Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

About the Authors Liz Etnier Mike Etnier Return to Hiking in the Smokies

2014 – 2015 Trail and Campsite Closings Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced in May, 2014, that Gunter Fork Trail is closed until further notice due to a landslide. The slide is located in the same area along the trail where a major slide occurred in 2011 that also closed the trail. Updated List of Trail Closures (as of November, 2014): • Scott Mountain, from campsite 6 to Schoolhouse Gap (campsite 6 open, accessible from Cades Cove area) • Chimney Tops closed Monday through Thursday from May 5, 2014 through Dec 11 for repairs; it is open on weekends and will be open Nov 11 and Nov 27. • Gunter Fork closed due to landslides. • Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail will be closed November 1, 2014 – April 30, 2015 to repair several bridges. Access to Grapeyard Ridge and Baskins Creek trailheads is unavailable. • Laurel Falls Trail was closed following the winter storm of Nov 6, and remains closed due to downed trees. •White Oak Sinks area is closed until March 31, 2015 in an attempt to protect the bats in that area. Backcountry Campsites closed due to bear activity – Campsites 56, 83, 84, 85, and 113 Campsite 11 is closed, and the water source at Campsite 16 has dried up, so campers must bring their own water.