Fallen trees and limbs block Chadwell Gap Trail after Hurricane Helene.
NPS Photo
Recovery from Hurricane Helene
Park staff and volunteers are assessing conditions and addressing damage caused in late September by Hurricane Helene. Hundreds of trees fell during the storm. Initial efforts focused on park roads and front country camping facilities. Crews are now clearing trails, but many trails remain blocked by multiple fallen trees. Upright and leaning trees at high risk of falling, washouts, damage to water crossings, and other unpredictable hazards may also be present. Park staff and resources are stretched thin and emergency response may be delayed.
Current park conditions as of 10/23/2024:
Facilities, Roads, and Overlooks
The Visitor Center is OPEN.
Pinnacle Overlook is OPEN.
Pinnacle Road is OPEN.
State Road 988/Sugar Run Road is OPEN.
Campgrounds, Campsites, Picnic Shelters, and Picnic Areas
Wilderness Road Campground is OPEN.
White Rocks Camp is OPEN.
Hensley Camp is OPEN but must be accessed using either Shillalah Creek Road or Ewing Trail.
Martin's Fork Camp is OPEN but must be accessed using either Shillalah Creek Road or Ewing Trail.
Chadwell Gap Camp is OPEN but must be accessed using either Shillalah Creek Road or Ewing Trail. The bear cables at Chadwell Gap Camp are gone. Campers must bring their own rope to secure their food.
Gibson Gap Camp is still closed.
Bartlett Park is OPEN.
Lewis Hollow Road and Picnic Area is OPEN.
Civic Park is OPEN.
Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding Trails
Fort McCook Trail is OPEN.
Fitness Trail is OPEN.
Harlan Road Trail is OPEN.
Object Lesson Road Trail is OPEN.
Wilderness Road Trail is OPEN.
Tri-State Trail is OPEN.
Daniel Boone Trail is OPEN.
Gap Cave Trail is OPEN.
Tennessee Road Trail is OPEN.
Ewing Trail is OPEN to hiking. Hikers will encounter a large root ball and 1 downed tree but should be able to navigate around them.
White Rocks Connector Trail is OPEN to hiking. Hikers will encounter 2 root balls but should be able to navigate around them.
Sand Cave Trail is OPEN to hiking.
The section of Ridge Trail from Hensley Settlement east to White Rocks is OPEN to hiking.
The section of Ridge Trail from the Pinnacle Overlook east to the intersection with Sugar Run and Lewis Hollow Trails is OPEN to hiking.
Lewis Hollow Trail is OPEN to hiking.
Sugar Run Trail is OPEN to hiking. Hikers will encounter a couple of downed trees but should be able to navigate around them.
Biking Trails:
Boone Trail is OPEN to biking.
The Trail from the Visitor Center to Middlesboro is OPEN to biking.
Shillalah Creek Road Trail is OPEN to biking.
Horseback Riding Trails
Shillalah Creek Road Trail is OPEN to horses.
The section of Ridge Trail from Shillalah Creek Road Trail east to White Rocks is OPEN to horses.
All other Bike Trails are CLOSED.
All other Horse Trails are CLOSED.
Guided Tours and Caves
Hensley Settlement Tours have resumed and will continue through November 3.
Gap Cave Tours have ended and Gap Cave is closed for the winter.
Skylight Cave is closed for the winter.
Your safety is our utmost priority. We urge you to stay updated with the latest information, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to safely restore access to park trails and areas over the coming weeks.
Uprooted Trees on Ewing & White Rocks Connector Trail
While these trails are open to hikers, we urge everyone to use caution when maneuvering around the obstacles.
A tree down on Ewing Trail with a large root ball.
NPS Photo
A park staff stands beside a massive root ball blocking the White Rocks Connector trail.
NPS Photo
A massive root ball lies on the White Rocks Connector trail.
