Park officials warn against visiting the Smokies with heavy rain, winds expected

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — Many areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed and park officials are strongly urging visitors to reschedule their trips with several inches of rain predicted from Helene predicted to fall on the region.

Some areas of the park have already received 4-5 inches of rainfall since Wednesday. Another 4-5 inches is predicted on the Tennessee side and 6-9 inches on the North Carolina side of the park through Friday, according to a park release. Winds could reach 80 mph in higher elevations.

Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina closed at 2 p.m. Thursday. Sugarlands, Oconaluftee and Cades Cove visitor centers closed Thursday at 3 p.m. through at least Saturday morning, weather and road conditions permitting.

No access is permitted past any closed gates. While sections of the park may remain open, the park strongly urges visitors to check weather forecasts and reschedule their visits.

“Watch for dead or dying trees that could be a fall hazard,” said spokesperson Camille Bennett when asked for advice for hikers when the storm hits. “We recommend, as quickly as possible, getting to your vehicle and if that’s not an option, find some other sort of shelter.”

The park began closing gravel roads such as Balsam Mountain Road or Rich Mountain Road late Wednesday. Visit www.nps.gov/grsm for the latest information on closures.

Closed areas or roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Balsam Mountain campground (North Carolina)
• Balsam Mountain Road (North Carolina)
• Big Creek
• Cades Cove Loop Road
• Cataloochee campground (North Carolina)
• Greenbrier Road
• Heintooga Ridge Road (North Carolina)
• Newfound Gap Road
• Sparks Lane Road
• Upper Tremont Road

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