More facilities reopen in the Smokies
Previously closed facilities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 3, for the first time since the Coronavirus Pandemic began.
The reopenings include:
- Campgrounds at Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cataloochee and Cosby
- Horse camps at Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom and Tow String
- Picnic areas at Heintooga and Look Rock
- Little Greenbrier Road
The Appalachian Clubhouse remains closed for public health reasons, as do group campsites at all campgrounds.
Due to storm damage, Upper Crabtree Valley Road is closed beyond Palmer Chapel, and Upper Greenbrier Road is closed preventing access to Greenbrier Picnic Pavilion, Porters Creek Trail and Brushy Mountain Trail.
For campsites, fees are not currently accepted onsite — visitors must make reservations online. The only exceptions are Cades Cove, Elkmont and Smokemont, where credit card payments may be processed onsite.
Visitors should also help prevent spread of coronavirus by choosing trails and overlooks without congested parking areas, visiting early in the morning, staying in vehicles while viewing wildlife to avoid crowded conditions, maintaining physical distance and wearing face coverings when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
For the most up-to-date park information, visit www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. Park rangers are available to answer questions at 828.497.1904 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
