A Smokies trail section washed out by Helene is open again

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has reopened a 0.8-mile section of the Caldwell Fork Trail on the North Carolina side of the park. The restored stretch sits within the Cataloochee Valley area, running between the start of Caldwell Fork Trail and the Boogerman Trail junction. Hikers can once again walk this portion of the path following extensive trail work.

The route had been closed since severe storm damage caused by Hurricane Helene more than two years ago. Park trail crews completed repairs to heavily damaged treadway that washed out during the historic weather event. In addition to rebuilding the trail base, crews replaced two footbridges that allow visitors to cross local water safely.

Repairs along the creek

The work in Cataloochee Valley required steady effort to fix conditions left behind by Helene. Floodwaters stripped away large parts of the treadway along the stream corridor, leaving the path impassable for normal foot travel. Replacing the two missing footbridges helps reconnect this specific corridor and secures foot travel up to the intersection.

Even with this stretch open, park officials note that rehabilitation work across the broader trail network remains an ongoing process. The newly repaired ground provides a stable surface for walking, but the surrounding landscape still shows the effects of the storm. Visitors walking this segment will find standard trail conditions restored up to the junction point.

Remaining closures on the path

Park staff emphasize that the rest of Caldwell Fork Trail beyond the Boogerman Trail junction stays closed to the public. Rehabilitation on that further section is not finished, and visitors are instructed not to venture past the reopened 0.8-mile stretch. Keeping off unfinished path sections helps crews continue their repair tasks safely and prevents foot traffic on unstable ground.

In addition, hiking along Boogerman Trail is currently not advised by park staff. A 55-foot foot log along that route was washed away by the hurricane, leaving a difficult water gap. The stream beneath that missing crossing is usually more than 2 feet deep, creating a challenging obstacle for hikers attempting the loop.

Planning your park visit

Because conditions vary across the Cataloochee Valley and other parts of the mountains, travelers should plan carefully before heading into the backcountry. Great Smoky Mountains National Park encourages all visitors to check current trail and road closures prior to leaving home. Staying informed about existing route statuses ensures a safer and more predictable outing in the woods.

The reopening of this short corridor marks one step forward in recovering access to remote valley trails. As crews continue their rehabilitation efforts, hikers can enjoy this small pocket of woodland path while respecting the boundaries that remain in place.