Great Smoky Mountains National Park announces phased reopening of some roads and trails May 9, including Cades Cove, Newfound Gap Road and Little River Road

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning May 9, the park will reopen many roads and trails. The health and safety of employees, partners, volunteers, visitors, and local residents remains the highest priority in park reopening decisions. Park managers will examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and will be regularly monitored. Park managers will also continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for all users.

Cardinal flowers blooming beside the Tipton Place.
Warren Bielenberg photo

"For this first phase, which we expect to last about two weeks, we are going to have our main roads reopened. That will include Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, Cades Cove. Those are places we feel like people will get in and experience some of the views of spring and be able to access many of the hiking trails," Dana Soehn, GSMNP spokesperson told WBIR TV.

They reported that many secondary roads and remote areas of the park will remain closed during the initial phase. Soehn said the park will release a complete list of closures with full details by Tuesday, May 5. It is likely you will not be able to initially drive to Clingmans Dome or any other roads that are normally closed during winter. Clingmans Dome also presents challenges at its observation tower, where crowding is unavoidable.

There's also a chance you may not be able to immediately drive to exterior areas of the park, including Cosby, Abrams Creek, Big Creek, and Greenbrier. At least, not in a car.
"Those roads that we don't open during the first phase will be accessible for people riding their bikes or walking in," said Soehn.

“We recognize this closure has been extremely difficult for our local residents, as well as park visitors from across the country, who seek the park as a special place for healing, exercise, recreation, and inspiration,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “We are approaching this phased reopening with that in mind, as we balance our responsibility to protect park resources and the health and safety of everyone.”

Park managers are implementing new safety measures in facility operations and services to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as areas reopen to the public. Campgrounds, picnic pavilions, visitor centers, and many secondary roads will remain closed during the first reopening phase, which is expected to last for at least two weeks. Some of these measures will include disinfectant fogging operations for restrooms and public buildings, installation of plexiglass shields at visitor centers, personal protective equipment requirements for maintenance workers, new safety protocols for emergency services staff, and reduced group size limits.

While many areas will be accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. The park typically has more than one million visitors each month, May through October, from across the country. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

For the most up to date information about facility openings, service hours, and access, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. Park rangers remain available to answer questions and help with trip planning via email or phone during business hours at (865) 436-1291, (828) 506-8620, or GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov.

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