Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials issued an urgent public statement today confirming the immediate closure of several popular backcountry trails, shelters, and frontcountry campgrounds following a series of concerning encounters with habituated black bears in the Cosby, Greenbrier, and Deep Creek areas.
The full statement from Park Superintendent Cassius Cash reads:
“Visitor and resource safety remains our top priority in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over the past three weeks, we have documented multiple incidents involving black bears exhibiting bold, food-conditioned behavior in the Cosby Picnic Area, Greenbrier Campground vicinity, and along segments of the Deep Creek and Indian Gap trails. These bears have repeatedly approached people, entered occupied campsites, damaged tents and coolers, and in two cases obtained human food despite repeated hazing efforts by rangers.
Effective immediately and until further notice, the following areas are closed:
– Cosby Campground (all loops)
– Greenbrier Campground and adjacent picnic area
– Deep Creek Campground and all vehicle-accessible sites
– Backcountry campsites 34, 35, 36 (Cosby area), 60, 61 (Greenbrier), and shelters along the Deep Creek and Porters Creek trails
– The Porters Creek Trail from the trailhead to Fern Branch Falls
– The lower 2.5 miles of the Deep Creek Trail
These closures are precautionary and will remain in place while wildlife biologists and law enforcement personnel conduct intensified monitoring, additional hazing, and potential trapping and relocation operations. We are working closely with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
We strongly remind all visitors: Never feed bears. Store all food, trash, and scented items (including toiletries) in bear-proof containers or approved bear canisters. Cook and eat at least 100 yards from your sleeping area. Report all bear sightings or encounters to park dispatch at (865) 436-9171.
The overwhelming majority of our black bears remain naturally wary of people. However, a small number of individuals have become dangerously habituated due to repeated access to human food. We are taking decisive action to reverse this behavior and protect both visitors and wildlife.
We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation during this temporary closure. Updates will be posted on nps.gov/grsm and our official social media channels. The rest of the park remains open, and we encourage visitors to enjoy other areas while following Leave No Trace principles and wildlife safety guidelines.”
Park rangers have already issued three citations for improper food storage in the affected zones and are increasing patrols. Biologists estimate that up to five individual bears may require intervention, with one large adult male identified as the primary concern after it was photographed entering a tent site at 2:17 a.m. last night.
The closures are expected to last at least 30–45 days, depending on bear behavior and relocation success. Popular day-use areas such as Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, and Newfound Gap remain fully accessible.
Visitors planning trips to the Smokies are urged to check the park’s website or call ahead for the latest information before heading out.
