Road, Trail, and Facility Closures and Warnings

Coronavirus-(COVID-19)

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is increasing recreational access and services through a phased approach that aligns with local, state, and national opening plans.

Park managers have implemented an Adaptive Operations Plan with five operational phases. The park’s plan is designed to be adaptive to regional conditions by increasing or decreasing the scope of park operations as appropriate. Each operational phase will include a two-week assessment period before moving on to the next phase.

NOTE: Check this page often for the latest updates on open facilities and access. All openings are based on available staffing. Temporary closures may occur on short notice.



What roads are currently open? Abrams Creek Campground Road

Balsam Mountain Road

Big Creek Road

Cades Cove Loop Road (Road will open daily at 8:00 a.m. Closed to motor vehicles on Wednesdays from June 17 to September 30, 2020 for bicylces and pedestrians only.)

Cataloochee Road (To Palmer Chapel only due to road washout.)

Cherokee Orchard Road

Clingmans Dome Road

Cosby Road

Deep Creek Road

Elkmont Road

Foothills Parkway

Forge Creek Road

Gatlinburg Bypass

Greenbrier Road (Due to roadwork, open to Ramsey Cascades Trailhead only.)

Heintooga Round Bottom Road

Highway 284

Lakeview Drive

Laurel Creek Road

Little River Road

Newfound Gap Road/Highway 441

Rich Mountain Road

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Straight Fork Road

Tom Branch Road

Tow String Road

Tremont Road

Twentymile Road

Upper Tremont Road

Wear Cove Gap Road

Which restrooms are open? Clingmans Dome

Newfound Gap

Restrooms near Cable Mill in Cades Cove

Restrooms near Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Restrooms near Sugarlands Visitor Center

Abram Falls, Alum Cave, and Rainbow Falls Trailheads

Restrooms at open picnic areas

Where can I picnic?

Cades Cove

Chimney Tops

Collins Creek and Pavilion

Cosby and Pavilion

Deep Creek and Pavilion

Greeenbrier (Pavilion remans closed due to road damage.)

Metcalf Bottoms and Pavilion

Twin Creeks Pavilion

**Note that pavilions must be reserved through Big CreekCades CoveChimney TopsCollins Creek and PavilionCosby and PavilionDeep Creek and PavilionGreeenbrier (Pavilion remans closed due to road damage.)Metcalf Bottoms and PavilionTwin Creeks Pavilion**Note that pavilionsbe reserved through Recreation.gov

Are the Visitor Centers and Campgrounds open? The following visitor centers and campgrounds are open as of June 8, 2020:



Visitor Centers:

Cable Mill in Cades Cove

Clingmans Dome

Mingus Mill near Oconaluftee

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Sugarlands Visitor Center



Campgrounds:

Cades Cove

Deep Creek

Elkmont

Smokemont



Horse Camps:

Anthony Creek Horse Camp



The Following Campgrounds Remain Closed :

Family Campgrounds: Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cataloochee, and Cosby. Group Campgrounds: Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, and Smokemont. Horse Camps: Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom, and Tow String.

This includes Appalachian Clubhouse-remain closed through 08/30 (we are not accepting future reservations at these locations)

Which roads remain closed? Porters Creek;Little Greenbrier Road remains closed for motorists, but is open for pedestrians and cyclists. Please park responsibly in public areas when accessing this location.

What backcountry trails and shelters are open?



All trails and backcountry campsites & shelters have re-opened. Visit the All trails are open, however, Trillium Gap Trail will be closed from Grotto Falls to the summit of Mt. Le Conte on Mondays through Thursdays until November 12, 2020 for Trails Forever Rehabilitation work. Hikers may still walk from the trailhead to Grotto Falls.All trails and backcountry campsites & shelters have re-opened. Visit the Temporary Road and Facilities Closure page for information on any current campsite, shelter or trail warnings and closures.

Which concession operations are open? LeConte Lodge, Sugarlands Riding Stables, Cades Cove Riding Stables, Cades Cove Campstore, and Smokemont Riding Stables. Smoky Mountain Riding Stables will remain closed.

I am interested in obtaining a Special Park Use Permit...



At this time, Spence Cabin is open, however, churches and the Appalachian Clubhouse may not be used for special events.



**Note that Spence Cabin must be reserved through Special Park Use Permits are allowed per standard guidance which allows for groups up to 25 at outdoor locations, or as defined by the capacity of the facility, for periods up to 60 minutes.At this time, Spence Cabin is open, however, churches and the Appalachian Clubhouse may not be used for special events.**Note that Spence Cabinbe reserved through Recreation.gov

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on .

Road, trail, and facility closures may occur due to severe weather events such as winter storms, floods, and tornados. Backcountry campsites, shelters, and trails that are frequented by black bears may have warnings posted or be closed. Check current closures before coming to the park.

For updated road information please call (865) 436-1200. Once you hear a voice, dial extension 631 for road information.