Little River Trail closure extended
Published September 11, 2023; 12:01 p.m.

GATLINBURG, TN - Hampered by rainstorms earlier this summer, Great Smoky Mountains National Park trail crew needs one extra week of work to finish repairs of the Little River Trail. The trail will be open this weekend for hikers, and will be closed Monday, September 11 through Thursday, September 14 before reopening fully on Friday, September 15.

The closure is required while crews use heavy equipment to reestablish the drainage system along the trail, which is part of an old roadbed. Little River Trail, which starts in the Elkmont area, offers a wide, easily navigable path through the forest. The trail work will improve accessibility for visitors.

Backpackers who already have permits that use the Little River Trail will be allowed to pass through the closure area to access their backcountry campsites by showing trail crew members the printed copy of their permit.