Everything You Need to Know About Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

Hiking is one of the most enjoyable and popular past times in the Smoky Mountains. This area was made for recreational enjoyment! The beautifully forested Smoky Mountains lie on the edges of North Caroline and Tennessee, and visitors from both sides of the range will find that hiking in the Smoky Mountains is a peaceful experience with nature that is hard to rival at any other location. So come hiking in the Smokies and see what you have been missing:

You Can Hike Any Time of Year

Whether visitors are coming for a quick jaunt, thinking of staying for a bit, or thinking of staying for good, a hike is the best way to get to know the Smoky Mountains. Follow a trail and see why so many people have walked in that direction. Wander off the beaten path and see what everyone else has been missing.

The great thing about hiking in the Smoky Mountains is being able to explore at any time of the year, even winter. During the summer, wildlife abounds and livens up the forests. The trees offer shade from the glaring sun and the mountains offer cool streams and falls for warm hikers. The fall offers changing foliage and crisp air that will leave hikers feeling refreshed. The diminished plant life of the winter leaves much more of the forest open to view, making it common to come across the ruins of old homes. Of course, the spring offers up the usual spread of blooming flowers and wildlife coming out of their winter naps.

Pack Accordingly

If you’re planning on hiking in the Smoky Mountains, make sure you’re packing accordingly for when you plan to explore the park. Depending on the season, you’ll need to pack in accordance to the weather. Temperatures can vary up to 20 degrees in higher elevations compared to temperatures in the valley, so be sure to pack layers of clothing. You’ll also want to have appropriate hiking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, a map, snacks, and most importantly, water.

Be On the Lookout for Wildlife

The Smokies are filled with a wide range of wildlife! From the North American black bear, white-tailed deer, elk, and more, this national park is home to tons of animals. While it is always a treat to see one of these animals on your hike, make sure you’re respecting their space and keeping a safe distance. We also ask that you do not litter or leave trash lying out for animals to potentially eat. This area is their home and you are a guest, so make sure to leave the park better than you found it.

You don’t have to keep limit hiking in the Smoky Mountains to a brief day trip. Renting one of our cabins in the Smoky Mountains can help turn a day of hiking into a week of a hiking! Find the perfect Smoky Mountains cabin close to the national park to be closer to your favorite trails on your next trip!