Firefighters continue battling the Rabbit Creek Fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, prompting temporary closures of several trails and campsites in the nation’s most visited national park.
The wildfire, which started Sunday, has burned 47.5 acres and was 25% contained as of Tuesday, according to the National Park Service.
The fire is burning near Rabbit Creek Trail and northwest backcountry campsite 16. As a result, the Rabbit Creek Trail is closed from Abrams Creek Campground to Hannah Mountain Trail, and Cooper Road Trail is closed from Abrams Creek Campground to Little Bottoms Trail. Backcountry campsite 16 and Abrams Creek Campground are also closed to visitors.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Park officials said it is not related to any planned prescribed burns in the park.
Nearly 75% of Tennessee is experiencing some level of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park located in an area of severe drought.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the National Park System, drawing more than 11.5 million visitors last year.
UPDATE 3/26/2026 @ 1:05pm: Fire crews in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are now battling a second wildfire, this one in the Twentymile Area, the park announced on March 26.
On Wednesday, a wildfire was reported in the Twentymile Area. Fire managers are working to estimate the current acreage, and additional firefighting crews have been ordered to support suppression efforts
Firefighters also continue to suppress the Rabbit Creek Fire, which remains approximately 47.5 acres and 50% contained. Crews continue to establish and reinforce fire line around the perimeter.
Temporary closures for public safety include:
• Twentymile Trail (from Twentymile Ranger Station to the intersection with Twentymile Loop Trail and Long Hungry Ridge Trail)
• Backcountry Campsites 16 and 93
• Rabbit Creek Trail (from Abrams Creek Campground to Hannah Mountain Trail)
• Cooper Road Trail (from Abrams Creek Campground to Little Bottoms Trail)
• Abrams Creek Campground Road — closed to all visitors so fire crews can safely stage equipment and access the site
Both fires remain under investigation, and smoke may be visible from surrounding areas as suppression efforts continue.
Important Note: The Rabbit Creek Fire is not connected to the planned prescribed burns at Lynn Hollow and Wear Cove Gap.
