A Trails Forever crew will soon start the second phase of a two-year trail rehabilitation project on Rainbow Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The work means the trail will be closed most weekdays beginning Monday, April 16. The trail will be closed Mondays at 7 a.m. through Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. weekly through November 15.
The trail will be open to hikers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on federal holidays.
The Trails Forever crew is rehabbing several targeted sections of the 6-mile trail. Park officials say the work will improve overall trail safety, protect natural resources by reducing trail binding and improve drainage by preventing further erosion.
"I encourage everyone to hike the trail this season on the open days to see the transformation taking place first hand,” GMSNP Superintendent Cassius Cash said in a news release. “It is truly inspiring to see the craftsmanship our Trails Forever crew brings into the design of trail improvements. The rehabilitated sections are not only more sustainable and safer for hikers, but they also blend naturally into the landscape.”
Rainbow Falls in one of the trails that leads to Mt. LeConte, LeConte Lodge and the LeConte Lodge Shelter. Hikers will still be able to reach Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave, Boulevard, Trillium Gap and Brushy Mountain trails.
Trails Forever is a partnership between GSMNP and the Friends of the Smokies.