The hemlock woolly adelgid spraying operation in Cades Cove has been rescheduled to occur on Wednesday and Thursday, November 30 and December 1, instead of beginning on Tuesday, November 29, as previously reported.
The weather forecast calling for heavy periods of rain on Tuesday will prevent Park forestry technicians from conducting the operation.
Therefore, the closure schedule has been pushed back one day and Cades Cove Loop Road will be open tomorrow (Tuesday).
During the full closure on Wednesday, November 30, only hikers will be allowed to travel the Loop Road.
Bicyclists will not be allowed to enter the Loop Road for safety reasons since there will be equipment stretching across the road making it unsafe to pedal over. Park personnel will be working at the entrance and exit areas of the road near Sparks Lane.
The spraying operation occurring on Thursday, December 1, will only close the western end of the Loop Road.
A detour will be imposed at Hyatt Lane (the second crossroad) where all visitors, except hikers, will be directed across the valley to exit Cades Cove.
The detour will shorten the length of the trip to an 8-mile tour of Cades Cove. The Hyatt Lane bypass will eliminate access to the Cades Cove Visitor Center and Cable Mill area as well as the several trailheads located on the western end of Cades Cove: Abrams Falls, Cooper Road, Rabbit Creek, and Wet Bottom Trails, and Gregory Ridge trailhead.

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