Great Smoky National Park rangers have closed a popular hiking trail following a close encounter of the snout kind with one of its resident black bears.
Over the weekend of April 18th, 2026 Great Smoky officials received four separate reports of incidents involving serious human/bear interactions including one involving a bear that approached visitors, touched its nose to one of the people, took backpacks, and briefly chased a group. In response to the close encounter, Ramsey Cascades Trail has been closed to the public until further notice.
“Ramsey Cascades Trail is temporarily closed due to aggressive bear activity. Please respect the closure as rangers continue to monitor behavior.” -Great Smoky National Park
Although generally non-aggressive towards humans, black bears inside Smoky National Park can quite dangerous in certain situations and visitors should be prepared for encounters.
If you encounter a bear, it’s critically important to stay calm and alert. Never approach the bear or allow it to come closer to you. If the bear is at a distance and continues its normal activities like walking or feeding after noticing you, it’s generally safe to continue, just keep a close eye on it. If the bear should change its behavior in response to your presence, such as stopping what it’s doing, watching you, or altering its direction, you are too close. In that case, slowly back away while facing the bear, and never run.
If a bear approaches or follows you, change your direction of travel. If it continues to follow, stand your ground. Remember, never run or turn your back. If the bear gets closer, shout and act aggressively to scare it off. If it persists, throw non-food items like rocks toward it. Use bear spray only if necessary and the bear is within 20 yards. If you’re with others, stay together and make yourselves appear larger to increase your chances of deterring the bear. Learn more about bear safety at Great Smoky National Park below.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Bear Safety:
Spring means increased black bear activity in the Smokies. Mother bears are emerging with cubs and food sources are limited. This is a sensitive time for bears, and getting too close can lead to dangerous encounters.
To keep people and bears safe, please remember:
• Stay 50 yards away from bears—approaching bears is illegal.
• Don’t stop in the road to view bears; it creates hazards and delays emergency response.
• Secure all food and trash in a locked vehicle and never leave it unattended.
• Never feed bears. Feeding wildlife is illegal and can cause bears to become aggressive and lose their natural fear of humans.
• Stay alert on trails and consider carrying bear spray. Hike in groups when possible.
• Report bear encounters or unsafe behavior to park authorities at 865‑436‑1230.
Thank you for helping keep the Smokies safe for everyone—people and bears alike.
images from Great Smoky National Park
