Several trails and backcountry campsites are closed between Newfound Gap Road and Deep Creek in North Carolina due to the ~310-acre Thomas Divide Complex wildfire that started south of the park on Saturday, 3/26/22, in the early afternoon. The fire is estimated to be 10% contained with about half of the fire burning within the park boundary.
Date:23/03/2022
Device:Canon EOS R5 + RF600 F4L IS USM + Extender 1.4X
ISO2500, 1/2000, F5.6
A Unified Command Center has been established to coordinate suppression efforts and includes personnel from the National Park Service, North Carolina Forest Service, Bryson City Fire Department, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Approximately 50 firefighters are working to establish firebreak lines using hand crews and bulldozers. Outside the park, firefighters are working to provide structure protection. Air resources are available to respond if wind speeds allow.
The following areas remain closed: Backcountry campsites 46, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60; Deep Creek and Thomas Divide trails from Deep Creek to Newfound Gap Road; Pole Road Creek, Indian Creek, Stone Pile Gap, Deep Creek Horse Bypass, Juney Whank Falls, Deep low, Fork Ridge, Sunkota Ridge, Martins Gap, Indian Creek Motor Nature, Mingus Creek, Newton Bald, Kanati Fork, and Loop trails. Toms Branch Road near Deep Creek is also closed. The Deep Creek Campground and Picnic Area are not scheduled to open for the season until April 15