ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Crews at Great Smoky Mountains National Park were assessing road conditions Tuesday as icy winter weather continued to impact travel, particularly at higher elevations.
Park officials said staff were removing downed trees and applying sand to parking lots and sidewalks, but many roads remained covered in ice. Visitors were urged to use extreme caution on park roads and walkways.
Several visitor centers operated on delayed schedules Tuesday. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center opened at 9 a.m., while the Sugarlands Visitor Center was scheduled to open at 11 a.m. An opening time for the Cable Mill Visitor Center had not been announced.
Multiple roads remained closed due to hazardous conditions, including U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road between Cherokee, North Carolina, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Laurel Creek Road; Little River Road; Cades Cove Loop Road; Tom Branch Road; Wear Cove Gap Road; and all sections of the Foothills Parkway. Park officials also reported closures in the Cosby, Greenbrier and Big Creek areas.
Meanwhile, road assessments were also underway along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Officials said sections of the parkway will reopen only after snow, ice and storm debris have been cleared. Travelers are advised to check road conditions before visiting or recreating in the area.