News Release

Upcoming Half-Day Closures of Kuwohi Road on Sept. 10 and 15 for Educational Programs

Kristina Plaas

News Release Date: September 3, 2026
Contact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Gatlinburg, Tenn. —  Great Smoky Mountains National Park will temporarily close Kuwohi Road and the trail to Kuwohi Observation Tower the mornings of Thursday, September 10, and Tuesday, September 15, to facilitate special educational programs for students from Swain County and Qualla Boundary schools. The park will close the road and parking lot at 8 p.m. the night before each event and will reopen it by 2 p.m. each day. 

During these closures, the 7-mile roadway is closed to all pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Visitors should consider alternative destinations during these times, and make sure your vehicle is not in the parking lot when the road closes. Look Rock Tower on the Foothills Parkway in Tennessee offers scenic mountain views of the national park and the Tennessee Valley. Newfound Gap Overlook, which also offers views of the North Carolina and Tennessee mountains, will remain open. 

These closures support Kuwohi Connection Days, a cultural initiative in partnership with The Center for Native Health and other community organizations. The programs provide students the opportunity to visit Kuwohi and learn about its historical, spiritual and cultural significance. During these visits, Cherokee elders, language speakers, culture bearers and community members share stories and teachings about Kuwohi and the Cherokee people. 

Please check the park website for park alerts, including road and trail closures.

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