Roads And Facilities Start To Reopen Across Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Published Date

November 21, 2023

Cades Cove Loop Road is one of the roads currently open in Great Smoky Mountains National Park / NPS file

After assessing conditions and removing downed trees, debris and other hazards, park rangers and park maintenance staff have started reopening roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The following roads are currently open:

Little River Road
Laurel Creek Road
Cades Cove Loop Road
Cherokee Orchard Road
Foothills Parkway West

Newfound Gap Road (US Hwy 441) from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC will reopen at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 21. Other roads are expected to open the same day or Wednesday, November 22. Elkmont and Cades Cove campgrounds are open.

Visitors should be aware that hazards may exist, including wet roads, fog and the potential for snowfall and freezing temperatures at higher elevations. Hikers should use caution on trails and look out for downed trees and limbs. Trail crews will assess trails on Wednesday for hazards.

Despite rain across the park today, a burn ban is still in effect, which prohibits all campfires and charcoal use until further notice.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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