Cades Cove Loop Rd. Closes Temporarily

Park officials have tentatively scheduled to close the Cades Cove Loop Road on November 28th and 29th to treat Hemlock trees for the hemlock woolly adelgid.

The Park Service will confirm the closing on November 27, 2006.

Some Smokies Trails Remain Closed

Ace Gap, Crooked Arm Ridge, Gregory Bald, Hannah Mountain, Indian Grave Gap, Jakes Creek, Lower Mount Cammerer, Lumber Ridge, Lynn Camp Prong, Middle Prong, Miry Ridge, Panther Creek, Rich Mountain, Rich Mountain Loop, and the West Prong trails remain closed to horseback riders.

Park official also have closed the following trails to horseback riders, hikers and bicylists due to fallen trees, sinkholes and debris:

Albright Grove Trail, Chestnut Top Trail, Cove Mountain Trail, Grapeyard Ridge Trail, Maddron Bald Trail, Meigs Creek Trail, and the Old Settlers Trail.

Crews are working to clear the trails as quickly as possible, but some trails will continue to be closed throughout the winter.

Hiking Not Recommended on Certain Trails

Albright Grove Trail, Chestnut Top Trail, Cove Mountain Trail, Grapeyard Ridge Trail, Maddron Bald Trail, Meigs Creek Trail, Old Settlers Trail, Sugarlands Mountain Trail and Rainbow Falls Trail are not recommended for use due to the large number of trees down.

The Appalachian Trail between Doe Knob and Spence Field, as well as Crib Gap have been re-opened.