Facilities reopen in the Smokies
Most facilities are open as of Easter weekend. NPS photo
This year’s opening schedule for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now final, with most facilities having opened in time for Easter and the remaining facilities resuming operations by Memorial Day.
“Our staff has worked diligently over the last several weeks to complete the hiring process for our seasonal workforce and ready facilities for openings across the park,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “In addition to de-winterizing water treatment and waste-water systems, crews have been busy clearing fallen trees and limbs from multiple wind events this winter. I’m proud of our staff for their exceptional efforts in preparing the park for the upcoming season.”
Roads. Clingmans Dome Road, Rich Mountain Road, Forge Creek Road, Little Greenbrier Road, and Round Bottom/ Straight Fork Road are open. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail will open May 1, and Balsam Mountain Road and Heintooga Ridge Road May 17. Parsons Branch Road will remain closed due to road damage and Cades Cove Loop Road will be open to bicycles only through 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, May 8 to Sept. 25.
Campgrounds. Cades Cove and Smokemont campgrounds are open year round, and Big Creek, Cataloochee, Cosby, Elkmont and Deep Creek have opened for the season. Abrams Creek will open April 26. Balsam Mountain will open May 17.
Picnic Areas. Picnic areas save Heintooga and Look Rock are now open. Heintooga will open May 17 and Look Rock will be open by late summer with limited services.
