GSMNP To Start Hazard Tree Mitigation Project

This week theGreat Smoky Mountains National Park is going to begin their annual hazard tree mitigation along several park roads in the park. Each year about this time, park crews remove hazardous branches and limbs before the winter season along roads in the park. Some road and lane closures will be in place for crew and driver safety while this project is underway.

Crews will first address trees on the Spur on Nov. 18-22 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drivers should plan for single-lane closures and allow extra time for travel next week on the Spur.

Dec. 2nd and 3rd, the park will close the one-way section of Cherokee Orchard Road (after Twin Creeks) to all traffic. During this time, access to the Rainbow Falls trailhead will be restricted. 

Then finally beginning on Dec. 4 and through Dec. 20, crews will mitigate hazard trees on U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee. This work will require single lane closures through the work zone and cause some traffic delays on Newfound Gap Road.