I-40 Collapse in Smoky Mountains: Tourism Impact and Travel Disruptions After June 2025 Floods
The Smoky Mountains have always held a special place in my heart. I’ve hiked their misty trails, photographed their breathtaking vistas, and written about their magic for years. But today, I’m covering a more sobering topic that affects both locals and visitors to this beloved region.
On Friday, June 20, 2025, Interstate 40 through the Smoky Mountains collapsed once again, dealing a severe blow to this crucial transportation corridor. This time, the damage is more extensive than previous incidents, with floods and rock slides devastating sections of the highway that connects Tennessee and North Carolina.
The Extent of the I-40 Damage
I drove through this gorgeous mountain pass just last month, marveling at how the highway cuts through Pigeon River Gorge. Now, substantial sections near the Tennessee-North Carolina border have been completely washed away. According to initial reports from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, at least three major sections of the interstate have collapsed, with damage extending over 2.5 miles of roadway.
The destruction appears concentrated near the Hartford area and along sections where the highway hugs the Pigeon River. Several massive rock slides have compounded the problem, with boulders the size of small houses now blocking what remains of the roadway.
“This is arguably the worst damage we’ve seen to I-40 in this corridor since the massive slide of 1997,” said Tennessee Transportation Commissioner in an emergency press briefing Saturday morning.
Impact on Tourism in the Smoky Mountains
As someone who’s documented the ebb and flow of tourism in this region for years, I’m deeply concerned about the timing of this disaster. June marks the beginning of peak tourism season, with over 12 million visitors expected to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park this year.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge businesses were projecting record numbers this summer, but those forecasts are now in jeopardy. Dollywood, which draws approximately 3 million visitors annually, could see significant reductions in attendance, particularly from visitors coming from the eastern seaboard.
Expected Tourism Impacts
| Area | Projected Visitor Reduction | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Gatlinburg | 25-30% | $150-200 million |
| Pigeon Forge | 20-25% | $120-160 million |
| Cherokee, NC | 40-50% | $80-100 million |
The Cherokee, North Carolina side of the park will likely be hardest hit, as I-40 serves as the primary access route for many visitors to that entrance.
Alternative Routes and Travel Advisories
Having navigated these mountains extensively, I can tell you the detours are significant. The primary detour routes now include:
- I-26 to I-81: Adds approximately 45 miles and 1 hour to the journey between Asheville and Knoxville
- US-25/US-70: A scenic but much slower alternative through Hot Springs
- US-441 through the National Park: Beautiful but often congested, especially now
If you’re planning to visit the Smokies in the coming weeks, I strongly recommend adjusting your route planning and adding buffer time. The US-441 through the park remains open, but expect increased traffic as it absorbs diverted travelers.
Timeline for Repairs and Recovery
I’ve spoken with several engineering contacts at TDOT, and the news isn’t encouraging. Unlike previous slides and washouts in this corridor, the foundation of the roadway itself has been compromised in multiple locations.
Initial estimates suggest repairs could take 2-3 months at minimum, with some officials privately acknowledging it could extend to 6 months if additional geological issues are discovered during repair efforts.
The estimated cost? Preliminary figures suggest between $80-100 million for complete restoration.
Factors Complicating Repairs
Several factors make this repair particularly challenging:
- The steep terrain makes bringing in heavy equipment difficult
- Environmental regulations in this sensitive area near the national park
- The unstable geology that caused the initial failure
- Summer thunderstorm season potentially causing additional slides
Economic Ripple Effects Beyond Tourism
I’ve watched the Smoky Mountain region grow increasingly dependent on tourism, but we shouldn’t overlook the broader economic impact of this closure. I-40 serves as a critical freight corridor, with approximately 19,000 trucks passing through this section daily.
The detours will add millions in shipping costs, potentially affecting supply chains throughout the Southeast. Local businesses that depend on just-in-time deliveries will face increased costs and delays.
Trucking companies are already scrambling to adjust routes and schedules, with some smaller operators telling me they’ll avoid the region entirely until repairs are complete.
Responding to the Crisis: Local Initiatives
Having covered previous natural disasters in this region, I’m heartened by the resilience I’ve always witnessed. Already, several initiatives are taking shape:
- The Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority is launching an emergency marketing campaign highlighting alternative access routes
- Gatlinburg businesses are offering special discounts for visitors willing to navigate the detours
- Cherokee area hotels are planning “extended stay” packages to encourage visitors to stay longer rather than making multiple trips
- Local shuttle services are expanding operations between Asheville Regional Airport and various Smoky Mountain destinations
Looking Ahead: Could This Lead to Permanent Infrastructure Improvements?
I’ve hiked above the I-40 corridor and witnessed firsthand how precariously the highway clings to the mountainsides in certain sections. This latest collapse raises important questions about the long-term viability of the current route.
Some engineering experts I’ve spoken with suggest this might finally prompt consideration of alternative alignments for this section of I-40, possibly including tunneling through portions of the mountains rather than cutting into unstable slopes.
While such projects would cost billions, they might prove more economical than repeatedly repairing the same vulnerable sections every few years.
Planning Your Visit Despite the Challenges
If you’re determined to visit the Smokies this summer (and having spent countless magical evenings watching fireflies in Cades Cove, I completely understand why), here are my recommendations:
- Consider approaching from the west or north if possible
- Book accommodations for longer stays to minimize travel
- Use the National Park Service app for real-time traffic updates
- Explore less-visited areas of the park like Cosby and Greenbrier
- Support local businesses who will be struggling during this difficult period
A Reminder of Nature’s Power
As someone who’s written about these mountains for years, this collapse serves as a humbling reminder. For all our engineering prowess, these ancient mountains still command respect. The very forces that carve