Great Smoky Mountains National Park News
Showing the last 10 news releases. Click here to visit nps.gov's Great Smoky Mountains National Park - News section for more.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park completes three-year restoration of Ramsey Cascades Trail
November 18, 2024 | 12:22 pm
In collaboration with Friends of the Smokies, the National Park Service (NPS) has a completed a three-year restoration of the Ramsey Cascades Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the Greenbrier area, this popular trail ascends through beautiful hardwood forests to the 105-foot Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the park. The trail is now open seven days a week following an extensive reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Hazard tree mitigation work to begin November 18
November 15, 2024 | 1:21 pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will complete annual hazard tree mitigation along several park roads starting next week. This routine work includes the removal of hazardous branches and limbs before the winter season. Some road and lane closures will be in place for crew and driver safety.
Route 441/Newfound Gap Road is closed to commercial vehicles
October 17, 2024 | 5:02 pm
The National Park Service (NPS) reminds commercial drivers that commercial vehicles are prohibited on US 441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the safety of all drivers. Violators will be subject to a citation as well as a fine of up to $5,000. Newfound Gap Road is a two-lane road with steep continuous grades and tight curves. There are no truck lanes, runaway truck ramps or places for a large commercial vehicle to slow down and pull over. US 441/Newfound Gap Road is not safe for large commercial vehicles.
Update on Great Smoky Mountains National Park following Hurricane Helene
October 11, 2024 | 4:40 pm
The National Park Service continues to assess conditions and address damage following the impacts from Hurricane Helene in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park experienced substantial damage particularly in North Carolina, including Big Creek, Balsam Mountain and Cataloochee Valley.
US 441/Newfound Gap Road will remain open 24 hours a day with help of Cherokee and Sevier County partners
October 8, 2024 | 9:46 am
Effective today, US 441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open 24 hours a day. The park is lifting the overnight road closure with the help of local partners who will assist the park in turning around commercial vehicles at checkpoints on both sides of US 441/Newfound Gap Road overnight.
Update on US 441/Newfound Gap Road overnight closure
October 5, 2024 | 4:55 pm
The National Park Service will continue to temporarily close US 441/Newfound Gap Road from 10 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. each evening for the safety of all drivers. The park is turning away commercial vehicles at checkpoints during the day, but is not currently able to staff the checkpoints overnight.
US 441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will reopen tomorrow
October 1, 2024 | 2:15 pm
The National Park Service (NPS) will reopen US 441/Newfound Gap Road by 8 a.m. tomorrow morning to allow for access between Tennessee and North Carolina communities.
Hurricane Helene recovery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
September 30, 2024 | 3:30 pm
The National Park Service (NPS) continues to assess conditions and to address damage following the impacts from Hurricane Helene in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, park staff are prioritizing assessments of high use roads and trails as well as radio repeaters and historic structures throughout the park.
GSMNP staff assess conditions following impacts from Hurricane Helene
September 28, 2024 | 1:49 pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff continue to assess conditions after the park experienced historic flooding and other impacts from Hurricane Helene.
Newfound Gap Road/US 441, visitor centers and other park areas close in preparation for tropical storm impacts
September 26, 2024 | 11:33 am
The National Park Service continues to prepare for the expected high wind and heavy rain from Hurricane Helene Thursday night into Friday. Visitors should consider rescheduling this week’s travel plans for their own safety and to reduce the risk on emergency services.