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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Urged To Use "Extreme Caution" Due To High Winds, Downed Trees

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By NPT Staff - October 31st, 2019

Strong winds that have downed trees in parts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park have prompted staff to urge visitors to use "extreme caution" in deciding to visit the park.

A cold front moving towards the park that straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border was whipping up strong winds, with some gusts expected to reach 45 mph in higher elevations of the park Thursday night. Downed trees forced the closure of Newfound Gap Road (Hwy 441 from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC), Little River Road from the Townsend Wye to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Wears Gap and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

The current road closures will remain in effect until the high wind warning expired. At that time, crews will reassess conditions and begin clearing roads for reopening, a park release said.

"Hikers are advised to avoid hiking during this time period across the park, particularly in areas with standing dead trees," the statement added. "Park visitor centers and the Cades Cove Loop Road will remain open at this time. Visitors should exercise extreme caution when making travel plans."

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