Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 

 

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About the Authors

 

Liz Etnier

 

Mike Etnier

 

 

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2024 Trail and Campsite Closings

 

Hurricane Helene hit the Great Smoky Mountains on September 27, 2024, and wreaked an incredible amount of destruction.  Most of the damage occurred in the Western North Carolina portion of the Park, but many other sections have still to be assessed for damage and safety. The NPS has provided a notice of all the trails that are closed, and this list will be updated as trails are cleared and bridges replaced.

 

From Eric Anderson, Co-director of the 900 Miler Club:


Many of you may have seen the latest report on trail/area closures in the Eastern part of the GSMNP. I have just posted information on the 900 Miler Club FB page regarding trail closures and how they impact the requirements for the 900 Miler Club. Please consider the following areas/trails closed for the foreseeable future. They will not be required for the 900 Miler Club challenge at this time. 

 

From the GSMNP website:

 Oconaluftee Area trail closures due to Hurricane Helene damage:

 Chasteen Creek

 Enloe Creek

 

 Cataloochee Area trail closures due to Hurricane Helene damage:

 Balsam Mountain Trail

 Big Fork Ridge Trail

 Boogerman Trail

 Caldwell Fork Trail

 Cataloochee Divide Trail

 Hemphill Bald Trail

 Little Cataloochee Trail

 Long Bunk Trail

 McKee Bridge Trail

 Mt. Sterling Trail

 Palmer Creek Trail

 Pretty Hollow Gap Trail

 Rough Fork Trail

 

 Big Creek Area trail closures due to Hurricane Helene damage:

 Big Creek Trail

 Gunter Fork Trail

 Swallow Fork Trail

 Camel Gap (closed to equestrians)

 

 Backcountry campsite closures due to Hurricane Helene damage: 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 47, 48

 

 Closures due to Flint Gap Fire impacts:

 Backcountry campsite 14

 Hannah Mountain Trail from Parson Branch Road to Rabbit Cree

 

 Lead Cove Trail is closed to horse traffic due to trail damage.

 Lower Mount Cammerer Trail is closed to equestrian traffic but open to hikers until trail repairs are completed.

 Scott Mountain Trail is closed from campsite #6 to Schoolhouse Gap. Campsite #6 is open.

 

Trail Cautions

 

 Rough Creek Trail—open but travel is not recommended due to trail tread damage.

 Bullhead Trail—open but travel is not recommended due to trail tread damage.

 

 

Updates to this information will be provided as the NPS clears any trails and reopens them.