Big Creek Trail closures begin May 9 for rehabilitation work
May 3, 2022

Tread and drainage damage; GSMNP

Surface and tread drainage; GSMNP

GSMNP -- Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials will implement a temporary, weekday closure of Big Creek Trail to repair the popular horse and hiker trail. The trail will be fully closed to all use Monday through Thursday, excluding federal holidays, beginning Monday, May 9 through Thursday, July 14 to safely conduct the rehabilitation work. The trail will be fully open Friday through Sunday each week.

The focus of this project is to rehabilitate surface drainage along the entire 5.6-mile Big Creek Trail. Crews will also be making repairs to the tread surface and removing hazard trees and logs along the trail. The full closures are necessary for the safety of crews and hikers due to the use of heavy equipment and sharp tools that will be consistently present on the trail during the project The rehabilitation will improve overall trail safety and protect the park’s natural resources for years to come.

Backcountry campsites 36 and 37 will remain open and can be accessed using routes that do not include Big Creek Trail. For more information about trail closures, please visit the park’s website or call the Backcountry Information Office at 865-436-1297.