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".