Smokies Close Ramsey Cascades Trail After Aggressive Black Bear Encounters

Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed the Ramsey Cascades Trail after multiple aggressive black bear encounters with visitors, park officials said.

A social post by CBS News on Facebook described bears chasing and biting visitors, prompting the park to suspend access to reduce human-bear interactions and protect public safety. Park staff typically close trails temporarily after aggressive wildlife encounters while they assess risks and coordinate hazing, education, or temporary area closures. Ramsey Cascades is a popular backcountry route in the Tennessee portion of the park that leads to its tallest waterfall, drawing hikers looking for a steep, remote day trip.

The park's closure notice and news posts on social platforms attracted concern from hikers and local residents, with commenters urging caution and some questioning whether food storage or habituation may be factors. Officials advised visitors to give bears space, secure food and garbage, and avoid hiking alone until further notice.