In short
- Bring a physical map since cell service is highly limited on trails.
- Pack a rain jacket because the park is a temperate rainforest.
- Carry bear spray, especially in remote backcountry areas.
In this article
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails. Preparing your pack properly ensures you stay safe and comfortable. Cell phone dead zones, sudden rain, and elevation changes mean you cannot rely on digital maps or a single layer of clothing.
What clothes should I wear hiking in the Smoky Mountains?
Wear layered clothing and bring a rain jacket or poncho.
The park is a temperate rainforest. Rain can fall unexpectedly at any time. Temperatures drop significantly at higher elevations, such as near the 6,643-foot summit of Kuwohi. Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots are required for the rough, uneven terrain.
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Rain jacket or poncho | Temperate rainforest climate with frequent rain |
| Layered clothing | Temperature drops at higher elevations |
| Sturdy hiking boots | Uneven and rugged trail surfaces |
Do I need bear spray in the Smoky Mountains?
Yes, bear spray is recommended for hiking in backcountry or remote areas.
The park has a high density of black bears. Keep your bear spray easily accessible on your belt or harness. Willfully approaching within 50 yards of a bear is strictly prohibited. Pack binoculars for safe wildlife viewing from a distance.
What food and drinks should I bring?
Pack plenty of drinking water and high-energy snacks.
Hydration is vital for hikes of any length. Store all food and scented items properly to avoid attracting wildlife. You must never feed the wildlife under any circumstances. Pack out all your trash when you leave.
Do I need sun and bug protection in the forest?
Yes, pack sun protection and bug repellent for ticks and mosquitoes.
Even under the forest canopy, you need a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bug repellent protects you from insects during the warmer months. Keep these items handy in the outer pockets of your backpack.
Do I need a parking pass for the Smoky Mountains?
Yes, you need a parking tag if you park for more than 15 minutes.
A $5 daily, $15 weekly, or $40 annual parking tag is required. If you buy it online, you must print the tag and display it visibly in your vehicle before hitting the trail.
Questions travellers ask
Where can I buy a physical map?
You can pick up a physical map at any of the park's visitor centers, such as the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Cell service fails on trails, so do this before your hike.
Why do temperatures change so much during a hike?
Elevations range from low valleys to peaks like Kuwohi at 6,643 feet. Temperatures are typically 10 to 20 degrees cooler at the highest points compared to the lower valleys.
Can I bring my dog on a day hike?
Dogs are strictly limited in the park. They are only allowed on the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail. You cannot take them on the rest of the 800 miles of trails.
