Date: December 19, 2007
Contact: Bob Miller, (86 5) 436-1207

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Deputy Superintendent, Kevin FitzGerald, has announced the Smokemont Campground will be closed from January 2, 2008 until February 29 to allow the facilities to be tied into Cherokee, NC water and sewer services.

The 3.45 miles of new water and sewer lines are expected to cost about $2.4 million and will be installed by Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Utility Department workers under a partnership agreement. The National Park Service will provide $1.5 million but will save money in the long run by being able to shut down a park-operated sewer plant and water treatment facility. The Eastern Band of Cherokee will provide the remaining $900,000, but will now be able to offer residents of the Tow String community of the Qualla Cherokee Reservation an opportunity to connect to municipal services for the first time.

The Smokemont Campground typically has remained open all year to serve a modest number of hardy campers. So during January and February campers will be directed to Cades Cove, the park’s other year-round campground.

Deputy Superintendent FitzGerald said, "While we regret having to shut down the campground this winter, we are very eager to get out of the water and waste water-treatment business. The Smokemont sewer plant is old and would need substantial work to meet current water quality standards, so we can save money now, and over the long term, by connecting to municipal services."

The park plans to block off access to the Smokemont area at the bridge which crosses the Oconaluftee River along Newfound Gap road, so hikers and equestrians will not be able to access the Bradley Fork or Tow String Trails via the campground.