Note: Because of slow moving traffic it may take over an hour to drive the six miles from the start of Cades Cove Loop Road to programs at the Cades Cove Visitor Center/Cable Mill Historic Area
Click here to see the fall schedule for the family and Junior Rangers.
Click here to see the
facilities operating schedule (campgrounds, picnic areas, etc.).
UPDATE ON ROAD AND FACILITY PROJECTS
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced new completion dates for several construction projects that are underway to improve Park roads and facilities. Severe winter weather conditions and delays in awarding certain contracts have resulted in revised work schedules and opening dates for some of these projects.
Many rehabilitation projects, with funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and previously-authorized Federal Lands Highway Program funds, are underway or are soon to start. Extensions of original completion dates have been granted for several of the construction projects as indicated below:
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – A new completion date is to be determined. The work involves resurfacing the 5.6 mile road with asphalt concrete pavement and will include resurfacing all existing parking areas, trailheads, and roadside pullouts.
Foothills Parkway (Cocke County) - The repaving of this road will begin in late May and is scheduled for completion on Tuesday, August 31. Note: During this period of construction, the road will be closed to all public use for a four week period. The dates of this closure have not been determined but will be posted on the Park's website.
Little River and Jakes Creeks Trailheads – The trailheads will be closed from July 6 through August 31 and will affect trailhead parking. Due to the lack of available trailhead parking, visitors are advised to utilize other Park trails during this period. The trailhead work will result in paved parking spaces.
The construction of bridge 2 on the unopened segment of the Foothills Parkway on the Sevier County end of the “Missing Link” began this spring. All public use (walkers, cyclists, and equestrians) is now prohibited since heavy construction equipment will be traveling the roadway.
Improvements to the Cosby Campground and Cades Cove Loop Road have been completed, as well as the painting and/or reroofing of 65 comfort stations in picnic and campground areas.
The Park’s website, www.nps.gov/grsm, is the best source for obtaining up-to-date information on the status of the projects and opening dates of facilities and how each project may affect visitor access to certain areas, i.e., trailheads. The site also provides a map outlining the project areas with details on the type of work being accomplished.
