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

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."

Avoid the crowds
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.

Consider arriving before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid the busiest times in the park. If you’re driving, please park responsibly—parking in areas not specifically designed for parking damages resources, adds to congestion and is unsafe along busy roads. If you’re planning to hike a popular trail in the Smokies, consider taking a shuttle from local communities to the trailhead.

Looking to take a scenic drive? Avoid the crowds by taking in the views from Look Rock Tower or the Foothills Parkway. Cades Cove Loop Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail are consistently the busiest places in October. Please allow more time than you think you’ll need and consider alternate destinations.

Planning a hike? Note that Laurel Falls Trail is expected to close for construction in November for 18 months. Consider alternative hikes including Little River Trail, Little Greenbrier School, Lynn Camp Prong Cascades or Chasteen Creek Cascade.

Plan like a park ranger and visit our trip planning webpage before you head to the park. Consider visiting an area of the park you haven’t explored before—you'll find changing leaves no matter where you go! Please prepare a back-up plan (and even a back-up for your back-up).

Pack clothes for all weather and layer up for your adventures. Weather can change quickly during fall, particularly in the mountains. Temperatures at Clingmans Dome, also known as Kuwohi, are at least 10 degrees cooler than in lower elevation areas like Oconaluftee, Sugarlands and Cades Cove.

Wildlife safety
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.

When hiking, camping or picnicking, be mindful of food and garbage. All waste should be properly disposed of in bear-proof dumpsters located throughout the park. Bears that learn to associate humans with food can become aggressive and pose a danger to visitors. By following these guidelines, you can help protect both yourself and the park's wildlife.

 

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.

While there has been minimal growth on the fire to date, the acreage may increase as weather conditions change with the coming of fall. Park management and the fire incident management team are implementing a strategy to safely and effectively suppress the fire, given that it is burning in very steep, backcountry terrain with dense tree cover. It currently takes firefighters more than two hours on foot to reach the fire from either Parsons Branch Road or from Abrams Creek. Park management is developing options to mitigate these safety concerns and to help transport firefighters and equipment more efficiently to the backcountry. 

Resources on the fire include ground crews and a Type 3 helicopter. Park management is ordering more resources; however, many resources are currently in use given the number of active wildfires, particularly out west.  

Parson Branch Road as well as some park trails and backcountry campsites are currently closed due to fire activity. Check the park website for road closures and other updates before visiting. 

Public Affairs Office

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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.

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

Roads Closed in the GSMNP.... in the next few days

 Please follow this link for closing roads in the smokies.

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

The Flint Gap fire in the Smokies/Update (9/1/24)

 

(This edited update was received from the GSMNP on the morning of Sunday 9/1/2024)

The fire currently burning in the GSMNP known as the "Flint Gap Fire", is estimated to be 16.3 acres in size. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues initial attack efforts on the Flint Gap Fire. Yesterday, firefighters were able to walk the perimeter to map the fire. The fire is now estimated to be 16.3 acres due to the more accurate mapping. Today, crews will continue to monitor fire activity and to identify areas in which crews can safety confine and contain the fire.

The park received a report of the fire near Hannah Mountain, south of Abrams Creek, the evening of Aug. 26. The Flint Gap Fire is burning in a remote area of the park primarily in undergrowth in steep terrain. No structures are threatened at this time. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Parson Branch Road as well as some park trails and backcountry campsites are currently closed due to fire activity. Check the park website for road closures and other updates before visiting the park.  

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

Clingmans Dome Road will be closed...for educational programs in September

Next month Clingmans Dome Road will be closed the mornings of September 10, 12, and 16, to facilitate special educational programs for students at schools in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians community. The road will be closed at midnight the night before each event and will re-open at 1 p.m.

During the closures, the seven-mile road and Clingmans Dome Tower will be closed to all motorists, cyclists, and hikers. Visitors should consider alternative destinations during the temporary closures. 

Visitors are encouraged to check the park website for current road conditions and facility status, which also includes trail and backcountry updates.

Hiking for fitness

 Hey y'all! I have been hiking again recently, after having shoulder surgery in May. In June I started walking some in the forest around my house in an attempt to burn some "poundage" off my body and towards the middle of July I turned it up a notch and have been power hiking in the Smokies.

Some of the trails I have utilized are the Curry Mtn. trail and West Prong, because of the consistent incline, for differing lengths on both trails, in order to get a good cardio workout, sweat some and keep these bones moving.

On my first hike on the West Prong, I picked up this lollipop alongside the trail. It had no bugs crawling on it, so it was probably thrown down by one of the children in the group about 15 minutes ahead of me. Yummy!! The small animals and bears would love this sweet treat....and the plastic serving ring would do wonders for the digestive system.

Over the last few weeks as I have hiked for fitness, I have also been reminded of the soothing effect being in the woods alone brings. 

Plan Your weekend in the Smokies!

 The Park Service has passed on some suggestions for visiting the GSMNP this Memorial Day weekend. 

Many of these suggestions apply to most outdoor excursions so check them out and see what you can use!

Great Smoky Mountains Memorial Day weekend tips:

Pack water, snacks, sun protection, cameras—and extra patience—for a safe, enjoyable weekend. Park rangers expect heavily congested roadways and full parking lots at most destinations. Arrive with a plan plus multiple back-up plans and consider starting your day earlier or later, before 10 am or after 3 pm. 

Purchase your parking tag and park in designated spots only. The National Park Service does ticket and tow cars parked illegally, unsafely or in places that are damaging resources. Buy your tag online at Recreation.gov or at in-person kiosk locations.

​Don’t stress about parking—consider a shuttle. More people visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Yosemite combined and demand for parking often exceeds capacity at the most popular destinations in the park. Relax and enjoy a shuttle ride from local communities to park destinations. 

Check for closures and alerts on our website. Temporary closures and projects may impact travel and hiking. Single-lane closures are currently in effect for Newfound Gap Road at the Gatlinburg entrance and Lakeview Drive. Many trails have active maintenance projects or temporary obstacles. 

Protect your personal belongings and secure your vehicle. Busy weekends coincide with an increase in thefts from automobiles as visitation increases along popular trailheads and parking areas. Remove valuables from vehicles, close windows and lock doors. If you see something suspicious, stay safe and tell a park employee or call 865-436-1230. 

Know your limits. Check the difficulty of the park’s trails and select those that match your abilities. Carry a detailed trail map with topography and don't rely on cell connectivity for trail navigation. Most injuries result from slips, trips and falls, so please wear sturdy footwear and beware of loose gravel, slippery rock, steep climbs and uneven surfaces. 

Drive responsibly. Slow down, stay alert and always wear your seatbelt. Use pullouts to allow faster vehicles to pass. Trailers, RVs and buses are prohibited on some secondary roads in the park, including Balsam Mountain Road, Greenbrier Road past the ranger station, Heintooga Ridge Road, Rich Mountain Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and the road exiting the park at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. 

Leave no trace. Pack it in, pack it out—take everything you bring into the park out again to protect plants, animals and history. This also reduces the amount of trash park staff need to manage. Go before you go—use restrooms at visitor centers and trailheads before venturing out on trails. 

Consider leaving your pet at home. Pets are only allowed on two park trails: Gatlinburg Trail (4 miles roundtrip) and Oconaluftee River Trail (3 miles roundtrip). A leash is always required. Pets are family for many, but not all visitors share this sentiment, and dogs can chase and threaten park wildlife. Learn more about pets in national parks. 

Plan your accommodations. Campground reservations must be made on Recreation.gov, but most of the park’s campsites are already reserved for Memorial Day Weekend. No campsites are available for request upon arrival. Backcountry camping, campfires and overnight parking are prohibited outside of designated campgrounds. 

Be safe and appreciate what we have!

Wildflowers Blooming in the Great Smoky Mountains, 4/8/24

(This report is a reprint from VIP, Mr. Tom H., on 4/8/24, with a photo added for effect)

WILDFLOWER REPORT – CHESTNUT TOP TRAIL (FIRST 3/10 MILE) – 8 APRIL 2024

Bishop Caps – Many – Mostly at peak bloom.

Common Blue Violet – Few – Approaching peak bloom.

Crested Dwarf Iris – Some – About half at peak bloom and half past peak bloom.

Dogwood – Some – Appear to be at peak bloom.

False Solomon’s Seal – Many – Just starting to bloom (probably a week from being at peak bloom depending on the weather).

Fire Pinks – Some – Almost at peak bloom (be sure to look about 12 feet above trail on the left about 2/10 of a mile up the trail).  Nice!

Foam Flower – Few – Past peak bloom.

Hepatica – (1)

Long Spurred Violets – Many – Mostly past peak bloom.

Meadow Parsnip – Some – Approaching peak bloom.

Purple Phacelia – Many – Most at peak bloom (very beautiful).

Rue Anemone – Some – At peak bloom.

Solomon’s Seal – Many – Approaching peak bloom.

Solomon’s Seal Grande – Some – Just starting to bloom.

Spring Beauty – Some – At peak bloom or just beyond peak bloom.

Star Chickweed – Many ++ - AT peak bloom (Especially pretty clumps of these flowers).

Stone Crop – Many – In the early blooming stage.

Sweet White Trillium – Many – Mostly at peak bloom.

Toothwort – Few – Past peak bloom.

Yellow Mandarin – Few – Just starting to bloom

Yellow Trillium – Many – At peak bloom (few budded).

LAUREL CREEK ROAD

Dogwood

Purple Phacelia (first 2/10 of mile from the Wye on the left).

Red Bud

Sweet White Trillium

Yellow Trillium

LITTLE RIVER ROAD (FROM TOWNSEND WYE TO METCALF BOTTOMS

Dogwood

Purple Phacelia

Sweet White Trillium

Wild Columbine

Yellow Trillium

 

Great Smoky Mountains NP Roads Closed

 This just in......Multiple park roads closed due to downed trees. Read more for details. 

GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Most roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed following a high wind event that occurred overnight. Trees are down across roads and trails. Crews are assessing conditions, clearing trees and will open roads when it is safe to do so. 

The following roads are closed as of 12 p.m.:

Gatlinburg Bypass 

Newfound Gap Road (US 441) between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC 

Little River Road 

Laurel Creek Road 

Cherokee Orchard Road at the park boundary 

Greenbrier Road at the ranger station 

Tremont Road 

Foothills Parkway new section 

Foothills Parkway between Look Rock and US 129 

Wears Gap Road 

A National Weather Service wind advisory and high wind warning remain in effect until 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 26. Wind gusts peaked at 85 mph in the park between 2 and 3 a.m. 

The Sugarlands and Oconaluftee visitor centers are open. Visitors coming to the park today are encouraged to stop in a visitor center for updates on current conditions. Updates will be posted on the park’s website.

Cane Creek Trail & Campsite #2, in Nov., 2023

This was a really pleasant night out in the woods.  This was David L's first night of "backpacking". Now Dave's done a bunch of long, and short, day hikes. And stayed at established "car campgrounds" but this was the first time he carried a BP with the intention of spending a night in the woods. 

The relative ease and distance on this route make for a good first night out for anyone new to the backcountry adventure.  The conditions were mild with moderate temps and no rain.

Though water was still plentiful from the creek near the campsite. 

Maybe in the next few weeks we can get out for another backcountry excursion a little farther in distance and with a little more "terrain".