Smokies Closes Roads, Campgrounds Due to High Winds, Downed Trees

Great Smoky Mountains National Park experienced high winds Saturday morning with sustained winds of approximately 30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph across the Tennessee side of the mountains, prompting road and campground closures.

Newfound Gap Road (HWY 441), Laurel Creek Road, Little River Road, Cades Cove Loop Road and Gatlinburg Bypass are all currently closed due to downed trees. Winds are expected to grow stronger this evening with a High Wind Warning in effect until 5:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. All roadways will remain closed until the warning has expired. At that time, crews will assess damage and begin clearing roads for reopening.

Elkmont Campground and Cades Cove Campground are also closed due to downed trees and anticipated wind growth over the next several hours. Rangers are assisting Elkmont campers evacuate the campground due to winds and the potential for heavy rains and rising waters overnight. At this time, Cades Cove campers will be allowed to stay, but incoming campers will not be allowed to enter the area. The park will continue to update operational plans as needed.

Hikers are advised to avoid hiking during this time period across the park, particularly in areas with standing dead trees. Most park facilities are now closed on the Tennessee side of the park. Visitors should exercise extreme caution when making travel plans. Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm to view images from webcams across the park including Newfound Gap. For the most up to date information about road closures, follow SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter.