US 441 Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Spur Under Construction

Road work began November 5 and is estimated to continue through early spring of 2009 on the road known as the spur, which accommodates an estimated 11 million visitors annually.

Preliminary work has already begun with single lane closures along the north and southbound lanes, however closures will not be permitted during the holidays.

Along with paving work, three extensive projects are scheduled to be completed including repairing the drainage system and the lighting system in the northbound lane of the tunnel, slope stabilization at Norton Creek Road, where a landslide occurred on the west side of the spur, and work at the Huskey Creek overpass.

The National Park Service will pay an estimated 6.3 million dollars to complete the project.

Cades Cove Rd. Closing Dec. 5th & 6th

Cades Cove Loop Road will be closed to motor vehicles on the 5th and 6th of December for hemlock woolly adelgid spraying and road work. The loop will remain open to all foot traffic on both days.

This will be a unique opportunity for photographers, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts seeking to enjoy the cove without the inconvenience of automobiles.

Ice and Snow Close Newfound Gap Road

The National Park Service closed Newfound Gap Road through the Smoky Mountains Thursday afternoon due to inclement weather conditions. Winter arrived quickly with an overnight low of 19 degrees and 1 and 1/2 inches of snowfall.

The Park Service expects to re-open the road later this afternoon, weather permitting.

Buyer Beware

Pigeon Forge City Commission Tuesday denied a proposed ordinance that would have prohibited the display of all hotel, motel and lodging rates within the city, but they did promise to pass an ordinance that prevents the posting of dishonorable rates on the signs.

City Attorney, Jim Gass said the ordinance he writes will state that rates posted on signs must be honored, or the consequence will be a $50 fine for each infraction. The police department will be expected to enforce the law.

We heartily endorse the new ordinance proposal and hope it is written, passed and enforced as soon as possible. Some innkeepers have been flagrant in their disregard for truth, and it gives the whole area a bad name. So visitors, question every rate you can or get a confirmed rate before you arrive in town.

Popular Areas Closing for Winter Preparation

With winter quickly approaching, the National Park Service will close several popular roads, campgrounds and riding stables over the next few weeks.

The Sugarlands Visitors Center will be open 8 am to 5 pm daily, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center will be open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily and the Cades Cove Visitor Center will be open 9 am to 5 pm daily throughout November.

The Cades Cove Riding Stables will close November 5th, Sugarlands Riding Stables closed November 1st and the Smokemont Riding Stables is closed for the season. The Smoky Mountain Riding Stables will remain open until November 25th. All five horse camps, Round Bottom, Tow String, Big Creek, Anthony Creek and Cataloochee will close November 12th.

Balsam Mountain/Heintooga roads closed November 1st, Parsons Branch and Rich Mountain roads will close November 9th, Round-bottom/Straight Fork roads will close November 12th and the Clingman's Dome and Roaring Fork Motor Trail will close December 1st.

Elkmont Campground will remain open until December 1st and the Cades Cove campground will remain open all year. Balsam Mountain and the remaining self-registering campgrounds are already closed for the season.

LeConte Lodge will close November 20th and re-open in the spring.