TENNESSEE, USA — Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials said that the Greenbrier area will remain temporarily closed beyond the Greenbrier Ranger Station to all motorists and pedestrians through May 15.
The repairs were expected to be complete by April 23, but officials said the work has been delayed due to the availability of construction materials for the Ramsey Prong bridge replacement and the Porters Creek culvert replacement. The full closure remains necessary for visitor safety during the construction process.
According to a press release, Ramsey Cascades Trail, Porters Creek Trail, Grapeyard Ridge Trail, Backcountry Campsite 31, Backcountry Campsite 32, and all manways along the Greenbrier Road will also be closed to visitor use for the duration of the construction closure. Old Settlers and Brushy Mountain Trails will continue to be open, but hikers cannot access these trails from the Greenbrier area during the closure and should plan their routes carefully.
For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/greenbrier-road-sections-temporarily-closed-for-bridge-replacement.htm.
For more information about temporary road closures across the park visit http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm.
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Safety concerns amid construction are prompting closure of the Greenbrier area at the Greenbrier Ranger Station in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The closure for pedestrians and motorists was effective Tuesday and expected to apply through April 23, according to a notice from the national park.
The picnic area had been closed for ongoing construction. But the park decided to expand the closure area "due to pedestrian use beyond the picnic area into the construction zone, which poses an unacceptable safety risk to visitors and workers."
Until construction is complete, Ramsey Cascades Trail, Porters Creek Trail, Grapeyard Ridge Trail, Backcountry Campsite 31, Backcountry Campsite 32, and all "manways" along the Greenbrier Road will also be closed to visitors.
According to the park, the Old Settlers and Brushy Mountain trails will stay open. Hikers, however, won't be able to get to those trials through the Greenbrier area. Think about alternate routes.
