National park trail closes due to extensive bear activity

Thousands of people flock to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park every summer to get a glimpse of East Tennessee wildlife.

But one of the most popular creatures drawing tourists to the park is now keeping them off a busy trail.

Tourists who stopped by the Abrams Falls trailhead Saturday described their day's plans in the past tense.

"We just wanted to hike Abrams Trail," said Ohio resident Jon Bryden.

"We wanted to go swimming," said Jordan Smith.

"We were going to hike the trail up to Abrams Falls," Hershell Hodges of Louisiana said.

To their dismay, they were greeted by barriers and signs pointing to aggressive bear activity.

Unlike many bears spotted on the Cades Cove Loop who stay off the main paths, at least one bear near Abrams Falls just won't leave people alone.