GSMNP shelter/site closures

[JumpMaster Blaster]

I remember last year or year before last that there were a few shelters & backcountry campsites on the Smokies that always seemed to be closed or have some type of Yogi advisory. If memory serves me right, they were Spence Field Shelter (or was it Russell Field?) and campsite 113. Is this a common occurrence and/or how long are they usually shut down?

Secondary question- if I have a reservation at one of the shelters & it closes, does that require me to re-do all the reservations?

[TNhiker]

Yes.....

common occurence at some shelters and campsites.......usually the ones that get the most traffic...

most shelters have a "resident" bear in the area that knows a bag will contain food....

check the closures page on the nps site for closures...

and if a site closes down---yes, you will need to adjust....

I don't think you'd have to redo the whole itenary or not, though...

some years past , I've heard of the backcountry office calling reservation holders to let them know about closures of places theyvr reserved---not sure if they still do that...

[rmitchell]

Yes, it is pretty common. Cosby Knob shelter is another. The problem there was a pack thief. The bear would lurk and grab an unattended pack. At least twice last season Cosby was closed due to bear activity.
The second time it was only closed for a short time. I talked to the Cosby Campground host who related seeing a bear carried out on a stretcher by two rangers with a third walking alongside with a ready hypodermic.
If a shelter or campsite is closed you will be contacted to reschedule.

[MuddyWaters]

Yes, very common.
The backcountry office will reroute your itinerary as necessary when that happens, sometimes off the AT to campsites. A long way off, and downhill. If it happens after everything is reserved, that can be your only choice.

[Starchild]

Also better check with them right before heading in, cell service in the park is very sparse, especially the southern 3/4's of the AT (Northern 1/4 is pretty good AT wise), And if entering via Fontana Dam that entrance was not always promptly updated, actually rarely, with such notifications on the entrance board. This may have changed.

[Miel]

And why don't other animals carry a hypodermic needle for when humans come along and their their food?

Our own species sucks.

[sheepdog]

And why don't other animals carry a hypodermic needle for when humans come along and their their food?

Our own species sucks.

they don't have pockets???

[greentick]

And why don't other animals carry a hypodermic needle for when humans come along and their their food?

Our own species sucks.

Mebbe they're vegetarians?