November 1, 2018

WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2:00 AM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND

High wind speeds up to 60 mph and the incoming storm have caused temporary road closures in the Smokies. US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) and Cherokee Orchard/Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail above the Twin Creeks facility are closed due to high winds.
LeConte Lodge remains open as we have not been instructed by the NPS to close and some roads/trails are still accessible. Brushy Mountain Trail out of Greenbrier remains accessible, and hiking up Bull Head Trail from Twin Creeks adds an additional mile one-way. The same can be said for Rainbow Falls while open on weekends.  Guests not already on trail before the road closures and day hikers still looking to summit today should use caution being out in such conditions.
Guests with reservations for Friday, November 2nd should plan accordingly, continuing to follow GSMNP and LeConte Lodge social media for updates. GSMNP will assess roads/trails once the storm subsides early tomorrow morning. The number of downed trees, if any, will determine any timetable for reopening US 441 and Cherokee Orchard Road. Again, LeConte Lodge remains open at this time. We will continue to provide updates as we receive them. Thank you.