Several trails that have been closed due to the Chimney Tops 2 Fire have re-opened say Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials. Hikers are asked to stay on established trails and be cautious of trail hazards, such as overhead limbs, throughout the park.
The popular Gatlinburg Trail, which allows dogs, is again open. Also re-opened are Sugurlands Valley Nature Trail, Huskey Gap Trail, Backcountry campsite #21, and the quiet walkways along Newfound Gap Road between Sugarlands Visitor Center and Newfound Gap.
Please be aware that the following trails and campsites are currently closed due to fire or storm damage: Chimney Top Trail, Ramsey Cascades Trail, Road Prong Trail, Cove Mountain Trail, Sugarlands Mountains Trail from Mt. Collins Shelter to Little River Road, Rough Creek Trail, Old Sugarlands Trail, Twin Creeks Trail, Bull Head Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, Trillium Gap Trail, Baskins Creek Trail, Grapeyard Ridge Trail from Campsite #32 to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Noah Bud Ogle Nature Trail, Cove Hardwood Nature Trail, the Sugarlands Horse Concessions Trails, backcountry campsite #11, and Scott Mountain Trail from campsite #5 to Schoolhouse Gap (campsite #6 is open.)
Please note that there is still a burn ban in effect not only for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but also for Sevier and Blount Counties. Campfires nor open grills are allowed in the national park until further notice.
As the Great Smoky Mountains wildfire relief effort continues, we wanted to give everyone a progress update and let you know of some current needs as of December 8, 2016. We are happy to announce the following areas will re-open to the public on Friday, December 9th: City of Gatlinburg, The Spur, Gatlinburg By-pass, Sugarlands Visitor Center, Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road.
We cannot begin to express our gratitude for the many folks who’ve come to the aid and rescue of Sevier County, TN and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Firefighters, families, and good people from across the country have made an everlasting impact on the people who live and work here.
Local Rotary Clubs have joined forces and are now managing the two Pigeon Forge Distribution Centers and In-Kind Donations. The Distribution Center at Boyd’s Bears is at capacity and no longer taking donations. Donations (small pick-up trucks or less) can be made at the former Smoky Mountain Jubilee Theater located at 2115 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. The Smoky Mountain Jubilee Donation Center is open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Please note that the donation center is not accepting any more used clothing or bottled water. What is still needed is NEW CLOTHING: winter coats of all sizes, warm gloves for all ages and sizes, athletic shoes in all sizes, men’s work boots in all sizes, men’s underwear in Large, XL, XXL, and men’s and ladies’ work gloves along with duffle bags, and suitcases.
Other needs are personal hygiene items, OTC cold medicines, laundry detergent, non-perishable food items, paper bowls, plastic wear, can openers, scissors, school supplies, brooms, mops and buckets, rakes and shovels, and water hoses. Food items needed are flour, sugar, cereal, and instant coffee and creamer. The donation centers/shelters are serving about 3,000 people a day.
By the Numbers Update
2,460 structures have been destroyed or damaged in the wildfires; 191 injuries and illnesses; 14 confirmed fatalities.
406 members of the Type 1 Federal Incident Management Team are still fighting the Chimney Top 2 Fire. This includes 8 crews, 34 engines, 3 helicopters, and 1 dozer. The Chimney Top 2 Fire is estimated at 82% containment. The Cobbly Nob Fire is estimated at 89% containment. The Incident Management Team remains confident that their containment lines are very secure in all areas near homes and businesses.
2 teenagers from Tennessee, but not Sevier County, have been charged with aggravated arson for the Chimney Top 2 Fire. The public responding to the National Park’s tip line was crucial in making the arrest. The investigation is still active and ongoing according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Sevier County government agencies have organized a website, www.mountaintough.org to provide up-to-date information on a variety of topics related to the recent wildfires. They’ve also set up the call center hotline, East Tennessee 211, to connect local residents with a full-range of community services and agencies of United Way. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. EST. Those outside the local area may each the call center at 865-215-4211.
December 1, 2016 VISITOR ALERT – Some areas are now open, like Cades Cove Loop Road, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Downtown Gatlinburg Parkway and River Road hope to be open back to the public by Wednesday, December 7, 2016. This visitor alert report comes from this morning’s press conference in Gatlinburg along with local reports and information from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Thank you firefighters, rescue workers and policemen from all over who’ve helped the Smokies! (photo: National Forest Service)
The Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, NC has re-opened; however, Sugarlands Visitor Center and Clingmans Dome remain closed due to wildfires and smoke. Highway 441, Little River Road, Cherokee Orchard Road, and Parsons Branch also remain closed.
For the latest information on what trails and areas are closed in the national park, visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the latest from the National Park Service. The threat of fire in the area is still extremely high despite recent rainfalls, all visitors and residents alike are asked to please exercise caution.
In Gatlinburg, from the post office, located on Highway 321 East, to city limits on the east side of town is now open to the public. Even though city officials hope to have both the Gatlinburg Parkway (Highway 441) and River Road open to the public by Wednesday, December 7, the side streets will remain closed until deemed safe.
Many roads within Sevier County should be open by the weekend according to County Mayor, Larry Waters. Areas in the county that will not open are Wiley Oakley/North Chalet Village, Westgate Resort area, and Beech Branch/Walker Trail area.
Wildfire Search and Recovery Efforts Ongoing in Gatlinburg and Sevier County
Reports today increased the wildfire coverage to over 17,000 acres with the damage half in the National Park and half in Sevier County.
Officials stated that three people were rescued yesterday. Two people were rescued from an elevator in Westgate Resort and another rescued at a home on Ski Mountain. About 70% of the affected area still needs to be checked by rescue teams. The number of wildfire victims remains at seven with the number of injured people treated at LeConte Medical Center up to 53. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) still cannot release the identities of victims. Approximately 240 people remained in the two area shelters overnight.
A Facebook Page, Chimney Tops 2 Fire has been set-up to act as a general clearinghouse for both residents and visitors seeking information on property. Officials are currently setting up a GIS mapping system so that home owners can check on their properties; there will be a link on the Facebook page to the map. The map will be updated on a regular basis.
The Sevier County Humane Society is working with animal control officers and others to check homes for pet owners whose pets are missing. If you have a missing pet, please visit the Humane Society’s Facebook Page and give a detailed description with your street address.
How You Can Donate To Smoky Mountains Wildfire Relief Efforts
The amount of in-kind donations has been so overwhelming that officials have asked for a halt on all in-kind donations at this time. For those wishing to make donations, a donation clearinghouse of sorts has been set up at Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg to help direct your donation to the appropriate agency; you may call them at 865-430-7384 or 866-586-4483.
The Dolly Parton Foundation has also stepped up to serve the community by organizing the My People Fund where each family in Sevier County who’s lost their home will receive $1,000 each month for six months to get back on their feet. Dolly Parton is asking her fans world-wide to donate and make this big dream come true for her beloved people in the Smoky Mountains.
Another press conference will be held at 4:00 p.m. today. We’ll keep you posted on the latest news at HeySmokies.com.
November, 28, 2016 VISITOR ALERT: This report on Wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been compiled from official press releases issued by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) throughout the day. This afternoon ashes from the fire were falling like snowflakes in Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. The sky was an eerie shade of yellow with the sun glowing like an orange moon in the sky.
Wildfire at Chimney Tops in GSMNP as seen from NewFound Gap Road 11.27.16. (photo: GSMNP)
Several park roads, trails, campsites and shelters are closed for safety. Due to erratic winds, the fire is very unpredictable. An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the National Park Service. For a complete listing of closures in the park, visit GSMNP Visitor Advisory Alerts.
Concentrations of particulate matter from smoke, along with the strong winds from the south has exceeded the human health standard. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory and pulmonary disease are at risk. People should refrain from strenuous or prolonged physical outdoor activities and limit exposure.
At 1:00 p.m today on Monday, November 28, 2016, Great Smoky Mountains National Park recorded average wind speeds of 20 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. The forecast is for wind speed to increase throughout the night. Fire growth is expected. The park continues to experience very dry conditions with relative humidity less than 50%. Because of extreme weather conditions today, air crews were unable to fly to view the fires or drop water in suppression efforts. According to the National Park Service, wind gusts of up to 85 mph are being predicted.
Fortunately, rain is in the weather forecast for tonight. According to Knoxville’s WBIR-TV meteorologist Todd Howell, the Smokies are expected to see rainfall of 2 to 3.5 inches during the next 48 hours. The station’s viewing area is under a High Wind Advisory until 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2016 with a 60% chance of rain expected. Wednesday, November 29, 2016 is expected to bring more rain at 90%; however, thunderstorms with high winds may accompany this front.
Wildfire at Chimney Tops 11.27.16 (Photo: GSMNP)
The first fire, known as Chimney 2 Fire, started on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 on the north spire of the Chimney Tops. The fire was first reported at less than 2 acres and grew to 8 acres by the following Saturday. Today, reports stated that almost 500 acres was on fire.
Another small fire was reported at approximately 11:35 a.m. today near the Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion off of Cherokee Orchard Road. It is unknown if this is a spot fire from the Chimney 2 Fire or if it is an independent ignition. The cause of the fire near Chimney Tops appears to be human caused and is under investigation. If anyone has information regarding the origin of this fire, or other fires in the park, please call the National Park Service’s Tip Line at 865-436-1580.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee Orchard Road, Elkmont Road, and several trails due to the Chimney 2 Fire. National Park Service fire crews are focusing on suppression efforts to ensure public safety and protect park facilities at locations such as Chimneys Picnic Area.
The fire is currently moving northeast, burning primarily along the ground layer through duff and leaf litter. Gusting winds have caused the fire to spot across the ridges in the Chimney Tops and Bullhead Ridge areas. On Sunday, November 27, three helicopters dropped water throughout the area to help suppress the fire over the extremely steep, rough terrain. Additional ground firefighters from Utah have been brought in to aid with suppression efforts in anticipation of predicted winds for this Monday night.
Backcountry areas are unsafe for travel and the following trails and backcountry campsites are currently closed until further notice. Closed Backcountry Trails include Chimney Tops, Road Prong, Huskey Gap, Sugarland Mountain, Rough Creek, Little River, Cucumber Gap, Jakes Creek, Miry Ridge, Goshen Prong, Old Sugarlands, Bullhead, Rainbow Falls, Alum Cave, Brushy Mountain, Trillium Gap, Baskins Creek, Porters Creek, and Grapeyard Ridge trails. Closed Backcountry Campsites include 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, Mt. Le Conte shelter, and Mt. Collins shelter.
Insider Note: Many folks have wondered why the Dollywood Express steam engine hasn’t been running at Dollywood theme park; well, that’s been due to the extreme drought conditions in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Residents of the Mynatt Park neighborhood near the Twin Creeks area have been asked to voluntarily evacuate as an extra-precautionary measure. HeySmokies is sending extra good thoughts for the firefighters, residents, and visitors to GSMNP. Stay safe everyone! We’ll update again just as soon as possible.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is celebrating Black Friday #OptOutside on November 25, 2016 with 2 Hikes led by Park Rangers. Visitors to the national park in Tennessee and North Carolina have an opportunity to enjoy an autumn hike and explore the Smoky’s fascinating history.
This time of year, when trees are shedding their leaves, you can really see some amazing artifacts in the forest like stone walls, chimneys, and foundations from early settlers’ homes. Each of the free, guided hikes begins at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 25, 2016.
“The Thanksgiving holiday weekend offers a perfect opportunity for people to build memories with friends and family along a trail,” said GSMNP Superintendent Cassius Cash. “Take some time to enjoy the serenity of these special mountains to recharge on your own or to reconnect with your loved ones.”
Since the weather can be quite unpredictable in autumn in the Smokies, remember to dress in layers, bring a rain coat or poncho, and wear sturdy shoes. Park Rangers recommend that hike participants bring a sack lunch, snacks and plenty of water for either of these adventures:
Smokemont History Hike near Cherokee, NC Meet at Smokemont Baptist Church Parking Area @ 10:00 am*
Join a Park Ranger for a visit to the historic Smokemont Baptist Church before you begin a walk along a bit of the Oconaluftee Turnpike, once an 1830’s wagon road over the mountains used by troops during the American Civil War. The walk includes a stop at the Bradley Cemetary. Learn more about Smokemont’s rich history of farming and commericial logging in the days before the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with photographs and stories during this free, guided tour.
*The Smokemont Baptist Church is near the entrance to Smokemont Campground which is located on Newfound Gap Road 3 miles north of Oconaluftee Visitor Center and 5 miles north of Cherokee, NC. Turn at the sign for Smokemont Campground. The parking area is on the right after crossing the bridge.
Old Sugarlands Trail near Gatlinburg, TN Meet at Sugarlands Visitor Center @ 10:00 am 4.5 miles round-trip (approximately 4 hours)
Join a Park Ranger for an out-and-back hike on Old Sugarlands Trail which meanders through the once bustling Sugarlands Community, so named for the abundance of Sugar Maple trees that once grew there. Hikers will pass an old rock quarry that was used to build the first paved roads through the mountains. You’ll also get to explore the ruins of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp while enjoying the natural wonders of these historic mountains.
For more information on other great ranger-led hikes and programs, visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These guided hikes may be cancelled due to inclement weather; please call 865-436-1200.
For more information on other great ranger-led hikes and programs, visit 