GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WOKI) — Great Smoky Mountains National Park will temporarily close the popular Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail on September 24 from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. to allow crews to safely complete roadside mowing and other maintenance work.
Park officials said the closure is necessary because Roaring Fork is a narrow, single-lane road with steep roadsides located in one of the park’s busiest visitor areas. The temporary shutdown will provide maintenance crews with adequate space to work safely while minimizing risks to motorists and pedestrians.
During the closure, the park will block access at the entrance to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Visitors will still be able to drive the Cherokee Orchard Road loop and access several popular hiking destinations, including:
- Old Sugarlands Trail
- Rainbow Falls Trail
- Trillium Gap Trail
- Twin Creeks Trail
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is one of the park’s most visited scenic drives, known for its historic buildings, mountain streams, forests, and access to numerous hiking trails near Gatlinburg.
Park officials encourage visitors planning a trip to the area on Sept. 24 to account for the temporary closure and check the park’s website for updated information on road conditions, construction projects, and other closures before arriving.
The road is expected to reopen once maintenance activities are completed later that afternoon.
