News Release

GSMNP staff assess conditions following impacts from Hurricane Helene

Date: September 28, 2024
Contact: Katie Liming, 865-712-4928

Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff continue to assess conditions after the park experienced historic flooding and other impacts from Hurricane Helene.

Visitors are encouraged to reschedule their trips for their own safety. Hiking and backcountry travel are not recommended due to the unpredictability of creek crossings, potential of downed trees and other hazardous trail conditions. Park staff will evaluate trails once roads are safely assessed. 
 
The following areas and facilities reopened the morning of Sept. 28: 

• Cades Cove Loop Road (including Sparks & Hyatt lanes) 
• Little River Road 
• Wear Cove Gap Road 
• Cherokee Orchard Road 
• Lakeview Drive 
• Sugarlands Visitor Center 
• Cades Cove Visitor Center and Cable Mill 

The following remain closed: 

• Newfound Gap Road/Hwy 441 (reopening time to be determined) 
• Foothills Parkway East 
• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail 
• Balsam Mountain area, campground and roads 
• Cataloochee Valley area, campground and roads (including Hwy 284) 
• Big Creek area, campground and roads 
• Greenbrier area and roads 
• Oconaluftee Visitor Center (through at least Sunday) 
• Kuwohi Visitor Center (through at least Sunday) 
• Kuwohi Road (formerly known as Clingmans Dome Road) 
• Rich Mountain Road 
• The Deep Creek between Indian Creek Bridge and park boundary (closed to all water activity) 
• Parson Branch Road due to Flint Gap Fire impacts 

The park is supporting surrounding communities and staff severely impacted by the storm.

Additional updates will be shared on the park website.