While you can enjoy the magnificent natural wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park all year long, there are some roads that are closed during the winter months due to the weather. These include some of the roads at higher elevations, such as Kuwohi Road, as well as narrow routes at lower elevations, including the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Therefore, you will want to plan your trip accordingly during any winter visit to the Smokies! Here are some important things to know about GSMNP road closures:
1. Popular Roads That are Scheduled to be Closed in the Winter Months
Several popular roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are scheduled to be closed each year during the winter, including Kuwohi Road. This scenic two-lane paved road that runs from Newfound Gap Road to Kuwohi Visitor Center is subject to snow, ice, and other hazardous weather conditions, so it is closed annually from December to March.
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is also closed from December to April because it is a narrow, one-way road with steep sections that can be severely impacted by winter weather. Some of the other roads that are closed on a regular seasonal basis include Heintooga Ridge Road, Little Greenbrier Road, Parson Branch Road, Forge Creek Road, and Rich Mountain Road.
2. Other Roads that May Be Temporarily Closed Due to Weather Conditions
In addition to the scheduled seasonal road closures in the Smokies, there are other roads that may be closed due to inclement weather. Some of the roads that are most likely to close first due to snow and ice include Upper Tremont Road, Wear Cove Road, and Cataloochee Road. Note that on Wear Cove Road, motorhomes, buses, and vans longer than 25 feet (as well as passenger vehicles towing trailers) are prohibited on this narrow, two-way road at any time of year. Popular destinations like Cades Cove Loop Road are open all year round, but even this road can be closed temporarily during severe weather to ensure visitor safety.
3. Planning Your Visit Around the GSMNP Road Closures
Despite any road closures, you can still visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the winter by focusing on areas that are typically open, such as those along Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove Loop Road. If you have your heart set on visiting Kowohi during the winter months, Kuwohi Road is still accessible by foot from Newfound Gap (7 miles in each direction), and some folks even enjoy cross-country skiing to the summit! Always check the latest weather updates before your visit and be prepared for the winter conditions when exploring the hiking trails.
While there may be some seasonal road closures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the winter months, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have an amazing visit at this time of year! Check out these tips for planning a perfect day in the Smoky Mountains in the winter!
