"Autumn - Heintooga Ridge Road" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
Great Smoky MountainsWinter 2023/2024 |
Official Winter Visitor Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
featured in
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Great Smoky Mountains
National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
SMOKIES GUIDE
For current road conditions, call 865.436.1200. For seasonal road closures, see map page 6 or visit nps.gov/grsm.
Image courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains Association.
at
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The Official Newspaper of the Smokies • Winter 2023-24
ch
e r,
C h i e f of Fa c i
M
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a
Words with a Ranger
In my role as chief of facility management, I’m responsible for the
maintenance and operations of park
buildings and infrastructure including 10 campgrounds, 11 picnic areas,
90 historic structures, 150 cemeteries, 270 miles of road, and 848 miles
of trail. Thankfully, I’m only one
member of an incredibly capable
and devoted team that makes it all
possible day in and day out.
Some fourteen years ago, I
began my park service career right
here in the Smokies as a park
engineer, but before that I worked
as a community planner and transportation engineer in the public
and private sectors. After moving
on to other managerial positions in
different regional and Washington
offices, I was grateful for the chance
to return to this park last year. The
Continued on page 8
Your Guide to Winter Driving
Take road closures and conditions into account when planning your trip
W
inter is typically the quietest
season in the Smokies, which
makes it a great time to get out and
explore the park. With a little planning and a few extra layers, the
well-prepared can find frosty fields,
snow-dusted mountaintops, and
waterfalls dripping with icicles. The
first step is knowing which roads will
take you there.
Several of the park’s secondary and
higher-elevation roadways are closed
for the winter season to ensure visitor
safety. Other roads may be temporarily
closed due to unsafe conditions and
reopened as soon as possible. Road
salts are not used within the park to
protect vegetation and water quality.
Instead, road crews regularly plow
and apply a mixture of sand and gravel
called ‘chat’ to improve traction.
One major roadway subject
to frequent closure is Newfound
OUR PARK
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Gap Road (US 441), the main route
connecting Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and
Cherokee, North Carolina. This road
stretches 33 miles across the mountains and rises to a height of 5,046 feet.
Even though conditions may seem safe
down around Gatlinburg or Cherokee, temperatures drop rapidly at
higher elevations, and precipitation is
much more frequent and heavy. The
steep grades and blind corners of this
road quickly become dangerous in
inclement weather.
As you enjoy the park this winter,
remember to reduce your speed, avoid
sudden braking, and leave extra space
between you and the vehicle in front
of you. Travel speeds on most of the
park’s paved roads average 30 miles
per hour. To plan your trip, see the
park map on page 6 for seasonal road
closures and the map on the back page
for alternate routes.
GreatSmokyMountainsNPS
86A-B68
PARKING TAG
REQUIRED!
Parking in the Smokies
for more than 15 minutes
requires a valid parking tag
(annual tag pictured).
For more
info, scan
code with
camera app
GreatSmokyNPS
S M O K I E S
Visitor centers
Sugarlands, Oconaluftee,
and Cades Cove: open 9 a.m.–4:30
p.m. December through February,
9 a.m–5 p.m. in March.
Clingmans Dome: closed for winter,
reopens 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. in March.
GSM Institute at Tremont: open
10 a.m–4 p.m. Tuesday through
Friday only.
All visitor centers are closed on
December 25.
Road closures
• Many secondary and
higher-elevation roads close in late
fall and remain closed through
winter. Refer to the map on pages
6–7 for closing and opening dates.
• All roads are subject to temporary
closure due to dangerous driving
conditions.
Shuttle services
Local shuttle services offer
convenient transportation to and
from the park’s most iconic destinations. Routes, schedules, pricing,
and pick-up/drop-off locations vary.
Visit go.nps.gov/GRSMShuttles for a
list of authorized concessioners.
Weather
As winter arrives, days can be
sunny and 65°F or snowy with highs
in the 20s. Conditions vary considerably between low and high elevations.
Nearly 70 inches of snow fall on
Mount Le Conte every year. Lows
of -20°F are possible at the higher
elevations. At lower elevations,
snows of an inch or more can be
expected about three to five times a
year. Milder temperatures typically
arrive by mid-to-late April.
T R I P
P L A N N E R
Firewood
Campgrounds in the national park
The National Park Service
maintains developed campgrounds at ten locations in the
park. There are no showers,
and hookups are only available
at Look Rock Campground
(ten campsites include electric
and water hookups). There are
circuits for special medical uses
at Cades Cove, Elkmont, and
Smokemont.
Campsite reservations are
required at all park campgrounds. Sites may be reserved
up to six months in advance.
Make your reservation
online at recreation.gov or call
877.444.6777.
Site occupancy is limited to six
people and two vehicles (a trailer
is considered one vehicle). The
maximum stay is 14 days.
Campsites for larger groups
are available at Big Creek, Cades
Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep
Creek, Elkmont, and Smokemont.
Reservations are required and may
be secured up to a year in advance.
For more information, visit
nps.gov/grsm.
No. of
Sites
Elevation
Expected
Open Dates
2024
Nightly
Fees
Max
RV
Length
Abrams
Creek
16
1,125'
4/26 – 10/27
$30
12'
Balsam
Mountain
43
5,310'
5/10 – 10/14
$30
30'
Big
Creek
12
1,700'
3/29 – 10/27
$30
tents
only
$30
35'–40'
Site
Cades
Cove
159
1,807'
open
year-round
Cataloochee
27
2,610'
3/29 – 10/27
$30
31'
Cosby
157
2,459'
3/29 – 10/27
$30
25'
Deep
Creek
92
1,800'
3/29 – 10/27
$30
26'
Elkmont
220
2,150'
3/8 – 11/24
$30
32'–35'
Look
Rock
68
2,600'
4/26 – 10/27
$30–36
no limit
Smokemont
142
2,198'
open
year-round
$30
35'–40'
To prevent the spread of
destructive pests, only USDA- or
state-certified heat-treated firewood may be brought into the park.
Campers may gather dead and down
wood in the park for campfires.
Picnic areas
Picnic areas at Cades Cove,
Deep Creek, Greenbrier, and Metcalf
Bottoms are open year-round. Big
Creek, Chimneys, Collins Creek,
and Cosby open March 29; Look
Rock opens April 26; and Heintooga
opens May 10. Picnic pavilions may
be reserved for a fee at recreation.gov.
Some restroom facilities at picnic areas
may be closed for the season.
Accommodations
LeConte Lodge (accessible by trail only, reopens March
25) provides the only lodging in
the park. Advanced reservations
required. 865.429.5704 or
lecontelodge.com
Services
There are no gas stations,
charging stations, showers, or
restaurants in the national park.
Event reservations
The Appalachian Clubhouse
and Spence Cabin at Elkmont can be
reserved for daytime events at recreation.gov starting April 1, 2024.
Pets
Pets are allowed in frontcountry campgrounds and along
roads as long as they are restrained
at all times. Pets are not allowed on
park trails, except for Gatlinburg and
Oconaluftee River trails. Pets must be
kept in control on a leash no longer
than six feet.
SMOKIES GUIDE
Smokies Guide is produced four
times per year by Great Smoky
Mountains Association and Great
Smoky Mountains National Park.
nps.gov/grsm
SmokiesInformation.org
Publication dates
Spring: March
Summer: June
Autumn: September
Winter: December
Senior Editor
Frances Figart
Managing Editor
Aaron Searcy
Supporting Editor
Valerie Polk
Lead Designer
Emma Oxford
Design assistants
Karen Key
Miranda Bemis
Smokies Guide Winter 2023-24 • 2
NPS Coordinators
Stephanie Kyriazis
Stephanie Sutton
© 2023 GSMA
P.O. Box 130
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Available in digital
format at issuu.com/
greatsmokymountains
association
Printed on recycled paper
Download
the free
NPS App for
interactive
maps, tours,
and more.
Bicycling
Most park roads are too
narrow and heavily traveled
for safe or enjoyable bicycling.
Bicycles are permitted on park
roads but prohibited on trails
except Gatlinburg, Oconaluftee
River, and lower Deep Creek
and Indian Creek trails. Helmets
are required by law for persons
age 16 and under and strongly
recommended for all.
Horseback riding
Some 550 miles of park
trails are open to horses. See
park trail map for trails and rules.
Horse camps are available at
Anthony Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom, and
Tow String. Make reservations at
recreation.gov.
Three concession horseback
riding stables offer rides from
March through November. Call
for exact opening dates.
•C
ades Cove 865.448.9009
cadescovestables.com
•S
mokemont 828.497.2373
smokemontridingstable.com
• Sugarlands 865.436.5470
sugarlandsstables.com
Fishing
Fishing is permitted
year-round in the park, but a
Tennessee or North Carolina
fishing license is required. Either
state license is valid throughout
the park, and no trout stamp
is required. Fishing with bait is
GSMNP
BY THE NUMBERS
31
species of
salamanders
69
species
of mammals
prohibited. Special permits are
required for the Qualla Boundary
and G
atlinburg, and licenses are
available in nearby towns. A free
fishing map with a complete list
of all park fishing regulations is
available at visitor centers.
Backcountry
camping
Camping can be an exciting
adventure for those who are
properly equipped and informed.
To facilitate this activity, the NPS
maintains more than 800 miles of
trails and more than 100 backcountry campsites and shelters
throughout the park. One of the
greatest challenges is deciding
where to go. Here are some tools
to help.
1. Get the map. Go online to
view the park’s official trail map
(go.nps.gov/GRSMmaps), which
shows all park trails, campsites,
and shelters. Park rules and
regulations are also listed here.
You can purchase the printed
version of the trail map for $1 at
any park visitor center or online
at SmokiesInformation.org.
2. Plan your trip. Call
or stop by the park’s Backcountry Office from 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. for trip planning help.
The office is located in Sugarlands Visitor Center, two miles
south of G
atlinburg on US 441.
865.436.1297.
3. Get a permit. Make your
reservation and get your permit
through the Backcountry Office
at Sugarlands Visitor Center (by
phone or in person) or online at
smokiespermits.nps.gov.
Reservations and permits
are required for all overnight
stays in the backcountry. The
cost is $8 per person per night.
Reservations may be made up
to 30 days in advance. Backcountry camping permit holders
are not exempt from parking tag
requirements.
Winter hikers should be
especially aware of abrupt
weather changes and the danger
of hypothermia—the dangerous
lowering of body temperature.
Always carry an ample supply
of food, water, and reliable
rain gear. Layer clothing that
provides warmth when wet (not
cotton). Be prepared for rain,
snow, cold, wind, and sudden
weather changes, especially at
the higher elevations. Stay dry
and know your limits.
See page 4 for more hiking
tips and trip essentials.
Special events and
ranger activities
See page 5 for more things to
do and visit go.nps.gov/GRSMcalendar for a full calendar of
events.
• December 9: Festival of
Christmas Past, Present, and
Future at Sugarlands Visitor
Center, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• December 9: Holiday Homecoming at Oconaluftee Visitor
Center, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
bark ranger
great smoky mountains national park
Learn the BARK principles so
you and your pet can have a safe
and fun visit any time you go
to a national park.
Take the BARK pledge:
B ag and bin your
pet’s waste
A lways leash your pet
R espect wildlife
K now where you can go
12 million+ 1,000 +species
visitors per year new to science
found in
the park
The only two pet-friendly trails
in the Smokies are the Gatlinburg Trail
in Tennessee and the Oconaluftee
River Trail in North Carolina. Pets
must be kept on a leash no longer
than six feet at all times.
mtns. higher
9,900+species
of insects 16 than 6,000'
Check out the BARK ranger products
at SmokiesInformation.org
Smokies Guide Winter 2023-24 • 3
Keep it SMOKIES SMART:
S Stay hydrated
M Map your hike
A Always wear proper clothing/footwear
R Remember your flashlight
T Turn back when conditions change
Tell someone where
you’re going, stay
on established trails,
pack the essentials,
and know what to
do in case of an
emergency.
Let the NPS Backcountry
Office help you plan and
prepare for your hike.
Call 865.436.1297,
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
PACK ESSENTIALS
IN AN EMERGENCY
• Navigation—map,
compass, and
knowledge of how
to use them
• Call 911 if you can acquire
a signal.
• Water and food
• Remain with any injured
parties until help arrives.
Use what basic first-aid
techniques you know, but
do not attempt invasive
intervention unless you are
medically trained.
• Extra layers
• First aid kit
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Traction support
like microspikes and
hiking poles
•U
se an emergency whistle
to issue a series of three
spaced blasts every few
minutes to alert rescue
crews. If you are in an
open area, display brightly
colored clothing or gear.
• Rain gear and pack cover
or waterproof bags
• Emergency whistle
• Sun protection with
sunscreen, sunglasses,
and hat
FOR A
LONGER HIKE
YOUR CELL PHONE IS NOT
• a light
• a map
• a survival kit
• always going to have service
• Repair kit with
multi-tool or knife
• Fire starter
• Shelter—emergency
tent or tarp
Smokies Guide Winter 2023-24 • 4
THINGS TO DO
IN THE WINTERTIME
Hit the trail
Celebrate the
holidays with us
T
here are more than 800 miles of trails in the
Smokies ranging from leisurely quiet walkways to challenging mountain ascents. Just be
sure to come prepared with rain gear, layers, traction support, and plenty of water and snacks.
Download a free copy of the park’s trail map at
nps.gov or purchase one for $1 at a visitor center
or kiosk. Visitor center bookstores offer hiking
references including Day Hikes of the Smokies and
Hiking Trails of the Smokies. See page 4 for pack
essentials.
Explore Smokies history
V
isit Cherokee, North Carolina, and immerse
yourself in history and culture at the Museum
of the Cherokee People, one of the longest-
operating tribal museums in the country. Visit
motcp.org for hours and details.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many
historic structures including churches, mills,
and log cabins. In Cades Cove, Cataloochee,
Elkmont, and Oconaluftee, the bareness of winter
reveals hidden structures, cemeteries, and other
reminders of past Smokies residents. John Oliver
Saturday, December 9
Festival of Christmas
Past, Present, and Future
Sugarlands Visitor Center,
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Holiday Homecoming
Oconaluftee Visitor Center,
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cabin photo by David McGregor.
Spot winter wildlife
T
here’s still plenty of wildlife to see in the
Smokies even after the bears have ambled off to
their winter dens. Elk and white-tailed deer remain
active in the Smokies, and birds (like this tufted
titmouse) are much easier to see when deciduous
trees lose their leaves. Take photos of what you see
and use the iNaturalist app to identify and share
your observations.
Remember to avoid feeding or approaching
wildlife. If you see wildlife from your vehicle,
continue to the nearest pull-out before attempting
to view. Sudden stops can be dangerous and cause
traffic delays for others. Photo by Warren Lynn.
For a full list of
programs for the
public, please visit:
go.nps.gov/GRSMcalendar
Smokies Guide Winter 2023-24 • 5
To Knoxville
Parking tag
purchase locations
within the park
To I-40
CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST
Exit
447
441
PIGEON FORGE
321
All roads are subject to temporary closures due to dangerous driving conditions.
73
321
Gab
N OR TH C AROL
IN
Mount
Cammerer
Hen Wallow Falls
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
closed for winter
Mount
Cammerer
Trail
40
n t e r)
wi
in
d
Parson Branch Rd
closed for winter
i
rs
Pa osed
(cl
n
)
ter
wi n
R
at
i
l
Fontana
Juney Whank Falls
Goldmine
Loop
Trail
La
Lake
Twentymile
H
RT
vie
wD
r
Ap p
al a
Swain County
Visitor Center
28
Maggie
Valley
19
Museum of the
Cherokee People
Q UA L L A B O U N DA RY
(Eastern Band of
Cherokee Indians land)
Soco Gap
Parking tag
purchase locations
(see left column)
Soco
Falls
Current/upcoming
construction
(see nps.gov/grsm)
Horseback
Riding (rental)
Picnic Areas
Camping
Major Hwys
Major Roads
Paved Roads
SYLVA
NANTAHALA
NATIONAL
FOREST
441
23
Select Trails
Closed Roads
B
rk w
Gravel Roads
28
WAYNESVILLE
Restrooms
23
74
143
To
Asheville
Dellwood
e Pa
©GSMA 2023
Parkw
ay
Trail
Santeetlah
Lake
129
e
Great Smoky Mountains National Park occupies
the traditional lands of the Cherokee (ᏣᎳᎩ, Tsalagi),
now the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians,
the Cherokee Nation, and the United Keetoowah
Band of the Cherokee.
n
JOYCE
KILMER - SLICKROCK
WILDERNESS AREA
g
e R id
441
74
276
Heintooga Ridge Rd and
Heintooga/Round Bottom Rd
closed for winter
id g
lue R
ch
Co
ve
Ro Cre
ad ek
Mingo
Falls
19
Deep
Creek
BRYSON
CITY
Balsam
Mountain
ad
Oconaluftee River
Trail
CHEROKEE
ia
NO
ke
Juney Whank
Falls Trail
Boogerman
Loop
Trail
Ro
Blu
441
Indian
Creek Falls
Tom Branch Falls
PISGAH
NATIONAL
FOREST
Cataloochee
Exit 20
Co
ve
Mountain
Farm Museum
Loop
Trail
Twentymile
Cascade
FONTANA
VILLAGE
Mingus
Oconaluftee Mill
Visitor Center
Hazel Creek
Trail
K
AR
Smokemont
Loop
Trail
Trail
Clingmans Dome Rd
closed for winter
P
NAL
Smokemont
Bone Valley
Trail
il
Big
i
ch
ala
Chasteen
Creek Falls
rk
Kan
ra i
ty m
Old NC 284/Old
Cataloochee Rd
Mount Guyot
Straight Fork Rd
closed for winter
Kephart
Prong
Trail
Clingmans Dome
Visitor Center
eT
Tw e n
Lake
Cheoah
I
M O U N TA I N S
Andrews Bald
ac h i a n
Twentymile
Loop Trail
Wolf
Ridge
Trail
Deals
Gap
OL
SMOKY
IO
N AT
Newfound
Gap
Trail
Forge Creek Rd
closes Dec. 31
ad
Calderwood
Lake
NA
Chimney
Tops Chimney Tops
Charlies
Bunion
ek
Ro
CA
TE
NN
ES
E
SE
Alum Cave
Bluffs
Middle Prong
Trail
Big Creek
Trail
Thunderhead
Mountain
129
CHEROKEE
NATIONAL
FOREST
re
sC
ke
Ja
Ramsey
Cascades
Bi g
B
h
p Trail
an
Cre
on
c
ra n
Alum Cave
Trail
Clingmans
Dome
App
al
• Open business hours
(see page 2)
• Accepts cash or credit/debit
• Daily, weekly, and annual
tags available
b er Ga
Fern Branch
Falls
Deep
Chilhowee
cum
Cades Cove
Trail
Visitor Center
Cu
Mount
Le Conte
Rainbow
Falls
ek
T
il
ra
il
Tra
lls
G R E AT
Daisy
Town
Lit
tle
il
Tra
d
m
sF
a
Elkmont
lls
re
r
ve
tR
Ab
ra
Abrams
Falls
(c
Little
GSM Institute
at Tremont
Lynn Camp
Prong
Cascades
r i ll
iu
Tra m Gap
il
Ri
on
e
los
b
Traow F
il a
des Trail
sca
Mouse
Creek
Falls
Porters
Flat
Grotto
Falls
T
in
Ra
Meigs
Falls
a
Ramsey C
Sugarlands
Visitor Center
r
Rive
Tre m
Schoolhouse
Gap Trail
Red light
#8
Road
Trail
Heritage
Center
Look Rock
Tower
Fighting Creek
Trail
Little
Greenbrier Laurel
School
Falls Laurel Falls
73
l
op Trai
ut T
stn
Ch e
Cataract
Falls
Little
Greenbrier Road
Ap p
321
Townsend
Rich Mountain Rd
closed for winter
Little Brier
Gap Trail
Po r t e r s C
Fo
o
t hi
Great Smokies
Welcome Center
GATLINBURG
Wears
Valley
Tr
Metcalf Bottoms
ll s
Pa
ay
rk w
Pa
ills
Lo
w
Tra Gap
il
Fo
To Chattanooga
h
F o ot
A
es M ounta i n
Greenbrier
y
rk wa
TENNESSEE
Exit 451
32
Cosby
Pittman
Center
Gatlinburg Welcome Center
National Park
Information Center
ek
Tra
il
Walland
129
411
Cades Cove
Visitor Center
For all purchase locations,
see go.nps.gov/GRSMfees.
Hartford
ek Trail
Cre
Abrams
Creek
Parking tags are available outside
the park at Great Smokies Welcome
Center in Townsend, Gatlinburg
Welcome Center, Swain County Visitor
Center, and select area businesses.
ill
Exit
443
416
321
Located at Sugarlands Visitor
Center, Cades Cove Loop Entrance,
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area,
Newfound Gap, Oconaluftee
Visitor Center, Deep Creek Picnic
Area, Clingmans Dome, Greenbrier,
Cosby, Big Creek, Townsend Wye,
Look Rock, and Cataloochee.
Located at Sugarlands, Great Smoky
Mountains Institute at Tremont,
Cades Cove, Oconaluftee, and
Clingmans Dome (closed in winter).
th
To Newport
ay
a il
411
o
Fo
w
ar k
s P
Tr
129
MARYVILLE
32
Cosby
Forge Creek Road closes December 31, opens March 1
Little Greenbrier Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Straight
Fork Road closed, open March 29
Clingmans Dome Road closed, opens April 1
Rich Mtn. Road and Parson Branch Road closed, open April 12
Heintooga Ridge and Heintooga/Round Bottom Road closed, open May 10
321
• Available 24 hours per day
• Accepts credit/debit only
• Daily and weekly tags only
321
SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURES
Parking tags may be purchased at
locations designated by these symbols
on the map:
Automated Fee
Machine (AFM)
SEVIERVILLE
ay
To Knoxville
Parking tag
purchase locations
within the park
To I-40
CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST
Exit
447
441
PIGEON FORGE
321
All roads are subject to temporary closures due to dangerous driving conditions.
73
321
Gab
N OR TH C AROL
IN
Mount
Cammerer
Hen Wallow Falls
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
closed for winter
Mount
Cammerer
Trail
40
n t e r)
wi
in
d
Parson Branch Rd
closed for winter
i
rs
Pa osed
(cl
n
)
ter
wi n
R
at
i
l
Fontana
Juney Whank Falls
Goldmine
Loop
Trail
La
Lake
Twentymile
H
RT
vie
wD
r
Ap p
al a
Swain County
Visitor Center
28
Maggie
Valley
19
Museum of the
Cherokee People
Q UA L L A B O U N DA RY
(Eastern Band of
Cherokee Indians land)
Soco Gap
Parking tag
purchase locations
(see left column)
Soco
Falls
Current/upcoming
construction
(see nps.gov/grsm)
Horseback
Riding (rental)
Picnic Areas
Camping
Major Hwys
Major Roads
Paved Roads
SYLVA
NANTAHALA
NATIONAL
FOREST
441
23
Select Trails
Closed Roads
B
rk w
Gravel Roads
28
WAYNESVILLE
Restrooms
23
74
143
To
Asheville
Dellwood
e Pa
©GSMA 2023
Parkw
ay
Trail
Santeetlah
Lake
129
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park occupies
the traditional lands of the Cherokee (ᏣᎳᎩ, Tsalagi),
now the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians,
the Cherokee Nation, and the United Keetoowah
Band of the Cherokee.
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JOYCE
KILMER - SLICKROCK
WILDERNESS AREA
g
e R id
441
74
276
Heintooga Ridge Rd and
Heintooga/Round Bottom Rd
closed for winter
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lue R
ch
Co
ve
Ro Cre
ad ek
Mingo
Falls
19
Deep
Creek
BRYSON
CITY
Balsam
Mountain
ad
Oconaluftee River
Trail
CHEROKEE
ia
NO
ke
Juney Whank
Falls Trail
Boogerman
Loop
Trail
Ro
Blu
441
Indian
Creek Falls
Tom Branch Falls
PISGAH
NATIONAL
FOREST
Cataloochee
Exit 20
Co
ve
Mountain
Farm Museum
Loop
Trail
Twentymile
Cascade
FONTANA
VILLAGE
Mingus
Oconaluftee Mill
Visitor Center
Hazel Creek
Trail
K
AR
Smokemont
Loop
Trail
Trail
Clingmans Dome Rd
closed for winter
P
NAL
Smokemont
Bone Valley
Trail
il
Big
i
ch
ala
Chasteen
Creek Falls
rk
Kan
ra i
ty m
Old NC 284/Old
Cataloochee Rd
Mount Guyot
Straight Fork Rd
closed for winter
Kephart
Prong
Trail
Clingmans Dome
Visitor Center
eT
Tw e n
Lake
Cheoah
I
M O U N TA I N S
Andrews Bald
ac h i a n
Twentymile
Loop Trail
Wolf
Ridge
Trail
Deals
Gap
OL
SMOKY
IO
N AT
Newfound
Gap
Trail
Forge Creek Rd
closes Dec. 31
ad
Calderwood
Lake
NA
Chimney
Tops Chimney Tops
Charlies
Bunion
ek
Ro
CA
TE
NN
ES
E
SE
Alum Cave
Bluffs
Middle Prong
Trail
Big Creek
Trail
Thunderhead
Mountain
129
CHEROKEE
NATIONAL
FOREST
re
sC
ke
Ja
Ramsey
Cascades
Bi g
B
h
p Trail
an
Cre
on
c
ra n
Alum Cave
Trail
Clingmans
Dome
App
al
• Open business hours
(see page 2)
• Accepts cash or credit/debit
• Daily, weekly, and annual
tags available
b er Ga
Fern Branch
Falls
Deep
Chilhowee
cum
Cades Cove
Trail
Visitor Center
Cu
Mount
Le Conte
Rainbow
Falls
ek
T
il
ra
il
Tra
lls
G R E AT
Daisy
Town
Lit
tle
il
Tra
d
m
sF
a
Elkmont
lls
re
r
ve
tR
Ab
ra
Abrams
Falls
(c
Little
GSM Institute
at Tremont
Lynn Camp
Prong
Cascades
r i ll
iu
Tra m Gap
il
Ri
on
e
los
b
Traow F
il a
des Trail
sca
Mouse
Creek
Falls
Porters
Flat
Grotto
Falls
T
in
Ra
Meigs
Falls
a
Ramsey C
Sugarlands
Visitor Center
r
Rive
Tre m
Schoolhouse
Gap Trail
Red light
#8
Road
Trail
Heritage
Center
Look Rock
Tower
Fighting Creek
Trail
Little
Greenbrier Laurel
School
Falls Laurel Falls
73
l
op Trai
ut T
stn
Ch e
Cataract
Falls
Little
Greenbrier Road
Ap p
321
Townsend
Rich Mountain Rd
closed for winter
Little Brier
Gap Trail
Po r t e r s C
Fo
o
t hi
Great Smokies
Welcome Center
GATLINBURG
Wears
Valley
Tr
Metcalf Bottoms
ll s
Pa
ay
rk w
Pa
ills
Lo
w
Tra Gap
il
Fo
To Chattanooga
h
F o ot
A
es M ounta i n
Greenbrier
y
rk wa
TENNESSEE
Exit 451
32
Cosby
Pittman
Center
Gatlinburg Welcome Center
National Park
Information Center
ek
Tra
il
Walland
129
411
Cades Cove
Visitor Center
For all purchase locations,
see go.nps.gov/GRSMfees.
Hartford
ek Trail
Cre
Abrams
Creek
Parking tags are available outside
the park at Great Smokies Welcome
Center in Townsend, Gatlinburg
Welcome Center, Swain County Visitor
Center, and select area businesses.
ill
Exit
443
416
321
Located at Sugarlands Visitor
Center, Cades Cove Loop Entrance,
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area,
Newfound Gap, Oconaluftee
Visitor Center, Deep Creek Picnic
Area, Clingmans Dome, Greenbrier,
Cosby, Big Creek, Townsend Wye,
Look Rock, and Cataloochee.
Located at Sugarlands, Great Smoky
Mountains Institute at Tremont,
Cades Cove, Oconaluftee, and
Clingmans Dome (closed in winter).
th
To Newport
ay
a il
411
o
Fo
w
ar k
s P
Tr
129
MARYVILLE
32
Cosby
Forge Creek Road closes December 31, opens March 1
Little Greenbrier Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Straight
Fork Road closed, open March 29
Clingmans Dome Road closed, opens April 1
Rich Mtn. Road and Parson Branch Road closed, open April 12
Heintooga Ridge and Heintooga/Round Bottom Road closed, open May 10
321
• Available 24 hours per day
• Accepts credit/debit only
• Daily and weekly tags only
321
SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURES
Parking tags may be purchased at
locations designated by these symbols
on the map:
Automated Fee
Machine (AFM)
SEVIERVILLE
ay
Words with a Ranger
Continued from page 1
Smokies family is second to none,
and I’ve made many of my most
cherished memories hiking and
camping here with my loved ones.
Winter is typically a quiet
season in the mountains, but
there will still be plenty going on
behind the scenes. A few projects
we’ll be working on include constructing an accessible campsite at
Look Rock Campground, upgrading campground water systems at
Balsam Mountain, and restoring
the final historic cabin in Elkmont.
Meanwhile, our roads, custodial,
and utilities teams will be waking up early and staying out late
so the rest of us can continue to
enjoy the Smokies.
Road crews based in Cherokee,
Gatlinburg, and Cades Cove are
out seven days a week maintaining roadways and keeping
them clear of rocks, trees, ice,
and snow—sometimes 24 hours
a day. Our custodial and grounds
employees arrive early—often
before sunrise—to clear walkways
and make sure visitor centers and
restrooms are clean and accessible. Every day, utility operators
conduct testing and repairs to
ensure we maintain a potable
water supply for drinking fountains and toilets.
If all goes smoothly, the hard
work and many different jobs of
the facilities management team
will fade into the background
as you explore the Great Smoky
Mountains this winter. Just be
sure to pay attention to road
signs, avoid relying entirely on
your phone for directions, and
make a back-up plan. Some roads
or facilities may be closed due
to dangerous conditions, but
there’s still plenty to see and
do even when wintry weather
strikes. Visiting the park is about
the experience—not always the
destination.
BIN IT FO R TH E B E A R S
Help protect bears by packing out all trash and food waste
and using bear-proof dumpsters in the park.
Raccoon and firewood pest
illustrations by Lisa Horstman.
All others by Emma Oxford.
LE AV E O N LY
FOOT PRINT S
Writing on or carving into trees,
stones, or structures can cause
permanent damage—it’s also a
crime! Taking a photo is always
a better way to remember your
time in the Smokies and helps
preserve the park for others too.
K E E P PE T S O N D ESIG N AT E D T R AI L S
Remember that the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee
River Trail are the only pet-friendly trails in the park.
All pets must be kept on a leash no longer
than six feet at all times.
Smokies Guide Winter 2023-24 • 8
PLE A S E LE AV E YO U R
F I R E WOO D AT H O M E
Use only heat-treated or dead and down
wood within the park. Harmful pests can
hitchhike into the park on your firewood,
which could kill millions of trees.
A LWAYS U S E TH E R U LE O F TH U M B
When viewing wildlife, hold your arm out
straight. If you can’t cover the animal in your line
of sight with your thumb, you’re too close!
Smokies Guide Winter 2023-24 • 9
the park’s partners in helping to protect this special
IF YOU LOVE THE SMOKIES Join
place for future generations
Great Smoky
Mountains Association
Great Smoky
Mountains
Association
(GSMA) brings
people of all
backgrounds
together as
advocates and stewards to honor,
sustain, and protect Great Smoky
Mountains National Park.
GSMA operates the park’s official bookstores, publishes books
and other high-quality media
about the Smokies, and supports
the park’s educational, scientific,
and historical preservation efforts.
Since 1953, GSMA has contributed more than $47 million to the
national park.
Become a GSMA member today
by visiting SmokiesInformation.
org or call us at 888.898.9102,
ext. 257.
Interested in working in the
park? GSMA is currently hiring
for retail and information desk
positions! Rates begin at $15/hr.
plus opportunities for monthly
bonuses. Apply online at SmokiesInformation.org/employment.
GSMA members enjoy...
• Bi-annual
Smokies Life
journal
• Smokies LIVE
e-newsletter
• Discounts
at park bookstores and local
businesses
• Exclusive group hikes and
expert-led events
Discover Life in America
Friends of the Smokies
Since 1993, Friends of the Smokies
has raised over $85 million to assist
GSMNP in
providing
visitors a safe,
memorable
experience
while
protecting the
park’s historic
and natural
resources.
Every year, the park requests
funding for projects and programs
that would be unfulfilled without
support from Friends.
Examples include:
• Trail rehabilitation
• Preservation of historic
structures
• Facility repairs, upgrades,
and renovations
• Accessibility improvements
• First responder equipment
and training
• Educational programs
for 10,000+ students
• Conservation and wildlife
management
Learn more and become a ‘Friend’ at
FriendsOfTheSmokies.org.
Discover Life
in America
(DLiA) is
devoted to
cataloging
every living
species in the Smokies through the
All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory. This
ongoing project helps the National
Park Service better understand and
protect the 21,000 kinds of organisms
documented in the Smokies, with
more discovered every day.
DLiA also offers internship,
volunteer, community science, and
education opportunities that provide
firsthand experiences in the Smokies,
promote the importance of biodiversity, and foster stewardship of
the natural world. Learn how you
can support DLiA at dlia.org or call
865.430.4757.
Join the discovery!
Record life
in the park
with the
iNaturalist
app! dlia.org
GSMNP
BY THE NUMBERS
Tremont
Great Smoky
Mountains
Institute at
Tremont offers
kids and adults
an opportunity
to connect with nature through
immersive, multi-day experiences
in the national park. Through
residential workshops, summer
camps, and school programs,
Tremont promotes curiosity and
inspires learning for thousands of
individuals each year.
Adult workshops include the
Southern Appalachian Naturalist
Certification program, photography
courses, backpacking adv