Superintendent's Compendium

 

INTRODUCTION

Superintendent’s Compendium Described

The Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR). It serves as public notice, identifies areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation and elaborates on public use and resource protection regulations pertaining specifically to the administration of the park. The Superintendent’s Compendium does not repeat regulations found in 36 CFR and other United States Code and CFR Titles, which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level.

The regulations contained in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, are the basic mechanism used by the National Park Service (NPS) to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the park and to protect visitors and property within the park. Parts 1 through 6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park System, and Part 7 contains special regulations specific to individual parks. Each of these parts has many sections and subsections articulating specific provisions. Within some of these Part 1-7 sections and subsections, the Superintendent is granted discretionary authority to develop local rules to be responsive to the needs of a specific park resource or activity, park plan, program and/or special needs of the general public.

As an example, 36 CFR 1.5(a) Closures and Public Use Limits provides the Superintendent certain discretion in allowing or disallowing certain activities. The authority granted by the Section, however, requires the Superintendent to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act (6 USC Section 551), which requires public notice on actions with major impact on visitor use patterns, park resources or those that are highly controversial in nature.

Another example is 36 CFR 1.6 Permits, which allows the Superintendent to require a permit for certain uses and activities in the park. This section, however, requires that a list of activities needing a permit (and a fee schedule for the various types of permits) be maintained by the park.

A final example is 36 CFR 2.1(c) (1) Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources, which provides the Superintendent the authority to designate certain fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells which may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. This activity can occur, however, only if a written determination shows that the allowed activity does not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources.

This Compendium should be used in conjunction with Title 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, to more fully understand the regulations governing the use and enjoyment of all the areas of the National Park System.

A copy of Title 36, CFR, can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at:

Superintendent of Documents
P.O. Box 371954
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954

The CFR is also available online.

Laws and Policies Allowing the Superintendent to Develop This Compendium

The National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) §102701 (Organic Act of 1916, as amended) to:

…regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations…by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purposes of the said parks…which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment for future generations (54 U.S.C. §100101).

In addition, the NPS Organic Act allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to;

make and publish such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary or proper for the use and management of the parks, monuments, and reservations under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service(54 U.S.C. §100501).

In 1970, Congress amended the NPS Organic Act to clarify its intentions as to the overall mission of the NPS. Through the General Authorities Act of 1970 (54 U.S.C. §100101-101301), Congress brought all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System and directed the NPS to manage all areas under its administration consistent with the Organic Act of 1916.

In 1978, Congress amended the General Authorities Act of 1970, and reasserted system-wide the high standard of protection defined in the original Organic Act by stating:

Congress further reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the various areas of the National Park System, as defined by Section 1 of this Title, shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by Section 1 of this Title, to the common benefit of all people of the United States.

54 U.S.C. §100501 defines the National Park System as:

…any areas of land and water now or hereafter administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the National Park Service for park, monument, historic, parkway, recreational, or other purposes.

In addition to the above statutory authority, the Superintendent is guided by established NPS policy as found in the NPS Management Policies (2006). The Superintendent is also guided by more specific policies promulgated by the Director, National Park Service, in the form of Director’s Orders. As stated in the Management Policies, the primary responsibility of the NPS is to protect and preserve our national natural and cultural resources while providing for the enjoyment of these resources by visitor and other users, as long as use does not impair specific park resources or overall visitor experience. The appropriateness of any particular visitor use or recreational experience is resource-based and will vary from park to park; therefore, a use or activity that is appropriate in one park area may not be appropriate in another. The Superintendent is directed to analyze overall park use and determine if any particular use is appropriate. Where conflict arises between use and resource protection, where the Superintendent has a reasonable basis to believe a resource is or would become impaired, than that Superintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use.

Consistency of This Compendium with Applicable Federal Law and Requirements

The Superintendent’s Compendium is not considered a significant rule requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. In addition, this Compendium will not have a significant economic effect on a number of small entities nor impose a significant cost on any local, state, or tribal government or private organization, and therefore does not fall under the requirements of either the Regulatory Flexibility Act or the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

The actions and requirements described in this Compendium are found to be categorically excluded from further compliance with the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in Department of the Interior (DOI) Guidelines 516 DM 6 and as such, an Environmental Assessment will not be prepared.

Development of the Requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium

As outlined above, the NPS has broad authority and responsibility to determine what types of uses and activities are appropriate in any particular National Park System area. The requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium are developed through an analysis and determination process. The decision criteria used during this process are:

• Is there use or activity consistent with the NPS Organic Act and NPS policy?

• Is the use or activity consistent and compatible with the park’s enabling legislation, management objectives, and corresponding management plans?

• Will the use or activity damage the park’s protected natural and cultural resources and other protected values?

• Will the use or activity disturb or be in conflict with wildlife, vegetation, and environmental protection actions and values?

• Will the use or activity conflict with or be incompatible with traditional park uses and activities?

• Will the use or activity compromise employee or public safety?

Applicability of the Compendium

The rules contained in this Compendium apply to all persons entering, using, visiting, or otherwise present on federally-owned lands, including submerged lands and waters administered by the NPS within the legislative boundaries of the park. This includes all waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including all navigable waters.

Enforcement of Compendium Requirements

NPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, assimilated state regulations, and this Superintendent’s Compendium.

Penalties for Not Adhering to the Compendium Requirements

A person who violates any provision of the regulations found in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, or provisions of this Compendium, is subject to a fine as provided by law (18 U.S.C. 3571) up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months (18 U.S.C. 3559), or both, and shall be adjudged to pay all court costs associated with any court proceedings. You may receive a list of fines associated with any particular provision by contacting the Chief Ranger at the park address found below.

Comments on the Compendium

The Compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary. The park welcomes comments about its program and activities at any time.

Effective Date of the Superintendent Compendium

The Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the first page of this document and remains in effect until revised for a period up to one year.

Additional Information

Some of the terms used in this Compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR 1.4 Definitions.

Availability

Copies of the Compendium are available for viewing by contacting the Chief Ranger's Office at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN.

2024 SUPERINTENDENT’S COMPENDIUM

Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements, and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority of the Superintendent

In accordance with the regulations and delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, Parts 1 through 7, authorized by Title 54, United States Code, Section 100751(a), the following regulatory provisions are established for the proper management, protection, government, and public use of Great Smoky Mountains National Park under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-6, and Section 7.14 Special Regulations.

Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent's use of discretionary authority, are required by Section 1.5(c) and appear in this document in italicized print.

1.4 – Definitions

The following terms are defined as follows for this Compendium:

• Bear Pepper Spray also known as bear deterrent, bear repellant or bear spray. Bear pepper spray is a chemical formula designed specifically to deter aggressive or attaching bears. It must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and individual states. It must be commercially manufactured and labeled as “Bear Pepper Spray.” Bear spray must contain between 1% to 2 % of the active ingredient’s capsaicin and related capsaicinoids

1.5 – Closures Public Use Limits

Note: See Operating Hours & Seasons for a listing of opening and closing dates of park facilities.

(a)(1) – Closures: Road Closures

The following roads are closed to motor vehicles during winter months:

• Heintooga Ridge Road

• Clingmans Dome Road

• Balsam Mountain/Straight Fork Road

• Little Greenbrier Road

• Rich Mountain Road

• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

• Forge Creek Road

• Parsons Branch Road

These roads are closed during the winter months due to weather and road conditions that make them impassable.

The following roads will be closed to motor vehicle traffic daily at official sunset by the closing of access gates, or as indicated by posted signs:

• Cades Cove Loop Road

These roads are closed at night to allow undisturbed use of the area along the roads by wildlife species. This closure also provides security for irreplaceable historic structures that could not otherwise be afforded such protection.

Cades Cove Loop Road – Vehicle-Free Day

The Cades Cove Loop Road will be closed to motorized vehicles on Wednesdays starting the first week of May through the last week of September. This restriction applies to all motorized vehicles except those having official business along the Cades Cove Loop Road.

The intent of the closure is to effectively spread throughout the day to address congestion, parking, and safety issues associated with the vehicle-free period and to provide improved access to multiple user groups.

Wiley Oakley Drive Bridge

Pedestrian traffic is prohibited on the Wiley Oakley Drive Bridge, known locally as the Legion Field Bridge, which spans the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River on the Foothills Parkway Spur.

The Foothills Parkway Spur is a two-lane divided highway, which runs north and south between the cities of Pigeon Forge, TN., and Gatlinburg, TN. The speed limit on the Parkway is posted 45 mph. Wiley Oakley Drive Bridge is a vehicle crossover connecting the north and southbound Spur; however, it was not designed for foot traffic. The sidewalk is too narrow and does not provide for safe distance from vehicular traffic. The guardrails are too low and do not provide a safe barrier for pedestrians from vehicular traffic. Intersections at Wiley Oakley Drive and Little Smoky are uncontrolled, having no traffic lights or established pedestrian crosswalks. Pedestrian traffic crossing the southbound spur at Wiley Oakley Drive and the northbound spur at Little Smoky, creates an unreasonable risk of pedestrian versus vehicle accidents.

(a)(1) – Closures: Area Closures

The following picnic areas are closed 8:00 p.m. from May 1 through August 31 and closed at sunset from September 1 through April 30.

• Cades Cove (open year-round)

• Chimneys (closed during winter months - See Operating Hours & Seasons)

• Collins Creek (closed during the winter months - See Operating Hours & Seasons)

Wildlife, and especially bears, are adversely impacted by abandoned food and garbage. Wild bears in picnic areas may obtain food or garbage at night before becoming day active. Once habituated, they often can cause property damage or personal injury. This closure assures sufficient daylight to allow picnickers and park personnel to gather up and properly dispose of all food and garbage before darkness falls.

Deep Creek Area

Parking is prohibited in the following areas:

• On either side of West Deep Creek Road within 50 yards of the exit from the Deep Creek Trailhead Parking Lot.

• On either side of Tom’s Branch Road, for the road’s entire length.

Justification: This is an extremely congested area with numerous crowds and vehicles. The closure is to allow drivers to see oncoming traffic approaching the Deep Creek Trailhead exit from either direction on West Deep Creek Road so drivers may pull out safely. The Tom’s Branch portion is to prevent the road from getting overly clogged by traffic, making it difficult for 2 vehicles to pass or large emergency vehicle to get through. Tom’s Branch is a less than 2 lane gravel road with no shoulder and several steep drop offs.

The lowest 1.5 miles of Deep Creek within the Park boundary may be closed intermittently to all water recreation due to high-water or water hazards. This closure may include the entire 1.5 miles or may be segmented between the “Upper portion” which is all areas above the first pedestrian bridge on the Deep Creek Trail, the “Lower portion” which is all areas below the first pedestrian bridge on the Deep Creek Trail, and the “campground section” which is all areas below the Toms Branch Road bridge at the Deep Creek Trailhead to the Park boundary.

Justification: This waterway is susceptible to dangerous high-water events and water hazards that make it unsafe to use. This area is historically used for tubing, swimming, and other water recreation. The areas closed will be marked with signage during these closures.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center & Mountain Farm Museum

The collection of historic structures adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and known as the Mountain Farm Museum, which includes the area within the wooden split-rail fence and all structures, extending from the wooden split-rail fence at the farm area down to the Oconaluftee River (which prohibits access to the walk way on the river side of the Mountain Farm Museum) are closed to public use from sunset to official sunrise.

This closure does not apply to the Oconaluftee River Trail, as it extends from the southern end of farmstead and leads into Cherokee.

The Mingus Mill area is closed to public use from sunset to official sunrise. The closure includes all developed areas at or near the Mill including all man-made features associated with the Mill as well as all paved walkways which lead to the Mill, beginning behind the restroom structure. The dirt roadbed, which leads from Highway 441 to the Mill as well as the trail, which borders the Mill water trough to its origin upstream from the Mill are also part of the closed area. The parking lot and restroom facility and its immediate walkway at the parking lot are not affected by this closure.

This closure is to protect the structures from vandalism and unauthorized access after-hours.

Park Headquarters Building

The Park Headquarters building is an administrative area used for official business. Accessto the building is limited to NPS employees, volunteers, contractors and visitors with official business. Park visitors and guests may ring for assistance at the main door in the front of the Headquarters Building.

There is a critical need to provide for the safety and security of employees and government facilities. Access to the Park Headquarters Building will be maintained through the use of automatically locking doors, which require a PIV card to open.

South District Housing & Facilities Area

The following park areas are closed to all public uses and are designated for Official Use Only.
Examples of public uses are vehicular traffic, walking, hiking, and bicycling.

• The primary Park housing area and South District Maintenance Facility. This area has a looped access road. The closed area is the entire housing area along the Oconaluftee Residence Road. The northern section of the Oconaluftee Residence Road with access to the Luten Bridge parking area remains open to the public, but all housing driveways and non-paved areas along the southern road shoulder are closed to parking and all other public use. The interior section of the Oconaluftee Residence Road is closed to all vehicles, walkers, and bicyclist. All mowed or maintained areas within the housing area are closed to public use. The South District Maintenance Facility is part of this closure and includes the parking and facility areas south of Oconaluftee Residence Road and the small field and woods between the facility and the primary Park housing area. The closed area boundary is defined by the South District Housing & Facilities Closure Map (see Appendix D).

• The temporary Park housing area. This area has a short road access known as the Oconaluftee River Road and provides access to seasonal apartment quarters and Park volunteer housing sites. The Oconaluftee River Road is closed to public access. All mowed or maintained areas within the temporary housing area are closed to public use. The closed area boundary is defined by the South District Housing Closure Map (see Appendix D).

Official Use is defined as persons authorized to conduct official business with or for the National Park Service, employees, volunteers, and contractors. Official Use also includes Park housing residents, their family members and/or guests of residents as well as delivery service employees conducting official business. Official users of the Oconaluftee Job Corps Center are staff and students of the facility and those persons(s) designated by the Center Director or his/her designee.

Closures may be advertised through public notice and will be implemented by one or more of the following methods: signs, gates, barricades, other traffic control devices, vehicles and/or as directed by authorized persons.

Justification: Due to the layout of the designated area it is increasingly difficult to ensure visitor safety and elk safety with visitor/elk interactions coming at an increased rate due to the ever-increasing elk population. Numerous elk and other wildlife viewing opportunities currently exist in other nearby park locations. Closing these areas prevents inadvertent contact between elk and visitors which could lead to the disturbance of the elk. Restricting public accessto administrative facilities and employee housing areas provides improved security for employees and privacy for residents. Residences are rented and occupied by employees. Allowing visitor access significantly disturbs the privacy and disrupts the residential life of the occupants. Other buildings, facilities, and locations are administrative sites used by the NPS in the management and administration of the park. Visitor use of these areas interferes with the protection of government property, creates potentially hazardous conditions for visitors and interferes with park operations.

Oconaluftee Job Corps Area Closure

The following park areas are closed to all public uses and are designated for Official Use Only. Examples of public uses are vehicular traffic, walking, hiking and bicycling. (See Appendix C)

• The Oconaluftee Job Corps (OJC) Campus. This area is accessed from the Job Corps Road. All areas closed to public use include all buildings and developed areas adjacent to all buildings. Additional OJC campus areas closed to public use include:

  • OJC Entrance Road from the OJC entrance gate near Enloe Floyd Bottoms Road to the OJC facility

  • Basketball court

  • Softball field

  • Track

  • Field area to the south of the OJC complex and extending to the north edge of Enloe Floyd Bottoms Road

The closed area boundary is defined by the Oconaluftee Job Corps Area Closure map which has a black line defining the boundary.

Official Use is defined as persons authorized to conduct official business with or for the National Park Service, the US Forest Service or the Oconaluftee Job Corps, including authorized employees, volunteers and contractors of those agencies.

Additional access to the OJC campus may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and/or the Center Director of the Oconaluftee Job Corps, or their designee (North Carolina District Ranger or OJC Residential Aide Supervisor). Examples of additional access may include, but are not limited to, invited guests, family members of students, special event attendees, etc.

• Students of the OJC who have their program status suspended, terminated, or under investigation pending a program removal by the Center Director in accordance with OJC Policy and Procedure, are subject to this closure at the discretion of the Center Director and may be deemed unauthorized official users of the facility upon notice. If upon being given notice of their change in status with the OJC Program student(s) and/or employee(s) are in violation of this regulation, should they fail to depart from the Center without unreasonable delay. Closures may be advertised through public notice and may be implemented by one or more of the following methods: signs, gates, barricades, other traffic control devices, vehicles and/or as directed by authorized persons.

Justification: The Oconaluftee Job Corps is a residential US Department of Labor no-cost education and career technical training program that helps young people ages 16 through 24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. The Center has an approximate 50-acre campus which serves as a quiet, remote location for young people to prepare for their futures and public use may conflict with the intent of the program. A significant increase in wildlife viewing (elk) activity in the area poses public use conflicts with Center staff and students. An open Center also provides uncontrolled public access to young people on campus, whom the Center has an obligation to provide for their safety and security while residing or working on Center.

Whiteoak Sink

Areas within 50 yards of the cave entrances in the Whiteoak Sink area are closed to visitors year-round.

This closure is intended to protect natural resources and improve public safety. Whiteoak blowhole cave is critical habitat for the endangered Indiana bat and other hibernating bats. Cave dwelling bat populations in the United States, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, have undergone unprecedented declines due to white-nose syndrome (WNS). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated Whiteoak blowhole as critical habitat; only one of 11 caves nationally whose protection is critical forthe survival of the Indiana bat. Some bats affected by WNS have exhibited sick and or unusual behaviorincluding erratic flight during daylight throughout the winter. Human disturbance causes bats to use reserves necessary to survive winter hibernation. Bats are the only mammal species in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to have tested positive for rabies. Physical skin to skin contact with a bat is considered a potential exposure to rabies and requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, it has been determined that this action is necessary to protect natural resources and public health.

(a)(1) – Closures: Trail and Backcountry Closures

The rocky ridge adjacent to the Alum Cave Bluff area, commonly known as: "Eye of the Needle", "Little Duck Hawk", and "Raven's Roost" is closed to public access. The closed area is a narrow rocky ledge that runs in a north/south direction. Closure signs will be posted approximately 100 yards from the junction with Alum Cave Trail along a manway leading to the mentioned ridge.

This closure is to prevent disturbance of nesting Peregrine Falcons. The success of Peregrine Falcons in raising their young is significantly decreased by human disturbances. Successful nesting has been observed.

Chimney Tops:

The Chimney Tops Trail is closed to all public use at the 1.75-mile mark from the trailhead. There is a trail closure structure installed at the closure point (GPS coordinates: N35°37.579, W083°28.687), which includes the gate structure to mark the closure of the remainder of the trail to the rock face known as the 'Chimney Tops.'

The rocky ridge that connects the Chimney Tops Trail with the manway on the North Chimney is closed to all public use.

The path commonly known as the “Manway” or the "Backside of the Chimneys" (located in a north-northeast direction between the north side of the North Chimney and the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River) is closed to public use.

The topmost 0.25-mile section of the trail to the Chimney Tops pinnacles was heavily damaged by fire. The upper section of trail and rocky pinnacles are not safe for visitors. The manway access to/from the Chimney Tops is not an official trail. Public use of this very steep route has resulted in numerous search and rescue operations, many of which involved the removal of injured persons by litter and one of which involved a fatality. This area is closed to preserve public safety and to preclude resource damage.

The summit of Mount LeConte at Cliff Top, approximately a two-acre area west of Sunset Rock including the ledges, is closed to public use.

Public use of this area has resulted in disturbances which threaten the survival of several populations of Federally endangered species.

Deep Creek and Indian Creek are closed to recreational tubing north of the intersection of the Deep Creek and Indian Creek trails, (approximately 0 .7 miles north of the gate at the Deep Creek trailhead).

Both Deep Creek and Indian Creek are constricted with hazardous strainers north of the "put-in", which is approximately 0.7 miles north of the gate at Deep Creek trailhead on Deep Creek. Two signs are posted; one on Deep Creek just above the "put-in", and one at the start of the Indian Creek trail which state, "No tubing above this point". This closure also prevents recreational tubing down Indian Creek Falls, located 100 feet from the intersection of the two trails.

(a)(1) Public Use Limit – Fireflies

Each year during the last week in May or the first full week in June, the park has established a public use limit in the Elkmont Creek Area for the purposes of viewing Fireflies.

During the viewing period, vehicle access to Elkmont is restricted after 4 p.m. to passenger vehicles with a reservation, registered campers staying at the Elkmont Campground, or backcountry campers with a valid permit. Visitors are not allowed to walk or ride bicycles on the Elkmont entrance road or Jakes Creek Road after 4 p.m. due to safety concerns. Overnight parking at Little River Trailhead, Jakes Creek Trailhead, or the Appalachian Clubhouse is not allowed without a valid backcountry permit for backcountry campsites associated with these trailheads.

Every year in late May or early June, hundreds of visitors near Elkmont Campground see the naturally occurring phenomenon of Photinus carolinus, a firefly species that flashes synchronously. Since 2006, the National Park Service has limited access to the Elkmont area to the eight days of predicted peak firefly activity. This helpsreduce traffic congestion, provides a safe viewing experience for visitors, and minimizes disturbances to these unique fireflies during their two-week mating period.

(a)(2) Public Use Restrictions

For Informational Purposes: Bear Pepper Spray may be carried by individuals within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the strict purpose of protecting oneself or others from bodily harm against aggressive wildlife.

Willfully approaching within 50 yards of bear or elk, or within any distance that results in their disturbance or displacement, is prohibited.

Wild animals have behavior that is often unpredictable. Engaging in any activity which places a person in close proximity to wild animals places the person at risk for injury or death. Wildlife may interpret this human behavior as threatening or aggressive, which in turn jeopardizes the well-being of the animal. This restriction does not apply to inadvertent or casual encounters with wildlife in developed areas where foot traffic is normal and routine, e.g. sidewalks and established walkways, campground roads, etc. or in other areas where there is no reasonable alternative travel route.

The open display and/or use of radio telemetry equipment, or other similar tracking devices (such as GPS devices and smart phone apps) that are commonly used to track wildlife and hunting dogs, are prohibited in the park without the prior permission of the Chief Ranger's Office and may only be used to expedite the retrieval of a dog that is believed to be running loose in the park. Personsseeking permission to display or use radio telemetry equipment shall, on a daily basis, provide their name, telephone number and vehicle description as well as a description of the dog/s sought and the area in which the search is to be conducted.

Permission to use this equipment to retrieve a loose dog does not exempt a person from any other regulation or law.

Radio telemetry is an efficient method of catching a dog that has entered the park. However, radio telemetry can also be used to track wildlife or to facilitate a hunt by tracking dogs in pursuit of wildlife. This restriction is intended to facilitate the legitimate use of telemetry equipment in the park and to assist law enforcement personnel in distinguishing legitimate from illegal use.

Entry into caves or mine shafts is prohibited except pursuant to a Scientific Research and Collecting Permit.

Pursuant to a cave advisory issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service dated March 26, 2009, all caves and mine shafts are closed to all visitor activities until further notice. This closure is meant to protect fragile natural resources, including threatened or endangered species, from exposure to White-Nose Syndrome (WNS).

The following fields are closed to pedestrian and horse traffic during the months of May through June and August through October or when elk are present:

• Cataloochee Valley area of the Park.

• Either side of US Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road) in the Cherokee Area of the Park, including the Towstring and Couche's Creek Area (mile 29), areas across from the Oconaluftee Job Corps or Mingus Mill, and the Mountain Farm Museum fields north of the Blue Ridge Parkway and south of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

• NPS/Oconaluftee park housing areas.

• South District Maintenance Complex.

The two critical periods of time for wildlife are the elk calving season and the elk rut. During both periods of time elk can become more aggressive and unpredictable. The increase in the size of the local elk herds often has them spread throughout the various fields and open areas. Some of the fields in these areas are smallerthan the required 25 yards needed to prevent any disturbance of wildlife established earlier in this section.

Field closures are used as a management tool to better provide for safe and ethical wildlife viewing while mitigating risk of inadvertent contact between visitors and elk, which could lead to disturbance of the elk and or an attack by the elk, which may place an individual at risk for injury or death.

Unmanned Aircraft

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

The compendium closures required to implement this interim policy are necessary to maintain public health and safety in units of the National Park System and to protect park resources and values until the NPS can determine whether specific uses of unmanned aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS are appropriate and will not cause unacceptable impacts on park resources and values. This closure by the superintendent implements Section 1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006, which provides that a new form of park use may be allowed within a park only after a determination has been made in the professional judgment of the superintendent that it will not result in unacceptable impacts on park resources and values. When proposed park uses and the protection of park resources and values come into conflict, the protection of recourse and values must be predominant.

Firewood

The transportation or possession of firewood, imported from outside the park, which is not in the original packaging, and which is not labeled and does not bear a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state agency as heat treated firewood, is prohibited. Campers may collect wood, which is both dead and down, inside the park to burn at park designated fire rings.

For the purposes of this regulation, firewood is defined as any wood cut, sold, or intended for use as firewood, including chips, limbs, branches, etc. with or without bark. Kiln-dried, finished and cut lumber or lumber scraps from which the bark has been cut, like that purchased from a hardware store, and commercially produced compressed-wood logs, such as Duraflame, are not considered firewood and are not regulated as firewood.

This closure is intended to prevent or slow the introduction of exotic insects or diseases into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For example, the emerald ash borer (EAB) has already killed tens of millions of trees in those states that have been infested as a result, the movement of firewood within and from infested areas is regulated by the states and the federal government. The USDA has documented that a number of other harmful species can be transported in firewood.

This requirement eliminates the risk of transporting pests since insects and diseases do not survive heat treatment. Therefore, it has been determined that this action is necessary to protect the natural resources of the park.

Jumping or diving from all bridges is prohibited.

Public gatherings in the vicinity of bridges have impeded traffic and created an unreasonable risk of a pedestrian/vehicle accident due to the narrow width of the park roads. Jumping or diving from bridges is prohibited due to the potential hazard of shallow waters and because of the associated hazard on the roadway.

Climbing on and or jumping from cliffs and rock faces is prohibited in the following areas:

Off the shoreline of the Little River in the vicinity of the Townsend Wye,specifically from a point one-quarter mile east of the confluence of Little River and the Middle Prong downstream to a point one-quarter mile north of the confluence of the Little River and Middle Prong (Signed Area).

The Townsend Wye is a heavily used area for many water-related recreational activities. Climbing on or jumping from the rock faces and cliffs into the Little River is a high-risk activity, and unnecessarily jeopardizes the safety of visitors recreating (swimming, tubing, fishing) in the river below.

The possession of glass containers is prohibited in all areas of the park where people gather to swim, wade, or tube.

Broken glass on the river bottoms and along the riverbanks has caused a safety problem for persons wading, swimming, and walking along the river.

Reservations are required for the use of the following facilities:

• All campgrounds

• All picnic pavilions*

• All backcountry campsites and shelters

*Pavilions may be used when there’s not an existing reservation.

Reservations are required because of the high demand for the limited facilities and/or space available.

Generator use in park campgroundsis prohibited between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., except when a waiver has been granted for the powering of medical equipment. Persons who require the use of a generator during quiet hours should obtain a waiver from the campground office or by calling ahead. Generators may not be left running when the campsite is unattended.

Generator use is prohibited at all times in campground loops/sites designated as "generator free":

• Big Creek Campground

• Cades Cove: All of C loop, except when B loop is closed. When B loop is closed, generator use is permitted in C loop.

• Cosby Campground: A29- A41, B1-B21

• Elkmont loops: A, B, L, M, N

• Smokemont: A, B and C loops, except when loops C, D, and F are closed. When loops C, D, and F are closed, generator use is permitted in loops A and B.

• Deep Creek Tent Area: Sites 1-42 Generator use is prohibited in group sites.

Generator waivers should not be granted in generator free areas except at sites designated as accessible sites. The use of generators and the idling of engines to recharge batteries is strictly prohibited in designated generator- free areas of campgrounds.

Generator noise is counter to the semi-wilderness atmosphere sought by many campers, especially at certain times of the day or when present for extended periods of time. The lack of discretion displayed by some campers necessitates further restrictions on generators.

The use of hand-drawn, wheeled carts is prohibited on all but the following trails:

• Hazel Creek from Fontana up to campsite #83

• Noland Creek from Fontana up to campsite #64

• Forney Creek from Fontana up to campsite #74

A hand-drawn, wheeled cart is a two-wheeled cart, having tub dimensions no greater than 48"L x 24"W x 18"H. The cart should be easily moved by one person.

The use of wheeled vehicles such as carts and bicycles are counter to NPS management policies for recommended wilderness areas. The designated trails are excluded from the recommended wilderness area, as they are designated as administrative roads. Hand-drawn cart use has been allowed on these designated trails for several years and provides the opportunity for individuals who may not be physically able to carry a heavy pack, to cart-in their equipment for a backcountry camping experience. The maximum size of the hand carts provides sufficient capacity forthe equipment needsof the average backcountry camper.

A special use permit is required for all "trail angel" activities. "Trail angels" or "trail magic" are people or groups who provide some type of unsolicited, free assistance to A.T. thru-hikers, primarily providing food or drink.

Permits are issued for thru-hiker support activities to ensure the supplies and equipment is appropriate for thru- hiker needs, the management of backcountry resources, and compliance with backcountry regulations.

The use of horse drawn carts is prohibited on all backcountry trails.

Horses are considered a pack animal, have the ability to pack equipment, and can haul a load into the backcountry. Therefore, horse drawn carts are not necessary and are prohibited.

Horse drawn wagons are prohibited on all park roads and trails, except those being operated by authorized park concessions operations.

Drivers of commercial passenger-carrying diesel-fueled motor vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines in parking lots of developed areas.

The noise and fumes caused by these engines severely impacts the natural experiences sought by many visitors.

The searching of government-owned refuse containers and/or the removal of recyclable materials from these containers by persons other than the official collection contractor or authorized NPS staff is prohibited.

The removal of recyclable materials is contrary to the provisions of the park's refuse collection contract.

The parking of non-government (private) vehicles within fenced and or gated park compounds or installations is prohibited. An exception to this prohibition may be granted by the Superintendent or his designee. In these instances, employees would be directed where to park their vehicles within the compound.

Park compounds are limited in space and vehicle capacity, must provide for repeated ingress and egress by government vehicles, and must provide for the security of government-owned vehicles and property. The parking of private vehicles within these compounds increases vehicle traffic congestion, reduces parking areas for government vehicles, decreases workspace within the complex, and presents a potential liability for the government should private vehicles incur damage(s) while parked within the complex.

1.6 – Permits

Pursuant to the provisions of 36 CFR 1.6(f) the following is a compilation of the activities for which a permit is required.

§1.5(a)(1) Public Use Limit Elkmont Firefly Viewing.

§1.5(a)(2) Public Use Restrictions Trail Angel Activities.

§2.2 Wildlife Protection.

(d) Transportation of lawfully taken wildlife and parts through park areas.

(d) Retrieval of wounded or dead wildlife.

§2.4 Weapons, traps, and nets.

(e) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net that is otherwise not authorized.

§2.5 Research specimens.

(a) Taking plants, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals for specimen collection.

§2.6 Gathering of plants or plant parts by federally recognized Indian tribes.

(b) Gathering plants or plant parts within a park area by federally recognized Indian tribe.

§2.10 Camping and food storage.

(a) Camping.

§2.12 Audio Disturbances.

(a)(2) Operating a power saw in developed areas.

(a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas.

(a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51.

§2.17 Aircraft & Air Delivery.

(a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means.

§2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services (pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52).

§2.38 Explosives. (a) Using, possessing, storing, or transport explosives, blasting agents, or explosive materials. (b) Using or possessing fireworks.

§2.50 Special events.

(a) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events.

§2.51 Demonstrations and designated available park areas.

(a) Demonstrations for groups of 26 or more persons.

§2.52 Sale of printed matter and the distribution of printed matter and other message-bearing items.

(a) Sale and distribution of printed matter and other message-bearing items that is not solely commercial advertising for groups of 26 or more persons.

§2.60 Livestock use and agriculture.

(a) Livestock use.

§2.61 Residing on Federal lands.

(a) Residing on Federal lands.

§2.62 Memorialization.

(a) Scattering of human ashes from cremation.

§3.3 Operation of a vessel in a park area.

§3.12 May use a vessel to tow a person for water skiing or other similar activities.

§3.19 Using manned or unmanned submersibles.

§4.11 Load, weight, and size limits.

(a) Operation of vehicles exceeding designated load, weight, and size limits.

§5.1 Display, posting or distribution of commercial notices or advertisements.

§5.2 Alcoholic beverages; sale of intoxicants. Sale of alcoholic, spirituous, vinous, or fermented liquor, containing more than 1 percent of alcohol by weight on privately owned lands.

§5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business.

§5.4 Commercial passenger-carrying motor vehicles.

(a) The commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicles.

§5.5 Commercial Photography & Filming

(a) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings, or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television (as defined by 43 CFR 5.12, per 43 CFR 5.2).

(b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising (as defined by 43 CFR 5.12, per 43 CFR 5.2).

§5.6 Commercial Vehicles

(a) Commercial vehicles used on park area roads when such use is necessary for access to private lands situated within or adjacent to the park area, to which access is otherwise not available.

§5.7 Constructing or attempting to construct a building, or other structures, boat dock, road, trail, path, or other way, telephone line, telegraph line, power line, or any other private or public utility, upon across, over, through, or under any park areas.

§5.10 Eating, drinking, or lodging establishments.

(a) Operation of an establishment offering food, drink, or lodging for sale on any privately owned lands.

2.1 – Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archaeological Resources

(a)(4) Gathering and possession of dead and down wood (dead wood that is on the ground), is permitted in all areas provided such wood is collected asfuel for campfires within the park and will be burned in a designated fire ring.

Collecting only dead and down wood is specified so that living materials are not unnecessarily destroyed.

(a)(5) Public entry to any historic building or structure, or part thereof, is permitted, provided the building is open to normal public access.

(c)(1) The following fruits, berries, nuts, and above ground fruiting bodies of certain fungi may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption (commercial use is prohibited):

• Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)

• Strawberries (Fragaria virginiana)

• Blackberries (Rubus spp.)

• Grapes (Vitis spp.)

• Elderberries (Sambucus pubens)

• Gooseberries/Currants (Ribes spp.)

• Black raspberries (Rubus occidentalis)

• Huckleberries (Gaylussacia spp.)

• Cherries (Prunus spp.)

• Serviceberries (Amelanchier laevis)

• Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

• Black walnut (Juglans nigra)

• Hickory

• American hazelnut (Corylus americana)

• Apples, pears, and peaches

• Red Mulberries (Morus rubra L.)

• Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, and may be collected under the following conditions:

  1. at least 100 feet away from roads, parking areas, picnic areas, campgrounds, structures, or other facilities.

  2. must be edible species only.

  3. may only be the fruiting bodies growing on soil or rotting logs on the ground.

  4. are limited to 1 pound per person per day for all fungal species combined.

It is prohibited to collect fungal fruiting bodiesfrom trees that are standing, including dead standing trees, or where fruiting bodies are underground.

(c)(2)(i) The amount of fruits, berries, nuts, and fruiting bodies of mushrooms, that are authorized for collection, shall not exceed 1 pound per person per day for each species, except for apples, pears, and peaches.

The unrestricted collection of native fruits, berries, nuts, and fruiting bodies could adversely impact plant propagation and/or wildlife food sources.

(c)(2)(i) Persons gathering edible fruits and nuts are prohibited from climbing trees, using stools or ladders.

The use of these methods is restricted to protect the vegetation from undue damage (i.e., broken branches, etc.), and allow sufficient supplies of food for wildlife species.

(c)(2)(ii) The gathering of designated fruits, berries, nuts, and mushrooms, is prohibited within 200 feet of nature trails, motor nature trails, handicapped accessible trails and scientific and natural study areas.

Gathering fruits, berries, nuts, and mushrooms near nature trails, where visitors view nature, would irreversibly impact the natural scene. Gathering near research areas could negatively impact research results.

The collection of ramps is not allowed under 36 CFR or 54 USC.

2.2 – Wildlife Protection

Game animals lawfully taken outside of Great Smoky Mountains may be transported by vehicle through the park using the following roads:

Any paved section of the Foothills Parkway; Newfound Gap Road from Cherokee Indian Reservation boundary to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, or to U.S. 441 by way of the By-pass; Tow String Road from Newfound Gap Road Cherokee Indian Reservation boundary; U.S. Forest Service Road 288 within park boundary; Old NC 284 from U.S. Forest Service Road 288 North to park boundary; and U.S. 441 between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Wildlife taken lawfully outside the park, may be transported through the park on the above approved routes under the following conditions:

• Persons transporting will have in their possession a valid State/Tribal hunting license.

• Animal carcasses will display a valid State/Tribal game tag when required and will have been checked through a State/Tribal checking station.

• Animal carcasses must be covered or out of sight.

• Animal carcasses will be subject to inspection at any time by an authorized person.

The carcasses of animals legally taken adjacent to the Foothills Parkway outside of the Parkway boundary may not be transported on or across the Parkway without first contacting the Communications Center in Gatlinburg, TN.

The park does not wish to impede those hunting legally in jurisdictions outside the park, nor the transportation of legally taken game. However, the transportation of game through the park, an area closed to hunting, has elicited visitor complaints, and could cause confusion with the park's hunting regulations if not managed in this manner.

(e) The viewing of wildlife or areas frequented by wildlife by using a hand-held light or vehicle headlight or any other type of mounted light within the park is prohibited.

The viewing of wildlife at night with the use of artificial lights temporarily blinds the animals, causing them to become unnaturally easy prey for predators.

2.10 – Camping and Food Storage

Front-country Camping

Camping is permitted only in designated campgrounds. Campgrounds are designated on a map located in the office of the park Superintendent, by appropriate signing, and by brochures available to the public at ranger stations and visitor centers.

Stay limits: No person or their equipment shall occupy a campground for more than (14) fourteen consecutive days, or more than (60) sixty total days in a calendar year in all campgrounds.

Long periods of stay are inconsistent with the management of public campgrounds, which are intended to provide a short-term national park camping experience to all interested visitors.

Fees: Camping fees, where applicable, are due upon occupying a campsite. Sites for which required fees are not paid will be considered unoccupied and available for use.

Vehicle limits: No more than two (2) motor vehicles or one vehicle with trailer are allowed per campsite. Vehicle(s) and wheeled camping units must be parked on pavement when pavement is provided. In the absence of pavement, vehicles and wheeled camping units must be parked on the graveled area of the campsite. Any additional vehicles must be parked in a designated parking area staff may allow, on a case-by-case basis, more than two vehicles at a campsite when the size of the pad and the size of the vehicles allows for all wheels to be parked on the paved or graveled area.

Camping structure limits: Camping structures must be placed on the tent pad, where a pad is provided. One additional camping structure may be placed off the tent pad on the hardened/impacted area around the picnic table. The intent is to allow those structures which provide overhead protection from weather or protection from insects. All camping structures must be erected within the footprint of the campsite's impacted and hardened area. At those campsites without tent pads, camping structures must be located within the existing impacted/hardened footprint of the campsite. Campers wishing to use additional structures should consider renting two campsites or a group site. Group sites may be occupied by a minimum of seven (7) persons.

Tarps and similar items: Their use is permitted aslong as they do not impact, injure, or damage park resources by their deployment.

The combined use of portable structures and water-holding containers for the purpose of showering within developed campgrounds must provide for a way to collect grey water and dispose of it in an approved manner. Such equipment includes, but is not limited to, sun showers, showershelters and rooms, privacy shelters, porta-showers and shower systems.

The use of portable shower systems within developed campgrounds presents a sanitation issue if they do not provide for the proper collection and disposal of grey water.

Size limitations: No one camping structure shall exceed a maximum size of 170 square feet. Any one tarp or similar items may not exceed 625 square feet.

Motorhomes and camping trailers are prohibited in group campgrounds. Pickup mounted campers are permitted only as transportation/storage vehicles, i.e., campers cannot be used for lodging. Whereas the design of the Cataloochee group campground allows for the parking of wheeled units directly adjacent to the sites without adversely impacting resources, two (2) wheeled camping units are allowed per campsite.

With the exception of the Cataloochee Group campground, group campgrounds are intended to provide for a primitive camping experience by larger groups, particularly youth groups. RVs are inconsistent with that experience. Parking space is also limited.

Occupancy limits: Occupancy of developed campgrounds is limited to one (1) immediate family or six (6) persons per family campsite. Group sites may be occupied by a minimum of seven (7) persons; maximum occupancy is site specific. Find details on recreation.gov when booking required reservations.

Miscellaneous

Tents shall be placed on tent pads where provided.

Entry and occupancy of developed campgrounds is restricted to registered campers and vehicles between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Front-country Developed Horse Camps

Parties using developed horse camps must have at least one horse with them.

Parking at the Towstring Horse Camp is limited to horse campers and their guests.

The parking area at the Towstring Horse Camp is small and needs to be reserved for horse campers.

Length of stay shall not exceed fourteen (14) consecutive nights.

Horses must always be restrained or under physical control. Horses shall not be tied to trees. Provided stalls or hitchracks must be used. Portable stalls and corrals are prohibited in front-country developed horse camps.

The use of portable stalls or corrals would create disturbances (mud holes) within the designated sites, that would require some time to recover and rehabilitate. Allowing the use of portable stalls and corrals that could be repositioned many times has the potential to create a very large, disturbed area.

Backcountry Camping

Reservations are required for all backcountry campsites and shelters.

Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry, except for those nights spent at the Mount LeConte Lodge. The permit must be in the camper's possession while in the backcountry and must be exhibited upon the demand of an authorized person.

Capacity and use limits are necessary to protect resources, promote sustainability and provide an enjoyable visitor experience. Reservations and permits aid the park in distributing and monitoring use and in locating lost/overdue persons. The Mount Le Conte Lodge is a concession operation and therefore has its own guest registration requirements.

Stay limits: Persons may not stay more than one (1) night in a row at any backcountry shelter or campsite. Persons may notstay more than three (3) nights in a row at any other backcountry campsite. Persons may not stay more than 30 consecutive days in the backcountry or 60 days total in a one-year period.

Stay limits at backcountry sites are imposed to minimize the impacts associated with longer-term use and/orto offer additional persons the opportunity to use high-demand sites.

Party size: Backcountry camping parties are limited to a maximum of eight (8) persons, except at campsites 17, 20, 46, 60, 86 and 90, which can accommodate parties of twelve (12). At designated backcountry sites where stock is permitted, the number of animals in any one party is limited to one per person plus one stock animal per person but shall not exceed a total of ten (10) animals from the same group or exceed the site capacity, whichever is lowest. Site capacities may be more restrictive than eight (8) people and ten (10) animals. For the purpose of this use limit, a party is defined as people and their associated horses/pack animals from the same group who travel together and/or assemble together each night at a common backcountry campsite or shelter. A group is defined as people and their associated horses/pack animals who come from the same organization, come from a common location and/or who otherwise assemble at the park for the purpose of camping together in the backcountry.

Groups which exceed eight persons, and ten horses or pack animals must divide into two or more camping parties, travel separate itineraries, and stay at separate sites. The number of people and horses/pack animals from the same group who stay at a campsite on any single night cannot exceed eight people and ten horses/pack animals, regardless of the number of parties into which the group is divided.

This limitation is intended to preserve the tranquility of the wilderness setting. Larger parties create a level of social interaction and noise that is not congruent with wilderness values or the wilderness experience and is often disturbing to other visitors. Larger party sizes also create greater resource impact. Small party sizes are in line with currently accepted backcountry ethics, such as Leave No Trace.

Campsite and Shelter Capacities and Use Limits

On the park's backcountry trail map, hiker-only sites are shown in red, hiker-stock sites are shown in green. Site capacities are listed below, with stock use and capacity indicated by an "H".

CS Number	Campsite Capacity and Use Limits
1	Cooper Road (12)
2	Cane Creek (4)
3	Hesse Creek (8, 2H)
5	Rich Mountain (4, 2H)
6	Turkey Pen Ridge (8)
9	Anthony Creek (12)
10	Ledbetter Ridge (8)
11	Beard Cane (6)
12	Forge Creek (12)
13	Sheep Pen Gap (15, 8H)
14	Flint Gap (8)
15	Rabbit Creek (12)
16	Scott Gap (1)
17	Little Bottoms (14)
18	West Prong (12)
19	Upper Henderson (8, 2H)
20	King Branch (12, 4H)
21	Mile 53 (12)
23	Camp Creek (12)
24	Rough Creek (15)
26	Dripping Springs Mountain (10)
27	Lower Jakes Gap (12, 2H)
28	Marks Cove (12, 6H)
29	Otter Creek (10)
30	Three Forks (12)
31	Porters Flat (8)
32	Engine (Injun) Creek (8)
33	Settlers Camp (8)
34	Sugar Cove (10)
35	Gilliland Creek (12, 4H)
36	Upper Walnut Bottoms (20, 20H)
37	Lower Walnut Bottoms (20)
38	Mount Sterling (12)
39	Pretty Hollow (20, 10H)
40	Big Hemlock (8)
41	Caldwell Fork (12, 6H)
42	Spruce Mountain (4)
44	McGee Springs (12, 4H)
46	Estes Branch (12)
47	Enloe Creek (8)
48	Upper Chasteen (8)
49	Cabin Flats (12, 8H)
50	Lower Chasteen Creek (15, 6H)
51	Georges Branch (12)
52	Newton Bald (8, 2H)
53	Poke Patch (6)
54	Nettle Creek (6)
55	Pole Road (15, 15H)
56	Burnt Spruce (6)
57	Bryson Place (10, 10H)
58	Nicks Nest Branch (6)
59	McCracken Branch (10)
60	Bumgardner Branch (20), 4H)
61	Bald Creek (10, 6H)
62	Upper Ripshin (8, 6H)
63	Jerry Flats (8, 6H)
64	Mill Creek (12, 10H)
65	Bear Pen Branch (8)
66	Lower Nolen Creek – Boats Only (4)
67	Gold Mine Branch (6)
68	Steel Trap (8)
69	Huggins (8)
70	Jonas Creek (12, 8H)
71	CCC Camp (12, 12H)
72	Gunter Branch – Boats Only (6)
73	Lower Pine – Boats Only (6)
74	Lower Forney (12, 8H)
75	Poplar Flats (8)
76	Kirkland Creek (6)
77	Pilkey Creek (12, 6H)
78	Double Island – Boats Only (6)
81	North Shore (12, 6H)
82	Calhoun (8, 4H)
83	Bone Valley (20, 10H)
84	Sugar Fork (6)
85	Sawdust Pile (10, 6H)
86	Proctor (20, SH)
87	Jery Hollow – Boats Only (6)
88	Possum Hollow (12)
89	Lower Ekaneetlee (8)
90	Lost Cove (12, 6H)
91	Upper Lost Cove (4)
92	Upper Flats (10, 6H)
93	20-Mile Creek (8)
95	Dalton Branch (12, 6H)
96	Eagle Creek Island (8)
97	Big Walnut (8)
98	Chambers Creek (12, 6H)
113	Birch Spring Gap (12, 6H)

Shelter Capacity and Use Limits:

• Davenport Gap (12, 12H)

• Cosby Knob (12, 12H)

• Tricorner Knob (12, 12H)

• Pecks Corner (12, 12H)

• Icewater Spring (12)

• Mount Collins (12)

• Double Springs Gap (12)

• Silers Bald (12, 12H)

• Derrick Knob (12)

• Spence Field (12, 12H)

• Russell Field (14, 12H)

• Mollies Ridge (12, 12H)

• Mount LeConte (12)

• Kephart (14, 12H)

• Laurel Gap (14, 12H)

Capacity and use limits are necessary to protect resources, promote sustainability, and provide an enjoyable visitor experience.

The use of tents at shelters is prohibited except by persons qualifying as thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail (an Appalachian thru-hiker is a backpacker who is using the Appalachian Trail exclusively while in the park and whose trip begins and ends a minimum of fifty miles outside the park).

Thru-hikers may pitch tents in the immediate area around shelters only when all shelter spaces are taken. Thru hikers must always give up shelter space to those holding reservations.

Note: A Compendium of Orders for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail sets forth additional restrictions which apply to specific sections of the A.T. outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For information, contact the Appalachian National Scenic Trail office in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Hammocks may be set up in areas where tent use would be suitable and are subject to the same regulations as tent use. Hammocks must be strapped to trees using Tree Saver straps or other wide straps that wil1 not cut into trees. Hammocks may not be set up in areas where resources would be trampled or otherwise compromised. Hammocks may not be set up inside shelters or attached to any part of shelters.

Hammock use limitations are necessary to prevent resource damage, facility damage and to prevent use that creates unsafe conditions for other backcountry users.

Cross-Country Camping

Camping in the backcountry is permitted only at established backcountry sites, except as authorized by a cross-country permit. Cross-country permits are approved and issued through the Backcountry Management Specialist. Proposed cross-country itineraries are reviewed by Resource Management staff prior to approval. Cross-country camping (at other than designated sites) is permitted under the following conditions:

• A desired itinerary is submitted in writing to the Backcountry Management Specialist. The itinerary should include a map pinpointing, as closely as possible, route of travel and proposed campsites.

• The maximum party size is four persons. The use of horses or other stock is prohibited.

• A majority of the trip must be off- trail.

• A majority of the trip must not use established campsite(s) orshelter(s).

• Campsites must be at least one-half mile from any designated trail, designated campsite, shelter, and developed area, one mile from any designated road, and 100 feet from the nearest surface water.

• Camping in spruce-fir, beech gaps or on grassy or heath balds is prohibited.

• The duration of stay at each location cannot exceed one night and the same location cannot be used a second time on the same trip.

• Wood fires are prohibited.

• Campers are required to obliterate all traces of human presence upon leaving a cross-country camp.

• Trips are expected to follow the designated itinerary as closely as possible.

Cross-country hiking is a special use and requires special equipment, training and/or experience. These regulations are an attempt to permit this special use, while minimizing the potential impact on natural resources.

(b)(3) Camping within 100 feet of a flowing stream, river or body of water is permitted only at designated front and backcountry campsites.

Camping within 100 ft. of water normally increases erosion and sanitation problems in water sources.

Food Storage

(d) Food storage requirements apply to all areas within the park boundary.

In locations where cable systems are provided for storage of food, scented items and garbage, such equipment must be used and items properly stored except when being transported, prepared, or consumed. This requirement also applies to shelters. When cable systems are full or unavailable, 36 CFR 2.10 (d) applies.

Food scents attract animals. Animals which gain access to human food sources tend to return to those sources and may cause property damage or injury. Subsequent behavior problems often necessitate the removal or destruction of an animal.

2.11 – Picnicking

Picnicking by groups of 15 or fewer persons shall be allowed in all areas except:

• Within 100 feet of:

  • Structures or areas considered to be cultural or archeological resources.

  • Research sites.

  • Maintenance or administrative compounds.

  • Government owned housing (except by the current occupant).

• When the activity would interfere with normal agency functions or visitor use activities already in progress.

• In those areas posted as closed to picnicking.

Picnicking shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable regulations in regard to open fires, food storage and sanitation

Picnicking by groups of more than 15 people may be considered an event and shall require a Special Use Permit unless done in a designated picnic area.

Picnicking is restricted from those areas that would adversely impact the historic scene orinterfere with the operations of the park. Large groups present potential problems with litter, parking, and resource damage and for thatreason group events will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The "holding" or "reserving" of additional picnicking sites and or tables, within designated picnic areas, for other individuals, is prohibited. Large groups should consider using picnic shelters available by reservation.

The use of picnic sites and tables within designated picnic areas of the park are based on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals may not "hold" sites or tables for individuals or groups who are not on-site, when other picnickers have a desire to use the site or table. Large groups should consider using picnic shelters wherein reservations insure space availability.

2.13 – Fires

(a)(1) The kindling of a fire in the fireplace of any historic building orstructure is prohibited.

In front country campgrounds and picnic areasfires must be kindled in provided grates, grills, or within designated fire rings.

Fires in elevated grills area are restricted to the burning of charcoal only.

The burning of wood or other fuels in elevated grills creates cleaning and maintenance issues and generates more litter.

The use of portable stoves, including charcoal burners, is prohibited in front country areas except in picnic areas and campgrounds.

In backcountry areas, fires must be kindled within existing and established fire rings located at the designated backcountry campsites. Constructing new fire ringsis prohibited.

At backcountry shelters, fires are permitted only in the fireplace inside the shelter and at the central, metal fire ring in front of the shelter. Where no metal fire ring exists, fires are permitted only in the fireplace. At the LeConte shelter fires are prohibited altogether.

Fires are prohibited in structures to protect those resources. Fires or stoves are prohibited in other areas to reduce litter and ash, minimize wildlife problems associated with food odors or residue and/or to reduce resource impacts from firewood gathering.

(b) The Superintendent may close all or part of the park to fires when the conditions meet the guidelines.

The use of open fires in the park is regulated to protect human life, structures and natural resources. During extreme weather conditions, fires may be restricted to preclude the accidental ignition of wildfires.

2.14 – Sanitation and Refuse

In non-developed areas more than a quarter of a mile from restroom facilities, solid human body waste must be buried six (6) to eight (8) inches deep in organic soil in an area not frequented by the public, not visible from trails, campsites or developed areas, and at least 100 feet from any watersource.

During the winter when organic soil is not exposed, solid human body waste must be buried 100 yards from any campsite or established travel route to a depth of 12 inches in snow whenever possible.

Privies must be used in backcountry areas where they are available. Sanitary items may not be buried or thrown in privies and must be packed out.

No food or garbage of any kind (e.g., food scraps, food containers, discarded clothing or other personal items) may be burned in either the front country or the backcountry.

These regulations minimize the contamination of water supplies, minimize the presence of unsanitary conditions preserve site aesthetics and help prevent wildlife-human conflicts.

2.15 – Pets

(a)(1) Except for Service Animals, dogs, cats and other pets, including pets for emotional support, are prohibited on any park land or trail except in those locations identified below:

• All park roads, including those seasonally closed for public vehicular use, parking areas, established picnic areas, and front country campgrounds including group and front country horse campsites, as well as the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.

• Pets must be on a leash not to exceed 6 feet in length.

For informational purposes: Guidance on service animals can be found in DO-42 and the Director's Memo dated 9/5/02 and titled "Use of Service Animals by Persons with Disabilities in the National Park System."

(a)(3) Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object is prohibited, except in developed camping facilities while the owners are away from the campsite for a short period of time. Under no circumstances will a pet be left unattended overnight.

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be immediately collected by the pet handler and disposed of in the nearest trash receptacle.

These regulations are not intended to restrict pets from the park but rather to enhance the natural experience of all visitors. Pets are natural predators, and their scent alone will scare wild animals into hiding places.

(e) Pets kept by residents of the park will be maintained consistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with provisions established in the park's Housing Management Plan.

2.16 – Horses and Pack Animals

Coggins test

For informational purposes: Pursuant to both North Carolina and Tennessee state law, all equines brought to or kept at any park horse camp or ridden on any park trailshall be accompanied by either the original or a copy of an official negative test for equine infectious anemia (EIA) (aka "Coggins test") administered within the previous 12 months. Proof of such test must be provided upon request.

Both North Carolina and Tennessee state law requires this test. They also impose liability for non-compliance.

Horses, mules, burros and llamas are designated as pack animals.

(b) Designated Trails: The use of saddle and pack animals is permitted on official park trails except in the following areas:

• Nature Trails and Quiet Walkways

• Handicapped Access Trails

• Paved Trails

• Designated foot trails as listed in Appendix A

Private horse use is permitted on trails assigned for horse concession use, including those that are concessionaire- maintained, except that the following Smokemont riding stable trails are closed to private horse use during the concession operating season:

• The Smokemont Stables Trail

• The connector trail between the Towstring Horse Trail and the Smokemont Stables Trail.

Deep Creek Trail is closed to horse use from the Deep Creek Trailhead to the Indian Creek/Deep Creek Junction.

(c) Designated Roads: The use of saddle and pack animals on park roads is prohibited except as follows:

• Paved portion of Cataloochee access road between the Ranger Station and the access road bridge.

• NC 284 north of the Wye-intersection.

• Old Cataloochee access road.

• Cataloochee Valley Road west of Palmer Creek bridge.

• Parson Branch Road.

• Schoolhouse Gap parking area to Bote Mountain Trailhead.

• Big Creek Access Road from North Carolina284 to Big Creek Horse Camp.

• Balsam Mountain/Straight Fork Road from the Palmer Creek Trailhead to the Enloe Creek Trailhead.

• The Cades Cove picnic area roadway when enroute to or from the Anthony Creek trailhead, provided that riders must dismount and lead their horses and must immediately remove to a trash container any horse excrement dropped en route.

The use of saddle and pack animals is allowed on the following roads when they are closed to motor vehicle traffic for the season:

• Heintooga Ridge Road

• Forge Creek Road

• Balsam Mountain/Straight Fork Road

• Parson Branch Road

• Rich Mountain Road

• Upper Tremont Road

(g) Unless damaged or compromised, horses must be tied to hitchposts or hitchracks at backcountry locations where they are provided. In backcountry campsites or any backcountry areas with no hitchracks or hitchposts, or if these are full, horses must be cross tied so they cannot chew on or otherwise damage trees or other vegetation. If picket stakes for the crosstie system are not available, trees of no less than eight (8) inches in diameter should be utilized.

Cross-tying of horses and pack animals is not permitted within 100 feet of established backcountry campsites, fire rings, shelters, or sleeping areas in the backcountry, or within 100 feet from any stream or water source.

Horses are not permitted within one hundred feet of front country campsites, except at developed horse camps.

Party size: At designated backcountry sites where stock is permitted, the number of animals in any one party is limited to one per person plus one stock animal per person but shall not exceed a total of ten (10) animals. Number of people and number of stock may not exceed designated capacities at reservation only backcountry campsites. These capacities may be more restrictive than eight (8) people and ten (10) animals.

Stock are hereby restricted from stopping, standing, or travelling across or adjacent to any water spring.

Stock are restricted from water springs to prevent contamination. Springs do not normally have the water volume necessary to cleanse themselves. It is recommended that pack animals be watered with the use of a container

Manure scattering: In backcountry areas with hitch racks or stalls, any manure shall be scattered no less than 100 feet from any campsite area before departing the area. In developed horse camps, all manure shall be moved from the stall and hitch rack areas to a designated collection area.

At trailheads, any manure spilled from the trailering unit and any fresh excrement must be replaced in the trailering unit.

This is necessary to prevent the introduction of exotic plant seeds into the park.

Feed: In the backcountry, the use of loose hay or grain containing viable seeds is prohibited. Stock users are required to carry supplemental feed such as pellets, rolled grains, or dehydrated alfalfa cubes on all trips.

Unloading; trailer parking: Stock will not be unloaded nor shall trailer units be parked in the Deep Creek trailhead parking area. The designated parking and unloading area for stock must be used at the Noland Divide Trailhead.

Stock will not be unloaded nor shall trailer units be parked in the Smokemont Church parking areas. The designated parking and unloading area for stock at Tow String must be used

Stock will not be unloaded nor shall trailer units be parked in the parking areas at the entrance to the Cades Cove loop road or adjacent to the campground store. A trailer parking and stock unloading area is provided at the entrance to the Cades Cove horse concession.

2.21 – Smoking

For the purposes of this section, Smoking includes the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems.

Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings, structures, shelters, and within 25 feet of the entrance to all public buildings, structures, and shelters.

Per policy memorandum 15-03 and Great Smoky Mountains National Park Smoking Policy these activities are prohibited to protect park employees and visitors from the health hazards and annoyances of secondhand smoke which is a known human carcinogen.

2.22 – Property

(2) Motor vehicles may be left at trailheads while the vehicle operator is using the park backcountry. Boats maybe left at water access trailheads while the boat operator is using the park backcountry.

Except for vehicles/vessels left while the operator is in the backcountry on an overnight hike, there should be no reason for objects to be unattended/or more than 24 hours.

2.35 – Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances

See 36 CFR §7.14

2.51 – Demonstrations

(c)(2) The areas listed below are designated for demonstrations and the sale or distribution of printed matter. These areas may be occupied by groups of 25 or fewer persons without a permit consistent with 36 CFR 2.51 and 2.52. (Appendix E)

• Abrams Creek - The field next to Ranger Station and adjacent to day use parking.

• Balsam Mountain - The grassy area in the center of the loop at Balsam Mountain picnic area parking area.

• Big Creek - The grassy area within the loop at the Big Creek picnic area, bordered by the approach road and the picnic area parking lot.

• Cades Cove -

  • Cades Cove amphitheater - subject to scheduled activities.

  • The grassy area between the campground office and the store and to the north of the parking area, bordered by the road, the sidewalk, and the store and within 30' of the sidewalks.

  • The grassy area adjacent to the parking lot at the entrance to the Cades Cove loop road, and specifically that portion of the area south of and within 30' of the sidewalks and no less than 50' nor more than 100' to the east of the visitor contact station.

• Cataloochee - The sidewalk and grassy area at the perimeter of the parking lot located approximately 0.1-mile northeast of (i.e., before) the Cataloochee campground and at which are located public information bulletin boards.

• Clingmans Dome - The sidewalk area to the south of the bulletin board (to the left of the board when facing it) located at the far (west) end of Clingmans Dome parking lot and specifically that portion of the sidewalk between the bulletin board and the trash can and within 15' of the edge of the sidewalk. The area designated is intended to leave the majority of the sidewalk nearest the rock bluff clear for pedestrian use.

• Cosby - At the Cosby picnic area, specifically the west end (nearest the campground office) of the grassy area located between the upper and lower picnic/hiker parking lots.

• Deep Creek - The grassy area across the road from (southeast of) the campground office and within 30'of the pavement.

• Elkmont amphitheater - subject to scheduled activities.

• Foothills Parkway West - The grassy area on the south side of the Look Rock tower parking lot, between the parking lot and the sidewalk.

• Headquarters - The lawn area directly in front of the building, bounded on the north by the south edge of the sidewalk, on the east and west by the ends of the building, and on the south by an imaginary line running parallel to and 75' from the south edge of the sidewalk.

• Newfound Gap - The grassy area in front of (to the west of) the Rockefeller Memorial, bordered by the parking lot exit, the stone pavement, and the memorial wall, provided that a clear pathway must be maintained for pedestrians to access the plaque on the wall.

• Oconaluftee - The lawn area directly in front of (to the southwest of) the administration building, bordered by sidewalks and the parking lot exit.

• Sugarlands Visitor Center - The southeast corner ofthe stone plaza in front of the Visitor Center.

These areas have been designated pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Register with the intention of providing persons exercising their First Amendment rights with a very public area with the potential for "high visibility."

2.52 – Sale and Distribution of Printed Material

See section 2.51 above regarding the list of designated areas.

Superintendents are authorized by 36 CFR 2.52 to issue special park use permits for the sale or distribution of "printed matter," which the regulation defines as "message-bearing textual printed material such as books, pamphlets, magazines and leaflets, provided that it is not solely commercial advertising. "Sales under this regulation whether authorized by a permit or small group exception, are limited to these defined terms.

To ensure that interpretation of the 36 CFR 2.52 accommodates the exercise of First Amendmentrights, and that it is uniformly applied, in interpreting and applying the regulation, superintendents will allow the free distribution of message-bearing items to the public otherthan printed matter, so long as the activity occurs within the areas designated as available for First Amendment activities, and otherwise complies with 36 CFR 2.52.

Examples of message-bearing items that may be distributed for free include CDs, DVDs and other readable electronic media. Such items must be distributed free of charge, and individuals may not ask or demand payment or request a donation in exchange for the item, which would violate 36 CFR5.3.

2.62 – Memorialization

(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation will be permitted pursuant to a permit issued by the park and pursuant to the following conditions:

• The chosen site must be no less than 200 feet from any buildings or historic building, structure or cemetery sites, including historic structures and cemeteries.

• The chosen site must be no less than 100 feet away from any other structures and developed areas, e.g., visitor centers, roads, trails, campgrounds and picnic areas.

• The chosen site must be no less than 150 feet from a stream or other watercourse.

• The ashes must be scattered and not deposited in any type of container. Cremated remains may not be buried even without a container.

• No marker or memorial of any sort may be placed or left at the site.The placement or planting of real or artificial flowers, memorial trees, brass markers, wooden crosses, etc. is prohibited.

• A copy of the permit must accompany the person performing the scattering.

• Cremation must be accomplished in accordance with state law.

4.11 – Vehicles and Traffic Safety

Except by permit, motor homes, buses and vans longer than 25 feet, as well as any passenger vehicles towing a trailer, are prohibited on the following roads:

• Chimneys Picnic Area

• Elkmont Road above the campground

• Balsam Mountain Road

• Little Greenbrier

• Parson Branch Road

• Rich Mountain Road

• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

• Tom's Branch Road

• Twin Creeks

• Wear Gap Road from the park boundary to and including the Metcalf Bridge

• West Deep Creek Road from the junction with the Deep Creek Picnic Area

• Greenbrier Road from the Ranger Station south.

Large vehicles find it difficult to negotiate these narrow winding roads in combination with their steep grades. Some vehicles will find them impassible while others would severely restrict the flow of traffic.

4.30 – Bicycles

(a) Park Roads. The use of non-motorized bicycles and electrical bicycles is permitted on park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle used by the general public. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an electric bicycle without pedaling is prohibited.

(b) The following routes, when closed seasonally to motor vehicles, remain open for nonmotorized bicycles and Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles year-round.

• Heintooga Ridge Road

• Clingmans Dome Road

• Forge Creek Road

• Balsam Mountain/Straight Fork Road

• Little Greenbrier Road

• Parson Branch Road

• Rich Mountain Road

• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

• Upper Tremont Road

• The Cades Cove Loop Road (including during the Wednesday morning "bicycle closure" events from May through September)

(c) The following trails are open to non-motorized bicycles and Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles.

• The Gatlinburg Trail between the Sugarlands Visitor Center and Gatlinburg. (1.9 miles one way)

• The Oconaluftee River Trail between the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the town of Cherokee. (1.6 miles one way)

• That portion of the graveled road now existing from the trailhead to the end of the gravel on the: Indian Creek Trail (2.9 miles one way) and Deep Creek Trail (1.4 miles one way)

(g)(1) A person operating an electric bicycle on any park road, parking lot, administrative road or designated trail is subject to Chapter 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 4 that apply to an operator of a motor vehicle, except sections 4.4, 4.10, 4.11, 4.14 and 4.15.

(g)(2) Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an electrical bicycle within Great Smoky Mountains National Park is governed by State law. Any violation of State law is prohibited.

Justification: The maximum speeds obtainable with motorized assistance on Class 3 bicycles are not compatible with shared multi-use activities on the above listed routes. They are, therefore, prohibited due to public safety concerns.

4.31 – Hitchhiking

For the purpose of hiking a park trail, hitchhiking is permitted to obtain transportation back to one's vehicle or from one's vehicle to a trail entry point. Hitchhiking is also permitted to obtain assistance for a disabled vehicle. It shall not be permitted where it creates a traffic hazard.

Many park trails do not loop back to their beginning point but come out some distance from the original entry point. Soliciting a ride for short distances has been an accepted practice for many years without any complaint or history of problems.

5.6 – Commercial Vehicles

For informational purposes: Passenger-carrying motor vehicles (buses, taxis, etc.) are not specifically prohibited at GSMNP by 36 CFR 5.4. In addition, regulation under 36 CFR 5.3 is made difficult in the absence of entrance stations. Until such time as a Commercial Services Plan is developed and implemented or guidelines are developed to regulate such vehicles under a Commercial Use Authorization, passenger-carrying motor vehicles such as busses and taxis are exempt from 36 CFR 5.6.

Passenger-carrying motor vehicles engaged in other business, or which are providing a service in addition to simple transportation, e.g., delivering tubers to a put in point on a river or delivering hikers and a guide to a trailhead, remain prohibited under §5.3 and/or §5.6.

Part 71 – Recreation Fees

The following expanded amenity recreation fees apply in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park Parking Tag (Park It Forward Program) Tags may be purchased in three forms - Daily, Weekly, and Annual.

A valid parking tag is required when a motor vehicle is parked for more than 15 minutes in all park areas. The daily and weekly tag must be displayed in or on your motor vehicle and the license plate number must match the vehicle to which it is displayed. The annual tag must be affixed on your motor vehicle and the license plate number must match the vehicle to which it is displayed.

Failing to purchase and display a valid parking tag, as described above, will be found to be in violation of this section and enforced by 36 CFR §2.23(b).

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) authorizes the National Park Service to collect expanded amenity recreation fees on Federal Lands and Waters pursuant section 6802(g) FLREA. Great Smoky Mountains Parking Tag has been established as an expanded amenity recreation fee as supported by 36 CFR.

 

Appendix A: Designated Foot Trails

 

Trail Name	Location: From – To
All self-guiding nature trails	N/A
All Quiet Walkways	N/A
Abrams Falls Trail	Abrams Falls Parking Area – Hannah Mtn. Trail
Albright Grove Loop Trail	Loop off Maddron Bald Trail
Alum Cave Trail	Newfound Gap Road – Rainbow Falls Trail near Mt. LeConte
Appalachian Trail	Fontana Dam – Sassafras Gap
Appalachian Trail	Bote Mtn. Trail – Miry Ridge Trail
Appalachian Trail	Siler Bald – Hughes Ridge Trail
Baskins Creek Trail	Trillium Gap Trail – Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Baxter Creek Trail	Big Creek Picnic Area – Mt. Sterling Tower hitch rack
Boogerman Trail	Loop from Caldwell Fork Trail
Boulevard Trail	Mt. LeConte – Appalachian Trail near Mt. Kephart
Brushy Mtn Trail	Trillium Gap to Overlook
Bull Head Trail	Old Sugar Trail – Rainbow Falls Trail near Mt. LeConte
Chestnut Branch Trail	Big Creek Road – Appalachian Trail
Chestnut Top Trail	Schoolhouse Gap Trail – Townsend Wye
Chimney Tops Trail	Newfound Gap Road – Chimney Tops
Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail	Forney Ridge Trail – Appalachian Trail
Cove Mountain Trail	Park Headquarters – Cove Mountain Tower
Cucumber Gap Trail	Little River Trail – Jakes Creek Trail
Curry Mt. Trail	Little River Road – Meigs Mountain Trail
Deep Creek Trail	Campsite 55 – Newfound Gap Road AND Deep Creek Campground Trailhead to Indian Creek Trail
Eagle Creek Trail	Lakeshore Trail – Appalachian Trail at Spence Field
Flat Creek Trail	Heintooga Ridge Road – Heintooga Picnic Area
Fork Ridge Trail	Clingmans Dome Road – Deep Creek Trail
Forney Creek Trail	Jonas Creek Trail Junction – Forney Ridge Trail
Forney Ridge Trail	Clingmans Dome Parking Area – Springhouse Branch Trail
Gabes Mt. Trail	Maddron Bald Trail – Cosby Picnic Area and Campground
Gap Trail	Newfound Gap Road – Little River Trail
Gatlinburg Trail	Sugarlands Visitor Center – Boundary at Gatlinburg
Goshen Prong Trail	Little River Trail – Appalachian Trail at Double Spring Gap
Grapeyard Ridge Trail	Greenbrier Road – Big Dudley Trail
Greenbrier Ridge Trail	Middle Prong Trail – Appalachian Trail at Sams Gap
Gregory Ridge Trail	Forge Creek Road – Greg Bald Trail at Rich Gap
Gunter Fork Trail	Camel Gap Trail – Balsam Mountain Trail
Hazel Creek Trail	Proctor Creek – Welch Ridge Trail Huskey
Kanati Fork Trail	Newfound Gap Road – Thomas Divide Trail
Laurel Falls Trail	Fighting Creek Gap – Cove Mountain Trail
Little Bottoms Trail	Cooper Road Trail – Hatcher Mountain Trail
Little Brier Gap	Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse – Little Greenbrier Trail
Little Greenbrier Trail	Wear Cove Gap Road – Laurel Falls Trail
Little River Trail	Barricade – #30
Maddron Bald Trail	Barricade at Boundary – Snake Den Ridge Trail
Meigs Creek Trail	Little River Road at Sinks – Meigs Mtn. Trail
Metcalf Bottoms	Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area – Little Greenbrier School
Miry Ridge Trail	A.T. at Buckeye Gap – Lynn Camp Prong Trail
Mingus Creek Trail	Newfound Gap Road – Deep Low Gap Trail
Oconaluftee River Trail	Oconaluftee Visitor Center – Park Boundary at Cherokee
Old Settlers Trail	Brushy Mtn Trail junction – Vicinity of #31 on Porters Creek
Porters Creek Trail	Brushy Mtn Trail junction – Vicinity of #31 on Porters Creek
Rainbow Falls Trails	Rainbow Falls Parking Area at Cherokee Orchard Rd. – Mt. LeConte
Ramsey Cascades Trail	Barricade – Ramsey Cascades
Road Prong Trail	Chimney Top Trail – Indian Gap
Rough Creek Trail	Little River Trail – Sugarland Mountain Trail
Roundtop Trail	Wear Gap Cove Road – Townsend Wye
Scott Mountain Trail	Indian Grave Gap Trail – Schoolhouse Gap Trail
Smokemont Loop Trail	Smokemont Campground – Bradley Fork Trail
Spruce Mountain Trail	Balsam Mountain Road – Campsite 42
Sugarland Mountain Trail	Fighting Creek Gap – Appalachian Trail near Mt. Kephart
Sweat Heifer Creek Trail	Kephart Prong Trail – Appalachian Trail near Mt. Kephart
Thomas Divide Trail	Newfound Gap Road – Junction w/ Sunkota Ridge Trail
Twin Creeks Trail	Park Boundary – Cherokee Orchard Road

 

Appendix B: Chimney Tops Area Closure Map

 

Chimney Tops Area Closure map.

 

Appendix C: Oconaluftee Area Closure Map

 

South District Housing & Facilities Closure map. Park Circle Road from Newfound Gap Road to Big Cove Road is open, but Oconaluftee Job Corps Road and field beside it plus administrative buildings are closed.

 

Appendix D: Oconaluftee Housing and Maintenance Areas Closure Map

 

South District Housing Closure map.

 

Appendix E: GRSM First Amendment Areas

 

Abrams Creek First Amendment Area map.

 

Balsam Mountain First Amendment Area map.

 

Big Creek First Amendment Area map.

 

One of three Cades Cove First Amendment Area maps.

 

Two of three Cades Cove First Amendment Area maps.

 

Three of three Cades Cove First Amendment Area maps.

 

Cataloochee First Amendment Area map.

 

Clingmans Dome First Amendment Area map. The designated area is intended to leave the majority of the sidewalk nearest the rock bluff clear for pedestrian use.

 

Cosby First Amendment Area map.

 

Deep Creek First Amendment Area map.

 

Elkmont Amphitheater First Amendment Area map.

 

Foothills Parkway West First Amendment Area map.

 

Newfound Gap First Amendment Area map.

 

Oconaluftee First Amendment Area map.

 

Park Headquarters First Amendment Area map.

 

Sugarlands Visitor Center First Amendment Area map.