Big Cove Rd and Straight Fork Rd, Smokies

[The Solemates]

Are both of these roads out of oconaluftee open in the winter? anyone know? if they are open (generally) in the winter, and it snows a lot - do they close them like some of the other roads in the smokies?

[illabelle]

From the online trail map, it appears that these two roads do not normally close in winter. However, Balsam Mtn Rd and Heintooga Ridge Rd (which connect with Straight Fork Rd) are both labeled "Closed in Winter". On the other hand, Big Cove Rd appears to be almost entirely outside the Park, but inside the Qualla Reservation, so maybe this map wouldn't give that information.

[The Solemates]

From the online trail map, it appears that these two roads do not normally close in winter. However, Balsam Mtn Rd and Heintooga Ridge Rd (which connect with Straight Fork Rd) are both labeled "Closed in Winter". On the other hand, Big Cove Rd appears to be almost entirely outside the Park, but inside the Qualla Reservation, so maybe this map wouldn't give that information.

yep, which is why i asked :) need some boots on the ground opinion

[HooKooDooKu]

The GSMNP Web Page for Seasonal Closures (https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/seasonalroads.htm) indicates that Strait Fork is only open April 1 thru Nov 1.
(Roundbottom/Strait Fork listed at the bottom)

BTW: Strait Fork is a dirt road in the National Park, where as Big Cove Road is a paved road in the Qualla Reservation with houses and businesses along it. So I suspect that Big Cove Road is open year round.

Additionally, these seasonal road closures only apply to vehicles. You can still walk, bicycle, and horse back ride these roads while closed (the exception is the unfinished portion of the Foothills Parkway... that section is specifically closed to all forms of traffic, but that is due to the road still being under construction and not a seasonal closure).

[The Solemates]

thanks!.....