The Smokies most visited area for wildlife viewing, scenic scares, and motor nature trails will be closed for 2 months in 2020. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will shut down main access roads to Cades Cove and Cataloochee beginning January 3rd.
Cades Cove
Laurel Creek Road, the access road to Cades Cove, will close to all forms of traffic. Winter construction will take place on the Bote Mountain Tunnel to treat temperature sensitive repairs as well as cracks within. With these repairs, winter hazards from leaks will be less likely during the cold months. Plans have a completion date by February 29th for visitors to travel through. Additionally, crews will have single lane closures during March through June for re-paving and repairs.
Cataloochee
The North Carolina Department of Tourism will close Cove Creek Road for repairs on a slide. Cataloochee area will be accessible by Highway 284 however, it is a gravel back road which is can close due to winter weather. The Cataloochee Campground can be expected to reopen by March 26th for visitors.
