New Bear Warnings in Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains updated their list of trails, backcountry campsites and shelters that have posted bear warnings, and have added several new locations to the list this morning.

Here's the current list:

• Abrams Falls Trail
• Clingmans Dome Trail and parking lot
• Laurel Falls Trail
• Ramsey Cascades Trail
• Mount Le Conte Lodge
• Mount Le Conte Shelter
• Russell Field Shelter
• Tricorner Knob Shelter
• Backcountry Campsites 10, 12, 13, 29

Additionally, these Backcountry Campsites and Shelters are closed:

• Backcountry Campsites 36, 37
• Mount Collins Shelter

Please note that posted "Bear Warnings" simply means that these are areas where bears are active. Please read What Do I Do If I See A Bear? for important safety information about bears.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Finally! (Little River Trail)

Finally, the bear warnings for the Little River Trail have been removed. The bear activity warning had been posted on the Little River Trail for several months this year, and was the last of six trails that had bear warnings during the year.

Also, several backcountry campsites and shelters have been re-opened or have had posted warnings removed in recent weeks.

Back in October there were 5 backcountry campsites and shelters that were closed, in addition to at least 18 that had posted warnings. There were also six trails at that time that had warnings as well.

There are now only 9 backcountry campsites and shelters with posted warnings and 1 closing at this time.

Below is the current list of warnings and closings:

Bear Warnings:

• Backcountry Campsites 13, 84, and 88
• Cosby Knob Shelter
• Double Spring Gap Shelter
• Mollies Ridge Shelter
• Mt Collins Shelter
• Mt Le Conte Shelter
• Tricorner Knob Shelter

Backcountry Campsite 75 is still closed.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.