Her Adventure Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Considering visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park and looking for a comprehensive guide to get the most out of your trip? Look no further! In this article we will cover everything you would want to know when planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains: when to go, what to pack, where to hike, where to stay, and more. Spanning across North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands as the most visited National Park in the country. With 850 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, diverse wildlife, scenic drive and family-friendliness, this park is certainly one worth visiting!
WHERE TO STAY:
CAMPING
There are ten campgrounds located within the National Park. This means if you do hope to camp while visiting, you’ll want to make reservations several months in advance. Be warned, they do fill up fast! To browse availability on all in-park campgrounds, click here.
There are also backcountry camping options for any adventure-seeking backpackers out there! To see permitting and availability in the backcountry, click here.
Camping OUTSIDE of the park -
If you do find yourself in a bind and all campgrounds within the National Park are already booked, here are a few alternatives in the nearby towns:
GLAMPING
HOTELS/CABINS
If you’re looking for a more conventional and comfortable stay close to the park, the following hotels will be suited well for you.
-Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg
-Courtyard by Marriott Pigeon Forge
WHAT TO PACK:
Packing depends on seasonality and weather patterns. Before you go, https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/weather.htmand forecasts. Below is a guide for Spring / Summer / Fall. We suggest avoiding Winter, as that increases risk on trails and of road closures and is only suitable for very experienced hikers.
SPRING PACKING LIST
Low of 30 degrees, high of 71 degrees
CLOTHING
- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Snow pants in case of snowy trails
- Long sleeve technical base layer
- Beanie hat
- Socks: Specifically warm hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
- Winter coat in case of low temperatures
- Sports Bras
- Mid layer thermal button up
- Waterproof snow boots
- Spikes to go over boots
- Gloves
FALL/WINTER PACKING LIST
Low of 20 degrees, high of 74 degrees
CLOTHING
- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Hiking Boots: Good Traction and Tread is essential
- Spikes for boots in case of ice
- Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
- Hat: Either baseball cap or beanie depending on temperatures
- Socks: Specifically warm hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
- Sports Bras
- Base layer for warmth
- Mid layer thermal button up
- Gloves
SUMMER PACKING LIST
Low of 53 degrees, high of 80 degrees
CLOTHING
- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Hiking Shorts: Stretchy, durable with secured pockets - such as this pair.
- Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
- Sun Shirt: sun shirt to keep skin protected in the summer months - we recommend a shirt like this one.
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, or wind-breaker
- Hiking Boots: Good Traction and tread is essential
- Hat: Either baseball cap or hiking hat with strap
- Socks: Specifically hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Swimsuit
- Sports Bras
FOR ALL SEASONS:
FOR HIKING
- Snacks
- Phone Protector Case: durable phone case to prevent breakage if it falls
- Backpack with water storage
- Map of the park or other navigation device
MISCELLANEOUS
- Camping supplies if you plan to camp
- A picnic blanket
- Chargers + cables
- Phone and/or camera
- Sunglasses
- Compact first aid kit
TOILETRIES
- Cleanser, moisturizer, and any other regular skincare products
- Travel-sized shampoo, body wash and conditioner
- Deodorant
- SPF
- Dry Shampoo
- Any makeup products you plan to wear
- Hair dryer and/or curling/straightening tools
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Ponytail holders/scrunchies
- Body/facial wipes
- Feminine products if needed
- Brush
- Chapstick
WHERE TO HIKE:
- Rating: Moderate
- Distance: 4.4 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: roughly 1,300 feet
- Estimated time to hike: 3 hours
- Rating: Easy
- Distance: 2.4 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: roughly 400 feet
- Estimated time to hike: 1.5 hours
- Rating: Easy
- Distance: 2.5 miles out + back
- Elevation Gain: roughly 550 feet
- Estimated time to hike: 1.5- 2 hours
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
- Rating: Strenuous
- Distance: 10.9 mile out + back
- Elevation Gain: roughly 2,900 feet
- Estimated time to hike: 6-7 hours
- Rating: Moderate
- Distance: 5.1 miles out + back
- Elevation Gain: roughly 1,600 feet
- Estimated time to hike: 3 hours-3.5 hours
GETTING AROUND
There is no major shuttle running throughout the park. Recently a shuttle was implemented to a very popular trailhead, Laurel Falls. However for all other transportation, you will want to plan on driving. Luckily, the park is very car-friendly!
WHERE TO EAT/DRINK:
Coffee/Breakfast-
- Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
- Little House of Pancakes
- Coffee + Company
- Log Cabin Pancake House
- Tennessee Jed’s
Lunch-
- Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
- New Orleans Sandwich Company
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co
- Tom + Earl’s Back Alley Grill
Dinner-
- Smoky Mountain Brewery
- The Park Grill
- Ole Red
- Chesapeake’s Seafood + Raw Bar
- Cherokee Grill + Steakhouse
- Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
FAQS:
Do I need permits?: Not only are no permits necessary to enter the park, but the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free to enter (no park pass required). The only instance that would require permitting would be camping in the backcountry.
Are there easy to find restrooms?: Yes, you will find bathroom facilities at most trailheads, visitor centers, and dispersed throughout the park.
When is the best time of year to go?: For optimal weather, plan to visit in the spring or fall. This will also help with avoiding the crowds.
How expensive will this trip be?: This depends entirely on your lodging, transportation and duration of trip. If you plan to fly, stay in a nice hotel/lodge, and eat at the best restaurants every night for a week straight, you can plan to spend several thousand. We recommend camping, driving (if possible), and going for a long weekend to cut costs!
Hopefully you feel completely prepared to plan and execute a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park confidently! Enjoy exploring one of the most popular and beloved National Parks in the country! Happy Trails.