Project Links
A comment period for this project closes
Sep 7, 2026:
Days, Hours, Min.
Days, Hours, Min.
Plan Process
Great Smoky Mountains National Park » Oconaluftee River Trail Improvements » Plan Process
The National Park Service is proposing improvements to the Oconaluftee River Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Through this project, the park would improve connectivity with the gateway community of Cherokee, increase accessibility, repair riverbank erosion, and enhance safety and the visitor experience.
* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. Define purpose and need/develop preliminary alternatives
Step 2. Conduct resources surveys to inform trail design
Step 3. Public scoping and comment period
Step 4. Analysis of public comment
Step 5. Complete Floodplain Statement of Findings and review period *
Step 6. Finalize compliance and tribal/agency consultations
Step 7. Release decision document to the public
* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. Define purpose and need/develop preliminary alternatives
Step 2. Conduct resources surveys to inform trail design
Step 3. Public scoping and comment period
Step 4. Analysis of public comment
Step 5. Complete Floodplain Statement of Findings and review period *
Step 6. Finalize compliance and tribal/agency consultations
Step 7. Release decision document to the public