A Smoky Mountains trail crew has replaced a pedestrian bridge on the Chimney Tops Trail. The popular hike from the Newfound Gap parking area is again available on weekends.
Heavy flooding in January washed out the bridge over Walker Camp Prong at the beginning of the trail. Over the last several weeks, crews have replaced the 70-foot bridge, starting with rebuilding the stone pylons in the river, then placing specially ordered bridge beams and finally decking the span.
The trail will still be closed Mondays through Thursdays through the middle of October for a full rehabilitation of the footpath.
Information about trail closures is online at www.nps.gov/grsm or by calling (865)436-1297.