ASHEVILLE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is partially open with limited staffing following Helene.
Park staff report that several roads are closed which are preventing several park employees from driving to work.
The closed areas of the park include:
Balsam Mountain area, campground and roads
Big Creek area, campground and roads
Cataloochee Valley area, campground and roads (including Hwy 284)
Deep Creek (the creek itself) between Indian Creek Bridge and the park boundary closed to all water activity
Deep Creek Campground
Foothills Parkway East
Kuwohi Road (formerly known as Clingmans Dome Road)
Kuwohi Visitor Center
Lakeview Drive
Newfound Gap Road/Hwy 441
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Parson Branch Road (due to Flint Gap Fire impacts)
Smokemont Campground
The park is discouraging visitors from coming for outdoor recreation at this time due to safety concerns as emergency response times may be delayed.
Hiking is specifically discouraged due to the unpredictability of creek crossings, potential of downed trees and other hazardous trail conditions.
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