Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 

 

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About the Authors

 

Liz Etnier

 

Mike Etnier

 

Spring Wildflower Hikes in the Smokies

 

Gregory Bald

 

Roundtop

 

Schoolhouse Gap

 

Chestnut Top

 

Defeat Ridge

 

Return to Hiking in the Smokies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Road Closings 2025 - 2026

 

 

Rich Mountain and Parson Branch Roads closed November 10, 2025

 

Heintooga Round Mountain, the 1-way Section of Balsam Mt, and Straight Fork Roads are still closed due to the effects of Hurricane Helene.

 

Roads closed for the winter of 2025-2026:

 

Heintooga Ridge Rd closed October 31, 2025 – May 14, 2026

Parsons Branch Rd closed November 10, 2025 – April 4, 2026

Rich Mountain Rd closed November 10, 2025 – April 4, 2026

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail closed November 30, 2025 – April 17, 2026

Little Greenbrier Rd to the Schoolhouse closed November 30 – April 17, 2026

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Rd closed December 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Forge Creek Rd closed January 1, 2026 – March 5, 2026

 

Smokemont and Cades Cove campgrounds remain open year-around; all other campgrounds are closed for the winter.

For up-to-date information about roads and trail closures, visit the Park’s website, Facebook and Twitter or call 865-436-1200.