Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

About the Authors Liz Etnier Mike Etnier Spring Wildflower Hikes in the Smokies Gregory Bald Roundtop Schoolhouse Gap Chestnut Top Defeat Ridge Return to Hiking in the Smokies

Trail and Campsite Closings Due to Bear Attack A bear attack was reported June 6 at backcountry campsite 84 which is 4.5 miles from the Fontana Lake shoreline near Hazel Creek in NC. The bear dragged a young man out of his hammock at 10:30 PM, but the father was able to drive the bear off from the area. The young man is recovering from multiple wounds. The bear was located and euthanized. As a result of this, Hazel Creek Trail, Jenkins Ridge Trail, Bone Valley Trail, Cold Spring Gap Trail, and backcountry campsites 38, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, and 88 are closed until further notice. Derrick Knob and Mt LeConte shelters along the Appalachian Trail have also been closed to camping.