Smokies Opens Floodplain Review for Oconaluftee River Trail Project

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has opened a public review of its floodplain findings for proposed improvements to the Oconaluftee River Trail, a heavily used path connecting the park with Cherokee.

The document is available for review through Sept. 7. It explains how the National Park Service evaluated flood risks and the potential effects of construction because portions of the trail lie within the Oconaluftee River floodplain.

The 1.6-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail links the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum with the edge of downtown Cherokee. More than 100,000 people use it each year. It is also one of only two trails in the national park where leashed pets are permitted.

The broader improvement proposal includes a more accessible and durable trail surface, restoration of about 275 feet of eroded riverbank, repair or replacement of four footbridges and a new accessible viewing area beside the river. The park has also proposed a trail connection to Saunooke Bridge Road to strengthen the route between park property and Cherokee.

The National Park Service collected initial public comments on the project in April. The new review focuses specifically on the floodplain analysis rather than reopening every element of the original proposal.

Work on some or all of the improvements could begin in late 2026 or 2027. Earlier planning materials estimated construction could take about 12 months and require partial or full trail closures, but the park has not announced a final schedule.

The current trail remains open. Visitors should continue to expect a mostly flat, wide gravel route with occasional roots, rocks and uneven sections until any approved improvements are built.