Smokies fire closes trails
A nearly 50‑acre wildfire near Rabbit Creek Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park forced campsite and trail closures while crews worked containment. (upi.com) Park officials said no structures were threatened as the blaze continued, but closures remain in place for hiker safety. (wate.com)
The National Park Service’s March 24 update put the Rabbit Creek Fire at 47.5 acres and 25% contained, and said crews were establishing and reinforcing fire line around the perimeter. (nps.gov) Temporary closures named by the park include Rabbit Creek Trail from Abrams Creek Campground to Hannah Mountain Trail, Cooper Road Trail from Abrams Creek Campground to Little Bottoms Trail, Backcountry Campsite 16 (Scott Gap), and Abrams Creek Campground Road (closed to all visitors for crew staging). (nps.gov) The park reported the fire was first reported on the afternoon of Sunday, March 22, 2026, and an earlier NPS release on March 23 estimated the blaze at 45.8 acres with roughly 50% of the fire line secured. (home.nps.gov) Updated mapping and cooler temperatures were cited by the park as factors on March 23 as firefighters worked line construction, but NPS data show acreage rose to 47.5 and containment fell to 25% by March 24. (home.nps.gov) Park officials said the Rabbit Creek Fire is not connected to planned prescribed burns at Lynn Hollow and Wear Cove Gap, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. (nps.gov) The NPS warned that local communities and park visitors would continue to see smoke in the area while crews suppress the fire and conduct safe equipment staging on Abrams Creek Campground Road. (nps.gov)
