Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues planning for future improvements to the Oconaluftee River Trail. As part of this planning process the park is inviting public review of the Oconaluftee River Trail Floodplain Statement of Findings. The document will be available for review through September 7.

Beginning Aug. 24, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close Abrams Falls Trail from Monday through Thursday each week to replace aging footlog bridges and improve visitor safety. The work is expected to be completed by October 1. The trail will open to hikers Fridays through Sundays and on Labor Day (September 7) during construction.

As the demolition of the LeConte Lodge Recreation Building continues, the National Park Service's Contractor will conduct helicopter airlifts the mornings of Aug.10-15. The Contractor has made significant progress with most of the timber structure demolished and focusing now on the basement, stonewalls, and foundation. During this second set of airlifts, demolished materials will be flown off the mountain via helicopter.

 Great Smoky Mountains National Park will complete essential maintenance along the Gatlinburg Spur starting July 27. 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.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will begin demolition of the LeConte Lodge Recreation Building on July 14. The concessioner of LeConte Lodge will construct a new recreation building later this year.