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.
Gatlinburg Bypass now open following major landslide cleanup
September 30, 2025 | 4:21 pm
The Gatlinburg Bypass in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now open following a significant landslide that temporarily closed the roadway over the weekend.
It’s beginning to feel like fall in the Smokies
September 23, 2025 | 12:00 am
It’s beginning to feel like fall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Autumn is a beautiful—but busy—time in the Smokies. Visitors should plan ahead and be prepared for incredible fall colors, but also crowds, traffic congestion and limited parking throughout the park.
Ryan Lakes found deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
September 22, 2025 | 12:00 am
Ryan Lakes was found deceased at approximately 2:45 p.m. on September 21 in the Big Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Park rangers searching for missing man near Big Creek
September 21, 2025 | 12:00 am
Park rangers are searching for a 21-year-old man in the Big Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ryan Lakes was last seen Thursday, Sept. 18 in Nashville, TN. His vehicle was found in the park on Sept. 20.
Elk rutting season underway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
September 16, 2025 | 12:00 am
The annual elk breeding season, known as the rut, is underway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The rut can be exciting to witness, but it can also be dangerous, as elk are especially unpredictable during this time. Park visitors should exercise extra caution and respect all wildlife regulations as they visit the park this season.
Join us at the Mountain Life Festival in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
September 12, 2025 | 12:00 am
Where heritage meets hands-on history—experience the rich traditions of Appalachian Mountain life at the annual Mountain Life Festival, happening Sept. 20 at the Mountain Farm Museum, located just behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, NC.
Newfound Gap Road to reopen ahead of schedule following major repairs
September 12, 2025 | 12:00 am
The National Park Service (NPS) will fully reopen US 441/Newfound Gap Road on September 12 by 4 p.m., 18 days ahead of schedule, following extensive repair work after a road washout which occurred on August 1. Led in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the early reopening restores a vital corridor through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, improving access for our visitors and neighbors.
Upcoming half-day closures of Kuwohi Road on Sept. 9 and 16 for educational programs
August 28, 2025 | 8:28 am
Kuwohi Road will be temporarily closed half-days on Sept. 9 and 16 to facilitate special educational programs for students from Swain County and Qualla Boundary schools. The park will close the road at midnight the night before each event and will re-open it by 2 p.m.
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.