Severe rainfall caused a landslide on Newfound Gap Road, also known as US 441, between mile markers 12 and 13, causing the National Park Service to temporarily close a portion of the road on the Tennessee side. Because of the landslide, which occurred on August 1, 2025, this section of Newfound Gap Road is impassable. The park service says about 100 feet of the roadway were undercut by rising water from Walker Camp Prong, affecting the southbound lane. Continue reading as we share everything you need to know about the closure of the Tennessee side of Newfound Gap Road:
Areas & Trails Impacted By Closure
Here are what areas are currently impacted by the closure of Newfound Gap Road on the Tennessee side:
- The closure of Newfound Gap Road stretches from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Newfound Gap. All facilities and trails located along that stretch, like Chimney Tops, Alum Cave, Cove Hardwood Nature Trail, as well as others, are impacted. Sugarlands Visitor Center remains open.
- Hikers starting at the Sugarlands Visitor Center can not travel up Newfound Gap Road until repairs are completed.
- You cannot reach Kuwohi from the Tennessee side. It can still be accessed from the North Carolina side via Oconaluftee.
- Newfound Gap Overlook is accessible but only via the North Carolina side.
Alternate Routes Between North Carolina & Tennessee
Visitors with plans of visiting the Smoky Mountains from North Carolina (or vice versa) should use Interstate 40 as an alternate route.
- Follow all detour and closure signs.
- I-40 is currently down to 1 lane in each direction near the border following ongoing construction necessitated by damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
- Expect longer travel times.
Guests can also take I-81 to 1-26 to reach the Smoky Mountains from North Carolina.
What to Know Before Visiting
- The North Carolina side of Newfound Gap Road is currently open but without through access to Tennessee. Guests can travel this portion of the road, but must turn around at the Newfound Gap Overlook. Visitors can still visit Kuwohi, but must access it from the North Carolina side.
- The road is closed between Sugarlands and Newfound Gap. Follow all signs and do not enter any closed areas.
- It’s currently unclear how long the closure of Newfound Gap on the Tennessee side will last as repairs require structural assessment and reconstruction.
- Keep up with the latest updates on closures by visiting the National Park Service’s closures page.
Places You Can Still Visit in the National Park
The good news is that plenty of other awesome places in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are still accessible. If you had plans to visit an area that is currently inaccessible along Newfound Gap Road, here are several alternatives:
- Cades Cove
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Grotto Falls Trail
- Abrams Falls Trail
- The Sinks
- Elkmont
- Cataloochee
These are just a few of the many fun places you can still visit!
You’re all up to speed on the closure of Newfound Gap Road on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you were planning to enjoy a relaxing scenic drive along Newfound Gap Road, there’s no need to worry. Check out some of the other scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains you can experience!
