Great Smoky Mtns NP – Shelter Closure – Derrick Knob
nc
|gsmnp
|tn
|bear-activity
|hiking-safety
|shelter-closure
|Alert
10/15/2024
Officials with Great Smoky Mountains National Park have closed Derrick Knob Shelter (NOBO mile 190.1) due to bear activity.
Hikers should plan their itineraries accordingly to avoid the shelter, including not stopping at the shelter for a break, to eat lunch, or to use the privy. Hikers in this area of the park should exercise caution. All hikers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park should properly store all food and scented items at night using the provided bear cables, keep a clean camp, pack out all trash and food waste, and never leave food unattended – even for a moment such as a quick trip to the privy or to check out a view.
The ATC strongly recommends that all overnight hikers use a bear canister for the duration of their time on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Since all food and scented items must be hung from the provided bear cables while in the park, hikers using bear canisters should hang their canisters inside their packs. Never tie ropes to your bear canister – this can allow a bear to carry it away.
Learn more about bear canisters and bear safety on the A.T. here. Report bear encounters via ATC’s Bear Encounter Report Form.
For the latest alerts and park conditions, visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park website.
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