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.
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Sunday, October 13, 2024
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.
Sunday, September 29, 2024
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.
- 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
- 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
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
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
Monday, September 16, 2024
Fall colors and crowds!
In preparation for the fall season, the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, and the Public Affairs office of the park have issued a news release. This release is to help folks who will be visiting the park during this very busy time to better prepare for and enjoy their visit.
An edited version of this news release follows... (The pics were added)
"It’s beginning to feel like fall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Fall is a beautiful but busy time in the Smokies. Visitors should plan their trips and expect crowds, traffic congestion and limited parking throughout the park."
"The park usually experiences an autumn leaf season of several weeks as fall colors travel down the mountain sides from high elevation to low. At higher elevations, fall colors begin with trees like yellow birch, American beech and mountain maple. As the season progresses, vibrant colors spread to lower elevations, culminating in a spectacular display featuring sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple and hickories."
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is consistently the most visited national park in the country, and October is one of the most popular months of the year. If you’re flexible on your dates, check out our 2024 forecasting calendar to help you choose when to visit the park and know what to expect during your visit.
Fall is a prime time to spot bears and elk in the park. To ensure your safety and the well-being of these magnificent creatures, maintain a safe distance of at least 50 yards. Use binoculars, spotting scopes or cameras to appreciate wildlife from afar.
Friday, September 13, 2024
Current Status of Flint Gap fire in the Smokies
(This is from the NPS and GSMNP as of the afterno0n of Friday 9/13/2024)
GATLINBURG, Tenn.—The Flint Gap Fire, which was started by lightning on Aug. 26, continues to burn slowly in a remote area of the park primarily in undergrowth in steep terrain.
The fire is estimated to be roughly 28 acres and is not contained. The fire has grown minimally over the last several days due to weather conditions (high humidity and lack of strong winds) and shaded terrain. Increased smoke has been visible this week due to an inversion lifting and the relative humidity decreasing. Some rain is expected this weekend which will likely slow, but not extinguish the fire due the dense tree canopy and thick layer of duff (buildup of leaves and plant material) in this area.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
The Flint Gap fire continues to burn
The Blount County Fire Protection District shared an update on the Flint Gap Fire on Tuesday, saying the fire is not contained.
According to the Blount County Fire Protection District, the National Park Service says that the fire will continue to grow in size.
On the following link to the park website, you will find areas and trail currently affected by the fire.