Appalachian Trail AT Founders Bridge Festival in Bryson City, NC April 3-4, 2015

Thru-hikers and casual adventurers will gather to celebrate the 2,181+ mile-long Appalachian Trail and support the Appalachian Trail Conservancy April 3-4, 2015 at Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City, NC.

(Photo courtesy NOC)

Plan to join them for hiker-themed games, movies, lectures and prizes. And for anyone having trouble with their gear, check out the free gear repair area.

The movie on Friday night, April 3, is The Long Start to the Journey. In February 2013, filmmaker Chris Gallaway embarked on an Appalachian Trail thru-hike. With the traveling community of other AT nomads, he walked through a fierce winter blizzard, the epidemic Norovirus, monsoon summer rains and a resulting plague of mosquitoes. Gallaway presents his recently finished film, exploring the downsides as well as the rich rewards of walking for seven months on the Appalachian Trail ... and explains why anyone would want to do such a thing. Lots of fun activities planned. Check them out.  AT Founders Bridge Festival

Spring Openings, Campground Schedule announced for Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announce the spring opening schedule for park facilities for the 2015 season. Campgrounds and secondary roads began opening Friday, March 13. The schedule follows:

Roads – Secondary Roads are scheduled to open as follows: Forge Creek Road opened on March 6; Clingmans Dome Road will open on April 1; Round Bottom/Straight Fork Road will open April 3; Parson Branch, Rich Mountain Road, and Little Greenbrier will open on April 10; Heintooga Ridge and Balsam Mountain roads will open on May 22. Roaring Fork Nature Trail is scheduled to reopen May 1, pending completion of bridge replacement project. 

Cades Cove Loop Road will be closed for bicycle use only on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00 a.m. from May 6 through September 23. 

Operating Hours for Visitor Centers – The three visitor centers are open daily and the operating hours through March are as follows:  Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg, TN, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Cades Cove Visitor Center, near Townsend, TN, 9:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, NC, hours will be 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Hours are extended for each location as the season progresses. Clingmans Dome Visitor Information Center will open April 1. 

Operating Hours for Backcountry Office – The Backcountry Office located at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg, TN, is open every day from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Backcountry reservations and permits can be obtained online at www.smokiespermits.nps.gov or by calling 865-436-1297. 

Recreation.gov provides visitors an opportunity to make reservations to many federally-managed recreation areas, including National Park Service areas, all across the U.S.  The park’s developed campgrounds of Cataloochee, Elkmont, Cades Cove, Smokemont, and some sites at Cosby are on the reservation system for at least a portion of their seasons. The system allows campers to reserve specific campsites and to make reservations 6 months in advance. Group campsites and picnic pavilions can be reserved up to 12 months in advance. Visitors can make reservations at the five campgrounds, all group campsites, horse camps, and picnic shelters  by booking sites online at www.Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. 



Cades Cove Campground (NPS)

Campgrounds will open on a staggered schedule starting March 13. See the following schedule for exact dates. Reservations are recommended at Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont for the period from May 15-October 31 (for other dates, the three campgrounds are first come, first serve). Advance reservations are required at Cataloochee Campground throughout the entire season. Cosby Campground, which has mostly first-come, first-served campsites, has a limited number of reservable sites during its season.  Camping fees range from $14 to $23 per site per night.   

Campers have an opportunity to camp in generator-free campsites at Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont campgrounds. The generator-free loop sections of these campgrounds are reservable through Recreation.gov.  

Campground	Map	Number of Sites	Fee	Elevation	2015 Open/Close Dates	Maximum RV Length
Abrams Creek	Map	16	$14	1,125'	5/22 - 10/13	12'
Balsam Mountain	Map	46	$14	5,310'	5/22 - 10/13	30'
Big Creek	Map	12	$14	1,700'	4/10- 10/31	No RVs
Cades CoveReserve Now See maintenance work advisory below.	Map	159	$17-$20	1,807'	Year Round One dump station open year-round	Trailers-35' Motor Homes-40"
Cataloochee Reservations REQUIRED See entrance road advisory below.	Map	27	$20	2,610'	4/3 - 10/31 Advance reservations required entire season.	31'
CosbyReserve Now	Map	157	$14	2,459'	4/10- 10/31	25'
Deep Creek	Map	92	$17	1,800'	4/10- 10/31	26'
ElkmontReserve Now	Map	220	$17-$23	2,150'	3/13 - 11/28 Dump station at Sugarlands Visitor Center open 3/28 - 11/5	Trailers-32' Motor Homes-35'
Look Rock	Map	68	$14	2,600'	Closed	No size limit
SmokemontReserve Now	Map	142	$17-$20	2,198'	Year Round Dump station open year-round	Trailers-35' Motor Homes-40"

Cataloochee Entrance Road Advisory: The entrance road to Cataloochee Valley is a winding, gravel road that has some steep drop offs with no guard rails. Horse trailer traffic may be encountered on the road. Because the road is narrow, it may be necessary to stop or back up to allow other vehicles to pass.

Cades Cove Campground Maintenance Work Advisory: Several periods of work are scheduled in the campground this winter and spring that will involve construction noise and equipment. During the construction periods, campers are encouraged to consider camping at Smokemont Campground on the North Carolina side of the park or in campgrounds in surrounding communities. Campers should expect extensive noise from sunrise to sunset, from chainsaws, construction machinery, and falling trees. Some campsites will have to be closed for the safety of visitors. Campers should also expect delays and detours along the campground roads. Intermittent work may be scheduled January through April. Specific dates will be posted once they are scheduled.

Smokemont Campground Powerline Maintenance Advisory: Work is scheduled on the powerline near campground during February and March. Campers should expect some noise from chainsaws and power equipment in the vicinity during daylight hours on Monday through Friday.

REMINDER ... Firewood Regulations: Beginning March 1, 2015 only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state Department of Agriculture may be brought into the park. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires.

Group Camping will be available at seven campgrounds (see schedule for opening dates) and reservations must be made through Recreation.gov.  Group camping is available at Big Creek, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, Cades Cove, and Smokemont.  The cost for group camps ranges from $26 to $65 per site per night. 

Group Campground	2015 Open/Close Dates	Number of Sites	Maximum Number of People	Cost Per Night
Big CreekReserve Now (423) 487-2683	April 10- Oct 31	1	25	$44
Cades CoveReserve Now Nov 1- May 14 (865) 448-4106 May 15 - Oct 31 (865) 448-4103	March 13 - Oct 31	2 1 1-with pavilion	20 30 30	$35 $53 $65
CataloocheeReserve Now (828) 497-1930	April 3 - Oct 31	3	25	$35
CosbyReserve Now (423) 487-2683	April 10- Oct 31	3	20	$26
Deep CreekReserve Now (828) 488-3184	April 10- Oct 31	3	20	$35
ElkmontReserve Now (865) 430-5560	April 24 - Oct 31	1 2 1	15 20 30	$26 $35 $53
SmokemontReserve Now Nov 1 - May 14 (828) 497-1940 May 15 - Oct 31 (828) 497-9270	May 15 - Oct 31	3	20	$35

Horse Camps at Cataloochee, Round Bottom, and Tow String will open April 3.  Anthony Creek will open on April 1 and Big Creek on April 11. Reservations are only available through Recreation.gov.  The horse site fees are $20 at all horse camps except for Big Creek where it is $25.

Picnic Areas at Cades Cove, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, and Metcalf Bottoms picnic areas are open year round. Chimneys picnic area will open on March 14 and Collins Creek picnic area will open on April 3. Big Creek and Cosby picnic areas will open shortly after on April 10. Heintooga picnic area will open on May 22. The opening of Look Rock picnic area is yet to be determined. 

The park’s largest picnic pavilion at Twin Creeks opens on April 1 and reservations are required through Recreation.gov. Twin Creeks’ fees range from $35-$75 depending on the number of people. In addition, picnickers can reserve five other picnic pavilions on Recreation.gov.  They are located at Collins Creek, Cosby, Deep Creek, Metcalf Bottoms, and Greenbrier picnic areas.  The cost is $20, except at Greenbrier where it is $10. 

Horseback Riding - The opening dates for the three horseback concessions located on the Tennessee side of the Park are:  Smoky Mountain Riding Stable on March 1; Sugarlands Riding Stable on March 1; and Cades Cove on March 7.  In addition to horseback rides, Cades Cove Riding Stable will offer their customary carriage rides and hay rides which are wheelchair accessible.  The Smokemont Riding Stable in North Carolina will open March 28 providing guided horseback rides along with horse-drawn wagon rides along the route of the historic Oconaluftee Turnpike.

LeConte Lodge, accessible only by trail, will open on March 23.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 865/429-5704, fax 865/774-0045 or email: reservations@lecontelodge.com.  One night at the lodge costs $136 per adult and $85 for children 10 and under (tax not included). The price includes two meals--dinner and breakfast.   Day hikers and backpackers can purchase a prepared bag lunch and snacks/beverages at the lodge. Please note that Alum Cave Trail will be closed Monday through Thursday beginning on May 3 through November 19 for trail restoration. Hikers will need to choose one of the other five trails to reach LeConte Lodge on those days.

Campground Concessions – The Cades Cove Campground Store has been open since March 13.  The store provides groceries, camping supplies, firewood, ice, vending, limited food service, souvenirs, and bike rentals.  The Cades Cove Store has multi-speed comfort bikes, single speed cruisers, and electric assist bikes for rent.  The Elkmont Campground concession opens on March 13.  The concession provides firewood, ice, limited camper convenience items, and vending of soft drinks, newspapers, and snacks. 

For more information on park events, please visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

Park Seeks Oconaluftee Roving Volunteers

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting  volunteers to assist park visitors by roving the Oconaluftee River Trail, Mountain Farm Museum and the fields along Newfound Gap Road around the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, North Carolina.  Volunteers are needed from mid-April through mid-November and typically work one four hour shift per week.

Elk in fields near the Mountain Farm Museum in Cherokee, NC. (NPS)

Roving volunteers provide information to visitors regarding park regulations that best protect wildlife including proper waste disposal and safe wildlife viewing.  In addition, they provide information about cultural resources found at the Mountain Farm Museum and natural resources along the Oconaluftee River Trail.

When elk are present in the fields, volunteers assist park rangers with traffic management and provide visitors with information on safely viewing elk.

All interested volunteers are required to attend one 5-hour orientation and training session on Wednesday, April 1st at 10:00 a.m. at the Oconaluftee Multi-Purpose Room adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.  To register for training or for more information, contact Kathleen Stuart at 828-497-1914.

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.

Most Great Smoky Mountains National Park roads closed due to inclement weather

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Sugarlands Visitor Center, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and Park Headquarters were closed all day, Feb. 17, due to inclement weather.

Currently all roads are closed in the park except for the following: Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg to Sugarlands Visitor Center, the Spur between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and Newfound Gap Road from Cherokee to Smokemont Campground. All facilities are closed and travel is not recommended.

For more information about current road conditions, please visit the Park’s website at www.nps.gov/grsm, call the Park’s Road and Weather Information Line at 865-436-1200, or follow road updates on Twitter at http://twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps.

More Streams Mapped by Smokies Scientists and USGS with Modern Technology

Great Smoky Mountains National Park geographic information system specialists and scientists in collaboration with scientists from Tennessee, North Carolina, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), completed a three-year stream mapping project. Park scientists used a combination of aircraft-mounted scanners and a Global Positioning System verification system to re-inventory streams throughout the park.

PHOTO Credit: NPS/Everitt: The Middle Prong stream along the
Ramsey Cascades Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Using this modern mapping technology, scientists determined the park contains 2,900 miles of streams. Of these, 1,073 miles of streams are large enough to support fish. Previously, using topographic maps, the scientists estimated there to be approximately 2,000 miles of streams in the park. A water features is considered a stream if it exhibits the hydrologic, geomorphologic, and biologic characteristics of moving water at least part of the year.

 

Working with the USGS, the park incorporated the new stream data into the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) which allows the researchers and the public real-time access to detailed information about streams across the nation. Park staff and research partners rely heavily upon the accurate information in the NHD to manage park water quality and aquatic ecosystem health. The NHD data is accessible via The National Map at http://viewer.nationalmap.gov/viewer/ and re-mapped streams within the park can be seen at http://www.nps.gov/npmap/park-tiles/#10/35.6032/-83.4659.

 

For more information about aquatic resources in the park, please visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/aquaticworld.htm.

Park Changes Firewood Regulations, Only Heat-Treated Allowed in Campgrounds

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced regulation changes that will help protect park forests by limiting the type of firewood brought into the park. Beginning in March 2015, only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and displays a certification stamp by the USDA or a state department of agriculture will be allowed for use in park campgrounds.
 

Heat-treated firewood will be available to purchase from concessioners in many of the campgrounds as well as from private businesses in the communities around the park. Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged in 0.75 cu-ft. bundles clearly displaying a certification stamp. The wood is a high-quality hardwood product that has been heated for 60 minutes at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The wood lights easily, burns well for campfires, is safe to cook over, and is already available at over 85 locations near the park that can be viewed on an interactive map by visiting www.nature.org/firewoodmap. In addition, visitors may still collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires.

 

“The threat of these new pests coming into our forests, both in the park and regionally, compels us to do all we can to reduce the risk to our forests,” said Acting Superintendent Clayton Jordan. “While a ban on the importation of non-treated firewood will not entirely halt the spread of destructive forest pests and diseases, it will greatly slow it down. This allows time to develop and implement new treatment strategies to help control the impacts from these non-native pests and diseases.”
 

Non-native, tree-killing insects and diseases can unknowingly be introduced through firewood transported from infested areas. A variety of destructive pests lay eggs or stowaway in firewood. These insects from Asia and Europe have the potential to devastate over 30 species of hardwood trees native to the park. New infestations threaten our forests with widespread tree mortality that could devastate wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and scenic views. The use of firewood that has been heat treated eliminates the threat posed by these pests through the movement and use of wood in campfires.

 

National parks throughout the Appalachian region have taken action to limit the spread of insect pests in firewood including, in many cases, the banning of imported firewood. For the past three years, the Smokies has prohibited the importation of firewood from areas quarantined by the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service. Park rangers have been working over the past year with numerous partners representing federal and state agencies, conservation organizations, and universities to mitigate the risks associated with movement of firewood including a public education campaign with campground programs and regionally placed billboards. The park also hosted public meetings and developed an informational handout that was provided to all Smokies campers throughout the summer inviting public comments.
 

For more information about firewood and forest and insect pests in the park, please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/firewood-alert.htm.

Cades Cove Loop Road may reopen with delayed opening on Sunday, Clingmans Dome Road likely to remain closed

SMOKIES WEATHER UPDATE - 8:30 P.M SATURDAY, NOV. 1

Cades Cove Road will most likely reopen sometime tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 2, according to a Twitter post from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, the expected opening will be a delayed one, so visitors should call first before making the trip. You can get updates on all of the road closings and weather conditions by calling the Park Service. Clingmans Dome Road will likely remain closed Sunday due to snow and ice.

For updated road and weather information please call (865) 436-1200. Once you hear a voice, dial extension 631 for road information or extension 630 for a weather forecast.

Walker Camp Prong at Alum Cave Trail
at 3:00 p.m. Saturday. (NPS)

The National Weather Service is discouraging travel in the mountains due to significant snowfall that has already occurred and is expected to occur this evening. According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, snow will continue to fall through this evening with significant snowfall expected above 2,500 feet. Brisk northwest winds will enhance snow accumulation this evening, but snow showers will eventually diminish throughout the evening. They predict a high near 46 in Gatlinburg on Sunday with mostly sunny skies, so conditions should improve throughout the day on Sunday.

Accumulated snow on foliage-laden branches is causing trees to fall throughout the park.

The crew at LeConte Lodge reported 22 inches of accumulation at 3:00 today. They're currently closed to new hikers and will reassess the situation on Sunday, according to their website. There were guests at the lodge when the snowstorm hit, but about half of them hiked out earlier today and the rest reportedly have made it out safe as well.

WBIR reported that Rangers rescued 51-year-old Roger Fender of Franklin, TN, who was hiking with friends in the Greenbrier area when a tree fell on him Saturday morning. Park dispatchers got the call around 11:30 a.m. Fender was hit by a tree limb about a foot wide that fell on him from about 60 feet. He suffered several broken bones. Friends lifted the limb up and helped pull him out while a litter team hiked to the site.

Rangers reached the scene around 1 p.m. and were able to carry him out in about an hour and a half to a waiting ambulance.

While the early winter weather is beautiful and we all want to see the snow, it's best to avoid the Smokies until conditions are safe, especially hiking in the backcountry if unprepared.

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UPDATE: Most Park roads are closed due to snowfall, ice and downed trees. According to the National Park Service, Little River Road is closed from the Sugarlands Visitors Center to the Townsend Wye due to snow, ice and downed trees and there is no access to Elkmont.

Laurel Creek Road is closed at Tremont Road and there is no access to Cades Cove and the Gatlinburg Bypass is closed. US 441/Newfound Gap Road was closed yesterday due to the storm, as was Clingmans Dome Road. Foothills Parkway East and West, Balsam Mountain/Heintooga - Greenbrier, Cataloochee Entrance Road, Weir Cove Road ... all closed due to ice, snow or downed trees.

Mount LeConte has gotten 16" of snow so far.

Purchase Knob webcam 11:00 am Nov. 1, 2014. (NPS)
 

Any roads that aren't currently closed will probably be closing. Conditions are hazardous and the National Park Service is recommending that visitors heed warnings about the hazards that exist, such as fallen or falling trees, ice and snow.

GSMNationalParkInfo is reporting on its Twitter account that there are many downed trees and power lines, power is out at Elkmont and campers at Elkmont and LeConte Lodge are having to stay where they're at until it's safe to leave. Rangers are asking people not to enter the Park on foot due to unsafe and deteriorating conditions such as trees falling, ice and snow.

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It's hard to believe it was 80 degrees on Monday and tonight snow is falling in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our first big winter storm of the season could dump up to a foot of snow or more in higher elevations this weekend. It's supposed to get down to 33 degrees tonight and 27 degrees tomorrow night in Gatlinburg. The National Park Service has closed U.S. Highway 441/Newfound Gap Road between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC due to ice and snow. Clingmans Dome Road closed at 11:00 today due to the impending storm.

If you're planning a trip to the Smokies or Cades Cove, I would strongly suggest checking road and weather conditions on the National Park Service Website or following them on Twitter. Or, you can call for road and weather updates.

For updated road and weather information please call (865) 436-1200. Once you hear a voice, dial extension 631 for road information or extension 630 for a weather forecast.

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm

The National Weather has issued the following advisory:

WINTER STORM WARNING FOR EAST TENNESSEE

According to the National Weather Service:

• Cades Cove: There is a chance of about 1-3 inches of snow accumulation in Cades Cove tonight with another 1-2 inches of new snow forecasted for Saturday.
• Newfound Gap/Clingmans Dome: The higher elevations might get around 3-7 inches tonight with another 3-7 inches on Saturday and another 2-4 inches Saturday night with new snow accumulation of less than a half inch predicted Sunday, when it's predicted that the snow will be turning to rain.
• Cherokee, NC is forecasted to get 1-2 inches tonight, 1-3 inches Saturday, less than an inch Saturday night and less than a half inch on Sunday.

Hiking in the Smokies can be very dangerous if you don't take the proper precautions. Many hikers have been surprised and unprepared for the drastic temperature changes in the Smokies.

Rafting in the Smokies offers the following tips for winter weather hiking in the Smokies.

What to bring on your winter hike.
The Boy Scout’s Motto is always be prepared.  Rafting in the Smokies wants you to be prepared for your wintertime hikes in the park.  Here’s a few tips on what to bring.

A hiking map and compass are essential pieces of equipment to bring along.  They come in really handy for getting you back to the trail-head.  Know where your at on the trail, and stay on the marked trail at all times.

Although most of the park does not have cell phone coverage, you still want to take along your cell phone just in case. Carry your cell phone in an inside pocket where the batteries can stay warm.
Hiking in the winter causes your body to burn additional calories and requires more nourishment. Make sure to bring enough food and high-energy snacks.

Make sure to carry at least two quarts or more of drinking water.  The stream your standing beside may look clear and inviting, but there are bacteria present that will affect your health for months to come.  Only drink the water you brought with you or boil creek water before use.

Wear layers of clothes to help regulate your temperature and keep you warm and dry.  Layers should be matched to the weather, your activity level and personal preference.  Check out this great sports medicine link on how to properly layer your clothes.

Be prepared and stay safe on your next trip to the Smokies.

Cades Cove, Clingman's Dome Rd open

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - Updated 8:45 a.m. 10/15/15 ... Cades Cove Loop Road is open this morning, according to officials on-site at Cades Cove Campground, but Sparks Lane is temporarily closed due to high water brought on by heavy rainfall yesterday.  Clingman's Dome Road, closed yesterday due to rainfall, is now open.

As of  8:38 a.m. Wednesday morning, Hwy. 441/Newfound Gap Road between Cherokee and Gatlinburg was open to all traffic. Parsons Branch Road, Rich Mountain Road and Balsam Mountain/Heintooga Ridge Road were closed due to downed trees and Sparks Lane was closed due to areas of high water. Construction delays can be expected on Hwy. 441/Newfound Gap Road from the Chimneys to Alum Cave.

Campers at Elkmont Campground were temporarily evacuated by Park Rangers yesterday evening due to rising water, but were allowed to return to the campground around 9:15 p.m. last night.

As a reminder, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail will close for the season on the evening of October 31, 2014 and will remain closed until April 30, 2015 to replace eight bridges along the roadway. The road will be closed to all public use including hiking and biking.

Campers Allowed to Return to Elkmont Campground

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - Updated 10:05 p.m. 10/14/14 ... Campers were temporarily evacuated from 149 sites at Elkmont Campground Tuesday evening due to rising waters brought on by heavy rainfall, according to National Park spokesperson Dana Soehn. WBIR reported that Elkmont reopened at 9:15 p.m. tonight and campers were allowed to return to their sites.

Heavy rains and wind that came through the area have downed trees and created a mess in the Smokies. Soehn said Clingman's Dome saw four inches of rain on Tuesday and winds reached 89 miles per hour at one point. According to GSMNP Info., Cades Cove Loop Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail will open late tomorrow for storm cleanup.

As of  9:23 p.m. Tuesday evening, Hwy. 441/Newfound Gap Road between Cherokee and Gatlinburg was open to all traffic. Parsons Branch Road, Rich Mountain Road and Balsam Mountain/Heintooga Ridge Road were closed due to downed trees and Clingman's Dome Road and Sparks Lane were closed due to areas of high water. Construction delays can be expected on Hwy. 441/Newfound Gap Road from the Chimneys to Alum Cave.

Even with the rain and wind slowing down, Park visitors should be on the lookout for falling branches or trees throughout the night and exercise caution near streams and rivers.