Some Areas Reopen as Wildfires Continue in Great Smoky Mountains

One fire is fully contained while another is 75% contained, allowing some trails and campsites to reopen.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:33pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, depicting the vast, majestic scale of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with the natural environment dominating the scene and any man-made structures or trails obscured by the dramatic, hazy fog.The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a natural wonder shrouded in the mist of a wildfire's aftermath.Gatlinburg Today

The National Park Service has announced that one of the two wildfires burning in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now 100% contained, while the other is 75% contained. As a result, several trails and campsites that were previously closed have now reopened, though some areas remain off-limits as firefighters continue to monitor the situation.

Why it matters

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular tourist destination, and the wildfires have forced the closure of several popular trails and campsites, disrupting visitor access and impacting the local economy. The gradual reopening of these areas is a positive sign that the situation is improving, though the park remains vigilant as firefighting efforts continue.

The details

The Rabbit Creek Fire, which was first reported on March 22, is now 100% contained, with firefighters continuing to monitor the area. The Fox Gap Fire, which was first reported on March 26, is estimated at 112 acres and is 75% contained. As a result of the progress made in containing the fires, Backcountry Campsite 93 and Twentymile Trail from the Twentymile Ranger Station to the intersection with Twentymile Loop Trail and Long Hungry Ridge Trail have reopened. However, Backcountry Campsites 16, Rabbit Creek Trail from Abrams Creek Campground to Hannah Mountain Trail, Cooper Road Trail from Abrams Creek Campground to Little Bottoms Trail, and Abrams Creek Campground Road remain closed to allow fire crews to safely access the area.

  • The Rabbit Creek Fire was first reported on March 22.
  • The Fox Gap Fire was first reported on March 26.
  • As of March 30, the Rabbit Creek Fire is 100% contained, and the Fox Gap Fire is 75% contained.

The players

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A popular national park located in Tennessee and North Carolina, known for its diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and natural beauty.

Cherokee National Forest

A national forest located in Tennessee, which is assisting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in fighting the wildfires.

Nantahala National Forest

A national forest located in North Carolina, which is also assisting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in fighting the wildfires.

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What’s next

Firefighters will continue to monitor the Rabbit Creek and Fox Gap Fires to ensure they remain contained, and the National Park Service will gradually reopen more trails and campsites as the situation improves.

The takeaway

The gradual reopening of trails and campsites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a positive sign that the wildfires are being brought under control, though the park remains vigilant as firefighting efforts continue. The cooperation between various agencies in fighting the fires has been crucial in minimizing the impact on the park and its visitors.