Public Review Open for Oconaluftee River Trail Floodplain Findings
August 24, 2026, 6:05 p.m.

GATLINBURG, TN - Great Smoky Mountains National Park is continuing its planning for future improvements to the Oconaluftee River Trail and is inviting the public to review the **Oconaluftee River Trail Floodplain Statement of Findings** through September 7, 2026.

Oconaluftee River floodplain; image by NPS

The 1.6-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail connects the park’s Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum with downtown Cherokee, North Carolina. More than 100,000 visitors use the trail each year.

Because portions of the trail are located within the Oconaluftee River floodplain, the Statement of Findings explains how the National Park Service evaluated flood risks and potential impacts associated with proposed trail improvements.

The improvements are intended to:

- Strengthen connections between the park and the gateway community of Cherokee
- Improve accessibility
- Repair riverbank erosion
- Enhance trail safety
- Improve the overall visitor experience

The park requested public input on the proposed improvements in spring 2026. After reviewing public comments, the NPS will complete the design and environmental compliance processes and seek funding for construction.

To review the Floodplain Statement of Findings, visit the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ORT through September 7.