said.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation reminds people that even though the parkway is still open, there are fewer National Park Service employees to clean up your trash, so as you visit to see the fall colors, make sure you leave no trace.