Great Smoky Mountains National Park Closes Cades Cove Loop Road

Temporary closure to allow for hazardous tree removal

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced that the Cades Cove Loop Road will be temporarily closed to all users from February 23 to February 27 to allow for the removal of hazardous trees. The road is expected to reopen by noon on Friday.

Why it matters

Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, attracting millions of visitors each year to see the historic buildings, wildlife, and scenic vistas. The temporary closure of the loop road will impact access and visitation to this iconic area of the park.

The details

The National Park Service said the Cades Cove Loop Road will be closed to all users, including vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, from February 23 to February 27 to allow park staff to remove hazardous trees along the roadway. This maintenance work is necessary to ensure the safety of visitors traveling through the area.

  • The Cades Cove Loop Road will be closed from February 23 to February 27, 2026.
  • The road is expected to reopen by noon on Friday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A 521,490-acre national park located in the Appalachian Mountains, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. It is the most visited national park in the United States.

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What’s next

Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are advised to check the park's website and social media channels for the latest updates on the Cades Cove Loop Road closure and reopening.

The takeaway

The temporary closure of the Cades Cove Loop Road is a necessary maintenance measure to ensure the safety of visitors to this popular destination within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the closure will impact access and visitation, it is an important step in preserving the natural resources and infrastructure of this iconic American national park.