You are here

Home » Loop Road Through Cades Cove at Great Smoky Mountains National Park Closing Until Late May

Loop Road Through Cades Cove at Great Smoky Mountains National Park Closing Until Late May

Share

Published Date

February 25, 2010

Years of traffic have greatly deteriorated the Loop Road through Cades Cove. Beginning Monday, the route will be shut down for a complete rebuild. NPS photo.

A complete rebuild of the Loop Road through scenic Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require a nearly three-month closure of the road beginning March 1.

On busy days—and there are plenty of them—the single-lane loop road carries between 3,000 and 4,000 vehicles a day. That much traffic puts a lot of wear and tear on pavement, and it's time for a redo of the roadway.

Under the contract issued to the Harrison Construction Division of APAC Atlantic, Inc., the reconstruction of the 11-mile-loop has to be completed by May 21. If not, the contractor will face penalties. Already some work has been under way. Crews have been working at night to replace culverts, rebuild stone headwalls on culverts, and erect thousands of feet of black silt fence along the work area to prevent silt from washing into streams during construction.

“Every measure possible has been taken to minimize the duration and the impact of the closure of this very popular part of the park," said Great Smoky Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. "We will also be working with our partners in neighboring communities to stress that the Cades Cove Campground and Picnic Area will be open throughout the closure. In addition, the Cades Cove Riding Stable and Campground Store will be opening on April 1.”

During the closure period, all access to the Loop Road as well as the interior of the Loop Road will be closed to all visitor access whether by horse, bicycle or on foot, the park announced. Access will also be cut off to trails that are reached via the Loop Road.

The wait will be worth it. Park officials say the work will include paving a number of informal pull-offs that are already in use, but badly eroded. Managers hope that paving the pullouts will encourage drivers to pull over more when stopping to view wildlife, helping traffic to flow better as well as reducing erosion.

The Park’s website has complete information on the Cades Cove project as well as work going on throughout the Park at:http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.