Downed Trees Close Great Smoky Mountains National Park Roads

Laurel Creek Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park following a high wind event Monday night. (Courtesy: GSMNP)

Downed Trees Close Great Smoky Mountains National Park Roads

Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) Most roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed Tuesday following an overnight high wind event.

Park officials say wind gusts peaked at 85 mph in the park during the early morning hours Tuesday causing downed trees across roads and trails. They add that crews are working to clear them and will open roads when it is safe to do so.

Cades Cove campground following a high wind event overnight Monday. (Courtesy: GSMNP)

As of noon Tuesday, the following roads were closed:

  • Gatlinburg Bypass 
  • Newfound Gap Road (US 441) between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC 
  • Little River Road 
  • Laurel Creek Road 
  • Cherokee Orchard Road at the park boundary 
  • Greenbrier Road at the ranger station 
  • Tremont Road 
  • Foothills Parkway new section 
  • Foothills Parkway between Look Rock and US 129 
  • Wears Gap Road

Sugarlands and Oconaluftee visitor centers are open. Visitors coming to the park Tuesday are encouraged to stop in a visitor center for updates on current conditions. Updates will be posted on the park’s website and social media.