Great Smoky Mountains news
All the on-the-ground news from Great Smoky Mountains: closures, conditions, reopenings and alerts that help you plan your visit.
Great Smoky Mountains: Cherokee Orchard Road Closed to Pedestrians Over Bear Activity
Bears are active along Cherokee Orchard Road, so foot access is closed and you can only drive through until further notice.
Great Smoky Mountains By David Sanchez
Great Smoky Mountains Closes Newfound Gap Road for Hurricane Isaias: Helicopter Airlift at the Lodge
From October 6 to 12, 2026, LeConte Lodge suspends services during the 9 a.m. to noon airlift windows, with brief holds on the Mount Le Conte trails.
Great Smoky Mountains By David Sanchez
Balsam Mountain Campground Is Closed in Great Smoky Mountains
Balsam Mountain Campground, high up in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is closed for now. Here's what that means for your trip.
Great Smoky Mountains By David Sanchez
Great Smoky Mountains: Closures Underway as Hurricane Isaias Approaches
A storm is closing in on Great Smoky Mountains, with Newfound Gap Road and a campground shutting down and high winds expected through Sunday morning.
Great Smoky Mountains By David Sanchez
Great Smoky Mountains: Two Ginseng Poachers Caught in the Park
Two suspects arrested for illegally harvesting 688 wild ginseng roots in Great Smoky Mountains NP. Collecting plants is illegal: fines up to $5,000 and six months in jail.
Great Smoky Mountains By David Sanchez
LeConte Lodge: Morning Closures October 6-9 for Helicopter Flights
From October 6 to 9, 2026, LeConte Lodge and its services close each morning from 9 a.m. to noon, though the summit trails stay open.
Great Smoky Mountains By David Sanchez
Adaptive Hike on Porter's Creek Trail October 24, 2026
A ranger-guided outing for visitors with limited mobility is offered in the Greenbrier section, by registration.
Great Smoky Mountains By David Sanchez
Canyonlands: Hiker Missing at Horseshoe Canyon, Search Underway
A 71-year-old hiker remains missing near the Horseshoe Canyon trailhead, in a remote stretch of Canyonlands, according to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.
CanyonlandsGreat Smoky MountainsYellowstoneGrand Canyon By Jocelyn Pion
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Closes One Day for Maintenance in Late September
The Roaring Fork loop closes September 24 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for mowing and maintenance work. Here's what to know.
Great Smoky Mountains By David Sanchez
Great Smoky Mountains: Kuwohi Road Closed Two Mornings in September
Kuwohi Road closes two mornings, September 10 and 15, for school programs. Here's what it means for your visit.
Great Smoky Mountains By David Sanchez
Great Smoky Mountains: Metcalf Bottoms Bridge Closed to Pedestrians
Metcalf Bottoms Bridge is closed to foot traffic due to damage, cutting off direct access to the trail from the picnic area.
Great Smoky Mountains By David Sanchez
Abrams Falls Trail Closes on Weekdays Through Late September
A safety project limits Abrams Falls Trail to weekends and Labor Day through September 30 while crews replace aging footlog bridges.
Great Smoky Mountains By David Sanchez
