Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
About the Authors Return to Hiking in
the Smokies |
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:
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.
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