Great Smoky Mountains National Park News
Showing the last 10 news releases. Click here to visit nps.gov's Great Smoky Mountains National Park - News section for more.
National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration award contract for US 441/Newfound Gap Road emergency repairs
August 25, 2025 | 10:07 am
The National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) continue to work quickly to repair the road washout on US 441/Newfound Gap Road. The FHWA has awarded the contract to Eclipse Companies, LLC, and the NPS and FHWA held a pre-construction meeting with the contractor on Friday. The contractor will begin mobilizing equipment and supplies this week.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park to complete Spur maintenance August 25-28
August 22, 2025 | 1:36 pm
The National Park Service will complete essential maintenance along the northbound and southbound Spur starting August 25. This will require temporary single-lane closures to allow park staff to safely and efficiently complete this work.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors that feeding bears is illegal and dangerous
August 13, 2025 | 4:15 pm
The National Park Service urges visitors to not feed or approach black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park has seen an increase in incidents involving visitors feeding bears. Feeding wildlife is illegal and endangers you, other visitors and bears.
National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration work towards expedited repair of US441/Newfound Gap Road
August 8, 2025 | 3:16 pm
The National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) continue to work towards emergency repairs for US441/Newfound Gap Road following the August 1 washout and landslide. The agencies plan to award a contract in August and expect that construction will be completed in early October.
US441/Newfound Gap Road closed until further notice due to road damage
August 2, 2025 | 1:41 pm
US441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closed until further notice due to road damage. Late on August 1, the park responded to reports of a landslide event on Newfound Gap Road between mile marker 12 and 13 on the Tennessee side of the park (south of Alum Cave trailhead). Heavy rainfall caused Walker Camp Prong to swell and undermine part of the roadway.
Slow down and enjoy the views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
July 30, 2025 | 9:57 am
The National Park Service (NPS) reminds visitors to slow down and enjoy the views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over the next month, park rangers in cooperation with partner agencies will conduct increased traffic safety enforcement throughout the park. Through this effort, the NPS aims to combat excessive speeding and reduce motor vehicle collisions.
National Park Service to improve 7 miles of Newfound Gap Road in North Carolina
July 11, 2025 | 1:34 pm
Newfound Gap Road is getting an upgrade! Starting July 14, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will kick off a rehabilitation of a 7-mile stretch of Newfound Gap Road on the North Carolina side of the park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park seeks Elk Rover volunteers for 2025 season
July 8, 2025 | 8:56 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking individuals to join the Elk Rover volunteer team for the upcoming 2025 season. Elk Rovers share information with visitors about safe wildlife viewing and help keep elk and visitors safe. Elk Rovers will be stationed at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located near Cherokee, NC.
Abrams Falls Trail closed for trail maintenance June 16-18
June 16, 2025 | 6:00 am
The National Park Service will close Abrams Falls Trail and trailhead parking lot in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from June 16 through June 18 to allow crews to complete trail maintenance. Visitors will not be able to access the falls from any trail during this closure.
Spring road maintenance planned in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
May 30, 2025 | 1:19 pm
The National Park Service will complete important maintenance along popular roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park this June. This will require temporary partial closures of Little River Road and single-lane closures along the Spur to allow park staff to safely and efficiently complete this work.