Abrams Falls and Beard Cane trails closed due to storm damage
April 1, 2011
Abrams Falls Trail; image by Jeaneane Payne
GATLINBURG, TN -– Abrams Falls Trail and the Beard Cane Trail near Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed due to extensive damage from the wind and rain during Wednesday evening's storms. The trails have many downed trees and the trail surface was washed out in several areas.
Abrams Falls Trail is closed from its trailhead at Cades Cove to the Hatcher Mountain Trail junction. The Park estimates the popular Abrams Falls Trail will remain closed through Friday, May 6. There is no reopening estimate for Beard Cane which is closed from Cooper Rd. Trail to Ace Gap Trail. The trail blockages have also caused the closure of backcountry campsites 3 and 11.
The Park's acting Chief Ranger Steve Kloster said, "The west end of the Park in Blount County, Tenn. was hit hard by the storms. At this point we have not had the chance to assess the condition of the trails in the western end of the Park, so hikers and, especially equestrians, may want to consider planning their routes in other areas of the Park." |