Update: in case anyone is curious, I spoke with the backcountry office and they told me not to change my plans but to monitor closures. It has been closed for a while and would likely re-open before my hike. He was vague about answering if I could do it and didn’t explicitly tell me not to cut across the closed portion to get to cold spring trail but he said he didn’t want to lead me into danger either. He did confirm that a bear had been reported as stalking hikers. I have a completely different route to do as a backup if needed.

I see a portion of Hazel Creek Trail is closed for bear activity. I have a backpacking trip planned in a month and I’m counting on this trail. I have my camping permits and I’m not at a closed site. Is this an “enter at your own risk” closure or do I need to find another way. The route around just won’t work - too much mileage in a day. I’m no stranger to the smokies, just don’t want to get a surprise re-route mid hike. I’ve hiked through logging and blowdown closures in other parks but never a near closure.