Planning a trip to the breathtaking Smoky Mountains? The Smoky Mountain Park Service is dedicated to ensuring visitor safety and providing access to the park’s stunning backcountry trails. To help you prepare for your adventure, it’s crucial to stay informed about any trail and backcountry closures, warnings, and cautions. This page provides the latest updates directly from the park service, allowing you to plan your hikes with confidence and awareness.
For the most current information on backcountry trail and campsite conditions, you can always reach out to the Smoky Mountain Park Service directly at (865) 436-1297. Park rangers are available to provide detailed information and answer any questions you may have before heading out on the trails.
Understanding Bear Activity and Trail Status in Smoky Mountains National Park
Black bears are a natural and cherished part of the Smoky Mountains ecosystem. The Smoky Mountain Park Service actively monitors bear activity to ensure both visitor safety and bear well-being. It’s important for all visitors to be bear aware and understand how to react if you encounter a bear on the trail. For essential safety guidelines, please refer to the Smoky Mountain Park Service’s resource: What if I see a bear?.
Currently, there are no trail, shelter, or campsite closures specifically due to bear activity. However, bear activity can change rapidly, and it’s always best to check for updates before your hike. The Smoky Mountain Park Service will promptly post any bear-related closures or warnings to keep visitors informed.
Similarly, there are currently no active bear warnings in place for trails, shelters, or campsites. Despite the lack of current warnings, remember that the Smoky Mountains are bear country, and vigilance is always recommended. Maintaining awareness of your surroundings and practicing proper food storage techniques are key components of safe hiking in bear habitat, as emphasized by the Smoky Mountain Park Service.
Important Trail and Backcountry Closures Managed by the Smoky Mountain Park Service
The Smoky Mountain Park Service manages a vast network of trails, and closures are sometimes necessary for visitor safety and resource protection. It’s vital to be aware of these closures before planning your hike.
Laurel Falls Trail, a popular destination, is currently closed for a significant rehabilitation project. As of January 6, 2025, this trail will be closed for approximately 18 months to allow the Smoky Mountain Park Service to conduct essential rehabilitation work. This closure affects Laurel Falls Trail from the trailhead on Fighting Creek Gap Road up to the junction with Little Greenbrier and Cove Mountain trails. Additionally, on Sugarlands Mountain Trail, the closure extends from its trailhead on Fighting Creek Gap Road to the junction with Huskey Gap Trail. For more details on this project, please see the official Smoky Mountain Park Service announcement: National Park Service to Begin Major Rehabilitation of Laurel Falls Trail in January.
Image: Signage posted by the Smoky Mountain Park Service informing visitors of the Laurel Falls Trail closure for rehabilitation.
The Smoky Mountain Park Service is also actively assessing the impact of Hurricane Helene. While most areas are open, some trails and backcountry campsites remain closed due to storm damage. The Smoky Mountain Park Service is working diligently to assess and repair these areas, but further closures may be announced as the full extent of the damage is evaluated. Always check for the latest updates before heading into the backcountry.
Cataloochee Area Closures due to Hurricane Helene Damage:
The following trails in the Cataloochee area are currently closed due to damage sustained from Hurricane Helene, as determined by the Smoky Mountain Park Service:
- Balsam Mountain Trail (from the intersection with Mount Sterling Ridge Trail to the Appalachian 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 Closures due to Hurricane Helene Damage:
Similarly, the Smoky Mountain Park Service has closed the following trails in the Big Creek area due to Hurricane Helene damage:
- Big Creek Trail
- Gunter Fork Trail
- Swallow Fork Trail
Backcountry Campsite Closures due to Hurricane Helene Damage:
Backcountry campsites 39, 40, 41, and 42 are currently closed due to Hurricane Helene damage. Always confirm campsite availability with the Smoky Mountain Park Service before your trip.
Closures due to Flint Gap Fire Impacts:
The Flint Gap Fire has also resulted in closures managed by the Smoky Mountain Park Service:
- Backcountry campsite 14
- Hannah Mountain Trail (from Parson Branch Road to Rabbit Creek Trail)
Trail Closures for Equestrians:
The following trails are currently closed to equestrian use but remain open for hikers, as directed by the Smoky Mountain Park Service:
- Lower Mount Cammerer Trail
- Hyatt Ridge Trail
- Enloe Creek Trail
- Camel Gap Trail
Scott Mountain Trail Partial Closure:
Scott Mountain Trail is closed from campsite #6 to Schoolhouse Gap. Campsite #6 itself remains open. Please respect these closures to allow the Smoky Mountain Park Service to manage resources effectively.
Trail Cautions and Important Considerations from the Smoky Mountain Park Service
The Smoky Mountain Park Service reminds visitors that the backcountry is a natural environment, and trail conditions are subject to change due to natural forces. Hikers should be prepared for a variety of conditions, even on open trails.
Following Hurricane Helene, Smoky Mountain Park Service staff are continuing to assess trail conditions, particularly in the eastern sections of the park in both Tennessee and North Carolina. While most trails are open, visitors are strongly encouraged to check this page for the most up-to-date closure information and consult with staff at visitor centers about current trail conditions before embarking on their hike.
Image: Smoky Mountain Park Service personnel assessing trail conditions after Hurricane Helene to ensure visitor safety.
Specific Trail Cautions:
- Rough Creek Trail: While technically open, the Smoky Mountain Park Service does not recommend travel on Rough Creek Trail due to significant trail tread damage.
- Bullhead Trail: Similar to Rough Creek Trail, Bullhead Trail is open but not recommended for travel due to trail tread damage. Exercise extreme caution if using this trail.
- Rabbit Creek Trail: The bridge across Abrams Creek on Rabbit Creek Trail is currently out of service. This creates a wide stream crossing that can become deep and challenging, especially during periods of high water. Be prepared for a potentially difficult water crossing.
- Hazel Creek Boat Shuttle Adjustments: Due to a bridge outage on Hazel Creek, boat shuttles to and from Hazel Creek when lake levels are low will operate from the Ollie Cove Trailhead on the Hazel Creek embankment. If you are using a shuttle service, confirm the pick-up and drop-off location when making your reservation. This bridge issue adds approximately a half-mile to your hike. Trail signs are in place to guide you from the Hazel Creek Trail and Lakeshore Trail intersection to the Ollie Cove Trail, which is one mile east on Lakeshore Trail from Hazel Creek.
The Smoky Mountain Park Service is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all park visitors. By staying informed about trail conditions and closures, and by heeding warnings and cautions, you can contribute to your own safety and the preservation of this incredible natural resource. Always check this page for the latest updates before your visit and consult with park rangers for any specific questions or concerns.
