Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Beginning today, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m., Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road due to expected strong winds associated with Hurricane Isaias and the potential for downed trees and debris. Additionally, Balsam Mountain Campground will close today at 5 p.m.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park warns visitors that approaching elk is dangerous and illegal. With the elk rut (mating season) underway, elk are particularly aggressive.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is planning additional airlifts from Oct. 6-9 to remove materials from the demolished LeConte Lodge Recreation Building. The scheduled airlifts are expected to occur between 9 a.m. and noon each day. In the event of hazardous weather, the park may delay airlifts or extend the time beyond the scheduled flight window. The park continues to work around adverse weather conditions, prioritizing the safety of everyone involved.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in partnership with Friends of the Smokies, has completed a full reconstruction of the historic John Messer Barn in Greenbrier following extensive storm damage. Park leadership, Friends of the Smokies leadership and descendants of the Greenbrier community celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 28.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will complete essential maintenance along the Gatlinburg Spur starting Sept. 28. This work will enhance roadside vistas for visitors who drive on the Gatlinburg Spur. This will require temporary single-lane closures to allow park staff to safely and efficiently complete this work.