Seasonal restrictions near peregrine falcon nesting areas in North Carolind

 Seasonal restrictions near peregrine falcon nesting areas to resume on Pisgah, Nantahala National Forests

Activities such as climbing and drone use prohibited until mid-August 2025

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 14, 2025) -- The annual closure of rock faces used by nesting peregrine falcons begins again on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests starting Jan. 15, 2025, the U.S. Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) announced today.

The sheer cliff faces on the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are popular destinations for climbers, so the Forest Service and NCWRC work with partners such as the Carolina Climbers Coalition each year to ensure that peregrine falcon closures balance conservation of the species with access to climbing destinations.

Follow this link for the details

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1169651.pdf

Winter Weather

 

With High Winds and ice and snow expected in the higher elevations today and tonight, Hwy 441 between Gatlinburg and Cherokee NC is closed. The link below will bring you full and current information for other closures in the Great Smoky Mtns.NP.

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm

Up close on West Prong

 This beautiful animal spotted us well before we new of it's peaceful presence, as we were hiking back onto the West Prong trail and appreciating the hike so far. She looked up to see where we were and then ignored us for the most part as she continued to graze, only glancing our way a few times over the next few minutes.   

It had rained some the night before (11/10/24), so the trails and manways were fairly quiet along the West Prong trail but little standing water. There were a few folks on the trail this morning.

US 441/Newfound Gap Road closed overnight beginning at 6 p.m. Oct 15

Due to forecasted ice and snow for areas above 4,000 feet, US 441/Newfound Gap Road closed overnight beginning at 6 p.m. Oct 15. Staff will assess conditions the morning of Oct 16. 

GSMNP Update following hurricane Helene closures

  The park is open; Though, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek and Cataloochee Valley areas remain closed. 

The park experienced substantial damage particularly in North Carolina, including Balsam Mountain, Big Creek and Cataloochee Valley.

All park visitor centers, and most park facilities are open.

All Tennessee park campgrounds are currently open. North Carolina campgrounds are currently closed, and park staff continue to assess for when they can be safely opened.

Check the park website as you make your plans for a visit. All park visitor centers, and most park facilities are open.

Current Delays and Closures - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

From the Great Smoky Mountains NP

 GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff continue to assess conditions after the park experienced historic flooding and other impacts from Hurricane Helene. 

Visitors are encouraged to reschedule their trips for their own safety. Hiking and backcountry travel are not recommended due to the unpredictability of creek crossings, potential of downed trees and other hazardous trail conditions. Park staff will evaluate trails once roads are safely assessed. 

 

The following areas and facilities reopened the morning of Sept. 28: 

• Cades Cove Loop Road (including Sparks & Hyatt lanes) 
• Little River Road 
• Wear Cove Gap Road 
• Cherokee Orchard Road 
• Lakeview Drive 
• Sugarlands Visitor Center 
• Cades Cove Visitor Center and Cable Mill 

 

The following remain closed: 

• Newfound Gap Road/Hwy 441 (reopening time to be determined) 
• Foothills Parkway East 
• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail 
• Balsam Mountain area, campground and roads 
• Cataloochee Valley area, campground and roads (including Hwy 284) 
• Big Creek area, campground and roads 
• Greenbrier area and roads 
• Oconaluftee Visitor Center (through at least Sunday) 
• Kuwohi Visitor Center (through at least Sunday) 
• Kuwohi Road (formerly known as Clingmans Dome Road) 
• Rich Mountain Road 
• The Deep Creek between Indian Creek Bridge and park boundary (closed to all water activity) 
• Parson Branch Road due to Flint Gap Fire impacts 

 

The park is supporting surrounding communities and staff severely impacted by the storm. 

Additional updates will be shared on the park website. 

 GSMNP_news_release@nps.gov 

And then it rained.....

This just in, sometime today.... The NPS and the GSMNP have issued this notice. 

The National Weather Service forecasts heavy rain through the end of the week with high winds Thursday night into Friday. The park expects 3-5 inches of rain today into tomorrow and an additional 3-5 inches Thursday evening into Friday. Wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour are possible Thursday night into Friday morning.

At sunset today (Weds. 9/25), park staff will close Rich Mountain Road and Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga/Round Bottom/Straight Fork Road) from the Heintooga Picnic Area to the park boundary. Tomorrow, the park will close Heintooga Ridge Road. Balsam Mountain Campground is closed, and park staff are communicating with campers. 

Mountain Life Festival, which was scheduled for Sept. 28, is canceled. While the National Weather Service forecasts lighter rain over the weekend, the event’s overflow parking area will be closed to prevent resource damage. Park staff will now offer harvest-related cultural demonstrations on Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parson Branch Road remains closed due to Flint Gap Fire impacts. The fire is 95% contained as of Sept. 24.

Visitors should drive with extra caution, check the weather before coming, and prepare to change their plans with the potential of additional road closures.

No other closures are currently planned, but please check road conditions before visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park