U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road is closed to commercial vehicles: Violators will be subject to a citation with a fine of up to $5,000
The NPS responded to an incident on Oct. 13 on Roaring Fork Road Motor Nature Trail involving a semi-truck which became stuck. NPS photo
The National Park Service reminds commercial drivers that commercial vehicles are prohibited on U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the safety of all drivers. Violators will be subject to a citation as well as a fine of up to $5,000.
Newfound Gap Road is a two-lane road with steep continuous grades and tight curves. There are no truck lanes, runaway truck ramps or places for a large commercial vehicle to slow down and pull over. U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road is not safe for large commercial vehicles.
Since Oct. 2, the NPS has been staffing checkpoints 24 hours a day on either end of the road with the assistance of the law enforcement staffs of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Government and Sevier County (the Cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville and the Sevier County Government). With their help, over 800 commercial vehicles have been turned away from U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road in that time. GSMNP is grateful for the support of these local partners, and their continued commitment to the safety and well-being of all visitors to the park.
Park staff have taken multiple actions to restrict access to the road, including staffing checkpoints, use of variable message signs, working with local communities to place signs outside the park, as well as strategically placed traffic cones and barrels to discourage commercial vehicles.
Commercial vehicles are always prohibited on U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road and in all of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (with the exception of the Spur). Drivers are encouraged to consult NCDOT and TNDOT routes before starting their trips.
