Skip to main content

Going to the Smoky Mountains in June? Watch out for these closures

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Wolfgang Kaehler / Getty Images

Repairs and renovations at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park continue as the National Park Service continues to prepare the mountains for the 2025 summer season. If you’re planning on visiting the Smokies in June, watch out for these spring closures that could add additional travel time to your trip.

First, off, let’s look at the closures affecting sections of Little River Road. The first one will take place from June 3rd through 4th, from 7:00 a.m. to noon. During this time, there will be no direct travel from Townsend Wye to Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, so visitors will need to detour through Wears Valley Road (US 321) between Townsend and Line Springs Road.

Recommended Videos

On the 5th, the section from Metcalf Bottoms to Elkmont Junction will be closed from 7 am to noon. Visitors will need to detour via the Wears Valley Road between Line Springs Road and Pigeon Forge.

Please note that while popular sites like Elkmont, Metcalf Bottoms, and Cascade Cove will remain mostly accessible, all motor homes, buses, passenger vehicles towing trailers, and vans longer than 25 feet will not be allowed on the Wear Cove Gap Road until these maintenance projects are completed.

There will also be a series of single-lane closures along the north and southbound Spur. These closures will happen from June 9th to 12th, from 7 am to 4:30 pm, and will include important roadside maintenance such as mowing, pruning, ditch and culvert cleaning, shoulder drop-off repair, and the mitigation of hazardous trees.

These projects are subject to change, so make sure that you check with the National Park Service for updates before traveling.

Sarah Joseph
With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, Sarah is always thrilled to share nature with others through…
The perfect New England hotel just reopened in Kennebunkport — here’s why you should go
The beautiful Breakwater Inn reopened on July 1
Breakwater Inn

If you’re craving a classic New England summer, Kennebunkport, Maine, is calling. This charming coastal town is famous for its laid-back beaches, busy harbor, affordable lobster rolls, and small-town charm that feels straight out of a postcard. Long known as a summer retreat for the Bush family, Kennebunkport offers coastal elegance and the quintessential New England experience.

And now, there’s an even better reason to visit. The beloved Breakwater Inn just reopened on July 1, 2025, after a full-scale renovation that breathes new life into this historic waterfront property. Perched where the Kennebunk River flows into the Atlantic Ocean, the inn has been thoughtfully refreshed while preserving its 1880s cottage charm.

Read more
Biscuit Basin is closed — here’s what to do in Yellowstone instead
Summer fun at Yellowstone is going to look different this year
Overhead photo of a geyser at Yellowstone National Park

Visiting Yellowstone National Park may look a bit different this year with the continued closure of Biscuit Basin, but it's still going to be worth it. There are so many other geysers, canyons, and wildlife to see that it would be a huge mistake to miss out on it this summer just because the path to Old Faithful is still under construction. Here's everything you need to know when entering Yellowstone this summer, and how to make the most of it according to the National Park Service.
Making the most of Yellowstone this Summer

While Biscuit Basin faces reconstruction efforts after the hydraulic explosion that happened last year, you'll still be able to enjoy wildlife hotspots like the Lamar Valley, which is nicknamed "America's Serengeti" for all of the animals you can see. Yellowstone Lake will also be open for boating or fishing excursions. The Yellowstone Lake hotel and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is open this summer if you don't want to camp, and a lot of the trails around Mammoth Hot Springs will be open too. You can also see Norris Geyser Basin, which is park's hottest and oldest.
No need to worry about timed entry
One of the best parts about Yellowstone National Park is that they don't require timed entry reservations like Yosemite National Park or Glacier National Park. Summer is still pretty busy, so be prepared for crowds, but the park is 2.2 million acres in total, so there's a fair amount of space to spread out. Still, you will need a park entrance pass to get through the gate.
Make your reservations in advance
Campgrounds do require reservations in advance, so make sure that you book dates before you go. If you plan to do any fishing or boating in the area, make sure that you also snag yourself a fishing or boating permit. You will also need to submit your boat for an inspection.
Expect terrible cell service
Personally, I don't know why you'd want to be on your phone with Yellowstone out your window, but keep in mind that cell service is limited here. I recommend downloading maps and the NPS app beforehand, as well as any road closure information. These closures can be sudden due to the unpredictability of Yellowstone's weather, so prepare in advance by packing a warm jacket, rain gear, and layers when you go.
Be responsible, especially around wildlife
While driving, be sure to observe posted speed limits and use the pullouts to watch wildlife, making sure that all four of your tires are fully to the right of the white line. This will allow other cars to pass easily. Seeing wildlife up close is amazing, but remember to stay a minimum of 25 yards away from all wildlife, and 100 yards away from bears, wolves, and cougars.  Elks are also dangerous, so don't even think about holding your baby near one.

Read more
Language expert reveals key phrases every traveler should know before going abroad
A few simple phrases can make a world of difference
Paris Opera House

If you’re getting ready to explore new destinations and travel abroad, chances are you’ll land somewhere where English isn’t the first language. While it’s true that English is widely spoken in many tourist hotspots, it’s not a guarantee, especially in smaller towns or off-the-beaten-path places. And let’s face it, learning an entire language before a trip isn’t exactly realistic. But the good news? Just a few key phrases can make a world of difference.

“You don’t need to speak the whole language to make your way in a new country,” says Anna Latorre, Spanish language tutor at Anna Spanish.

Read more