11 March 2015

Laurel Falls Trail Washout Causes Temporary Closure for Repairs

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the temporary closure of Laurel Falls Trail due to storm damage. The park has received a significant amount of rain over the past week. The rain comes after several ice and snow storms had already saturated the soil.  On Wednesday afternoon, a park volunteer discovered a portion of the trail just before the falls had washed out.

Laurel Falls Trail Washout. (NPS)
“Our trail crews are experienced with these kinds of washouts and will work to make the necessary repairs so that the Laurel Falls Trail, one of our most popular in the park, can be safely reopened for hikers,” said Trails Program Manager Tobias Miller.

Trail crews will assess the condition of the trail and make a plan for repairs.  Once those determinations are made, the park will announce an expected reopening date.


For more information on road and trail closures, please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm.

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