BMT and Bear issues in the GSMNP

[SGT Rock]

With the closures of trails and campsites due to bear activity I figure I ought to address where this impacts the BMT. So if you are going into the park campsite 88 and 86 near Hazel Creek are closed. Hazel Creek Trail is closed, but that only starts/ends on the BMT, the BMT does not share any tread with it. Also, on the very north end of the trail, campsite 38 is also closed due to bear activity.

[JustADude]

What's the thinking about these bears and these campsites? You think this is going to calm down and be opened up again by OCT?

Thanks.

JustADude

[SGT Rock]

I hope so. FWIW the most aggressive bear I've ever dealt with was at 88. It got within 10'-15' of me before my yelling and arm waving got it to go away. That said, this was about 6 years ago. I've not stayed there since, but not because of bears or anything. I just find the Hazel Creek section more bear active than other parts of the park I camp in.