Exciting news! US 441/Newfound Gap Road is officially open as of 4 PM on September 12, 2025. Crews have worked diligently to repair the road after a major washout on August 1st, and we’re happy to announce that the road is open a full 18 days ahead of schedule. Smoky Mountain visitors are once again able to enjoy this scenic drive! Keep reading to learn more about the repairs and what to expect.
US 441/Newfound Gap Road Now Open
Thanks to an outstanding collaboration between the National Park Service, the Federal Highway Administration, and local partners, Newfound Gap Road has been restored and is open to visitors. The contractor worked nearly 24 hours a day to complete the project! During the restoration:
- 120 tons of sandbags were placed to temporarily divert the stream and protect the work zone.
- 144 truckloads of debris were removed.
- 2,000 tons of gravel were delivered.
- 152 boulders were placed to reinforce the slope and construct a retaining wall. The wall is made of local stone and was carefully designed to blend with the natural surroundings.
The National Park Service advises all visitors to drive with caution and keep an eye out for wildlife, which has been more active near the roadway due to the lack of traffic. When you drive along Newfound Gap Road, you can expect to still see some construction. On the Tennessee side, the NPS is completing work on the repaired section of the first two miles between Gatlinburg and Sugarlands. If you travel to the North Carolina side, a 7-mile stretch of road is being rehabilitated through September 30th. Single-lane closures are expected.
What Happened to Newfound Gap Road?
On August 1st, a stationary storm that dropped about 2 inches of rain over 2 hours caused a road washout and landslide along Newfound Gap Road between mile markers 12 and 13. The rain caused Walker Camp Prong to swell, eroding the roadway and undermining a 125-foot-long section of the road. Nearly the entire width of the southbound lane was compromised. The road was expected to reopen on Sept. 30th, but thanks to the hard work of the National Park Service, the Federal Highway Administration, and local partners, it reopened on Sept. 12th!
About US 441/Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road is one of the most popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. It’s a 31-mile road that’s known for its stunning views, and it's the only fully paved road that travels directly through the center of the park! Along the drive, you can stop at scenic overlooks, picnic areas, historic sites, and more. It’s one of the most popular drives to see the beautiful fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains as well!
To learn more about this amazing scenic drive, check out our step-by-step guide to the most popular spots along Newfound Gap Road.
