Pigeon Forge Spur Accidents Causes Crackdown on Speeders in Construction Zones

Due to ongoing construction on the spur connecting Pigeon Forge Tennessee with Gatlinburg Tennessee there have been numerous accidents in and near the northbound tunnel.

Drivers have exceeded speed limits in the construction zone as workers and even though the lane closure is clearly marked, many drivers have failed to move over ahead of time or yield to merging traffic.

In response to the accidents, local enforcement will be cracking on speeders so drivers are cautioned to not exceed the posted limits or you may be looking at a $340 fine.

While most days the traffic has flowed smoothly despite the construction, we have encountered a few frustrating delays that have added as much a s 20 minutes more commute time on the Spur. Southbound the delays are far less than northbound on the spur so drivers may wish to take alternate routes to avoid delays.

Roads open in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The park service opened some major roads in the Great Smoky Mountains national park now that the ice and snow are at manageable conditions.

Newfound Gap Road (US 441) connecting Cherokee NC and Gatlinburg TN has just opened but there is fog and ice still on the road so drivers should be cautious.

Also just opened is Little River Road which also is socked in with fog.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park closes many roads due to ice

Today's freezing rain and cold weather caused many road closures in the Great Smoky Mountains National park which will remain closed for at least the rest of the night.

The roads currently closed in the Great Smoky Mountains national park due to ice are:

• Newfound Gap Road (US 441) from NC to TN
• Little River Road (73)in TN
• Wears Cove Road in TN
• Foothills Parkway East in TN
• Cherokee Orchard Road in TN
• Lakeview Drive in NC
• Old 284 in NC

Freezing rain makes numerous roads in The TN Smokies extremely hazardous

This morning's freezing rain in the eastern Tennessee Smokies has turned numerous roads into virtual skating rinks for cars causing dozens of wrecks.

Most predictions call for the high possibility of freezing rain until 10:00 am or later this morning so travel is strongly advised until late this afternoon.

Freezing rain has caused roadways in Newport, Knoxville and Maryville and throughout the entire region to ice not just bridges and underpasses which high a higher likelihood of icing up during the winter.

Newfound Gap Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National park closed due to Snow and Ice

Newfound Gap Road also know as US 441 in the Great Smoky Mountains is now closed due to snow and ice from today's snow storm.

Further complicating matters this road which connects Cherokee NC to Gatlinburg TN will probably be closed for at least the balance of the day if not the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend as cold temperatures and significant accumulation will keep this steep winding road treacherous.

It is also possible as the snow keeps falling that Laurel Creek Road, the Spur connecting Gatlinburg with Pigeon Forge TN, Cherokee Orchard Road and Little River Road may also close if the snowfall keeps up at its current pace.

For now significant accumulation is only at the higher elevations which are now inaccessible with the closure of Newfound Gap Road. Prior to the road being closed families and kids were making the best of the snow make snow men and sledding today as seen in the photo above.

Snow falling in NC side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Snow is now falling on the NC side of the Great Smoky Mountains and Newfound Gap Road (US 441( and although the road is now clear expect it to close today.

Snow fall is quickly spreading on the Tennessee side and up to 4 inches of accumulation is expected and bitter cold weather predicted for the next few days can keep snow and ice in upper elevations for days.

Winter storm road closures in the Great Smoky Mountains national park

The Smoky Mountains had its share of cold weather; snow and freezing rain the past few days prompting road closures in the Great Smoky Mountains National park. Driving the steep winding roads in the GSM national park is enough of a challenge without snow and ice on the road.

Fortunately the main thoroughfare Newfound Gap Road (US 441) is now safe for travel and has now been opened again so drivers can drive through the national park from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC.

The Cataloochee section of the park near Maggie Valley North Carolina is completely shut off however as both the main entrance road to Cataloochee and Old 284 connection Big Creek to Cataloochee are both closed due to snow and ice.

Forge Creek Road in Cades Cove Tennessee remains closed due to hazardous conditions.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Weather Related Roads Closings

Newfound Gap Road (US 441) in the Great Smoky Mountains national park is closed from Cherokee North Carolina to Gatlinburg Tennessee due to last nights snow and freezing rain.

Bad weather is expected for the balance of the day with sporadic freezing rain and snow so it is unknown if Newfound Gap will be opened today by the park service.

Forge Creek Road in the far end of Cades Cove remains closed due to muddy conditions and is not expected to reopen for the next few days.

Current conditions at 1,600 feet of elevation in Sevierville are extreme fog and freezing rain with slush on the ground at exactly 32 degrees.

This is winter in the Smoky Mountains?

Winter in the Smoky Mountains is full of surprises and beauty - especially in the Great Smoky Mountains national park.

A few days ago we all woke up to snow on the ground all throughout the Smoky Mountains and now for the 2nd day in a row I am hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains national park in a tee shirt and shorts.

I just returned from hiking the Cove Mountain trail near the Sugarlands visitors center and on the entire hike did not see a single person!

When driving through the main roads of 441 and 321 in Gatlinburg there were only few people walking around town and the weather was marvelous.

This is one of my favorite times to be in the Smokies when the crowds are few and the air is crisp and fresh and the visibility is great. Remember they are called the Smoky Mountains and the views in the winter are the best all year.

The picture above was taken this afternoon from the Cove Mountain trail. What a day in the smokies with a picture perfect blue sky, warm breeze and the peace and tranquility of the great Smoky Mountains National park!

Little Greenbrier Gap Hiking trail reopened since black bear activity declined

Previously closed little Greenbrier gap hiking trail in the Little Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near the Metcalf picnic grounds has been reopened as black bear are no longer active in the area and a potential threat hikers.

The little Green Brier Gap hiking trails is 2.8 miles round trip and starts near the Little Greenbrier School and takes hikers to the Walker sisters cabin and ends at the Little Greenbrier hiking trail which runs from Wear Gap road to the Laurel Creek Falls Trail.

The unimproved road that from Wears Gap Road to the Little Greenbrier Gap Hiking trail trailhead is closed for the winter, but hikers can park near the roads entrance (do not block the gate) and walk the 1/2 mile to the trailhead or park by the Little River over the bridge at the Metcalf picnic area and walk .6 miles up from the lower trail that runs to the trailhead.

Besides the trail now being opened, the Little Greenbrier School has had new wood shakes installed on the roof of the school.

This is one of the quieter sections of the Great Smoky Mountains national park and the hike is not very strenuous so now that the trail is open I would suggest it to anyone looking to hike in the GSMNP.

Some roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park remain closed due to weather

Closures of roads in the Great Smoky Mountains due to snow and ice still remain in effect for a few select roads in both North Carolina and Tennessee sections of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The following roads are closed in the GSMNP due to snow and ice:

• Forge Creek Road in Cades Cove TN with access to the Gregory Bald Trail
• Foothills Parkway East connecting 321 to I40 near Cosby TN
• Old 284 connecting Big Creek with Cataloochee in NC

Major thoroughfares that were previously closed such as all of Newfound Gap Road (441), Little River Road (73), Laurel Creek Road and the Gatlinburg bypass remain open.

The current warming trend in the Smokies weather could open some if not all the closed roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National park by the end of the weekend.

Newfound Gap Road (US 441) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reopens

Minutes ago the National Park Service reopened the main road Newfound Gap Road (US 441) between North Carolina to Tennessee.

Thanks to park service crews sanding icy spots on the road and plenty of sunshine, despite the bitter cold Newfound Gap Road (US 441) is open but is likely to be closed late in the afternoon or early this evening as wet areas on the road will refreeze.

Road Closures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Currently Newfound Gap Road (441) which runs through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park connecting Cherokee NC and Gatlinburg TN remains closed due to snow and ice and is may not reopen today due to exceptionally cold weather that is expected all day.

There are some additional roads in the Great Smoky Mountains national park that just closed which are:

• The Foothills Parkway East connecting 321 to I40 in Cosby TN
• Cherokee Orchard Road in the Roaring Fork area adjacent to the city of Gatlinburg TN
• The Cataloochee Entrance Road - Maggie Valley North Carolina
• Old Route 284 connecting Big Creek and Cataloochee

Some roads that are still open in the Great Smoky mountains National Park and the surrounding areas have light snow and ice and we urge all drivers to be extremely careful.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Closes Newfound Gap Road, Laurel Creek Road and the Gatlinburg Bypass

The park service closed major roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to ice and snow including Newfound Gap Road (441) from Gatlinburg Tennessee to Cherokee North Carolina, Laurel Creek Road in Tennessee ending up in Cades Cove Tennessee as well as the Gatlinburg Bypass which connects Gatlinburg Tennessee and Pigeon Forge TN.

The weather in the Smoky Mountains is expected to remain below freezing for the balance of the day and a winter storm warning remains in effect until 4:00 pm today. Tomorrows predicted high of 34 degrees will probably not be enough to melt any of the Ice and snow that has already accumulated and today's predicted snow may keep these roads closed for days.

Smokemont Campgrounds and access to Hiking Trails temporarily closed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Smoky Mountains National Park is closing the Smokemont Frontcountry campgrounds, the Tow String Horse camp and access to hiking trails in the area from January 2nd until at least the end of February while water and sewer lines are installed in the area.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Utility Department workers in cooperation with the national park service bringing in almost 3-1/2 miles of new water lines and sewer lines that will be connected to the existing Cherokee, NC water and sewer lines already in service.

In what can be described as a win win scenario this construction project in the Great Smoky Mountains national park will save the park service from having to update the terribly outdated sewer plant and water treatment facility within the park serving the area while also allowing residents of the Qualla Cherokee Reservation the ability to connect to municipal water and sewer lines.

The projected cost of this project is around $2.4 million to be split between both the Great Smoky Mountains national park which will provide approximately $1.5 Million and the Eastern Band of Cherokee will provide the remaining $900,000. It has not been released by the park service as to who will foot the bill for any cost overruns.

Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees far fewer visitors in the park and even fewer campers who are willing to brave the cold weather. Even though Smokemont is one of the only 2 frontcountry campgrounds that remain open year round, there were less than a dozen campsites being used this weekend. For those who brave the cold, the peace and quiet and additional privacy that camping on the winter provides are well worth bundling up.

While the Smokemont campgrounds remain closed, campers who wish to stay in developed campgrounds may still camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Cades Cove Campgrounds. For those who wish to camp in Smokemont in early March, it is advised to check with the park service ahead of time as any construction delays most likely due to bad weather.

The Great Smoky Mountains national park service press release started that Deputy Superintendent FitzGerald said, "While we regret having to shut down the campground this winter, we are very eager to get out of the water and waste water-treatment business. The Smokemont Sewer plant is old and would need substantial work to meet current water quality standards, so we can save money now, and over the long term, by connecting to municipal services."

Construction will begin shortly and you can already see markings on the pavement and stakes along Newfound Gap Road. In order to run the new water and sewer lines the park service is going to block off the bridges that take vehicles from Newfound Gap Road (441) over the Oconaluftee River to the Smokemont area. As a result of the bridge closing both hikers and equestrians will find that they will no longer to be able to reach the Bradley Fork or Tow String Trails via the Smokemont campgrounds.

The other bridge nearby along Newfound Gap Road to the Tow String area will have to remain open so that residents on the Tow String area of Qualla Cherokee Reservation can still enter and leave their community which has no other access to the outside.