3 Steps to Planning the Perfect Smoky Mountain Hike

1. Choose the Right Trail

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 850 miles of trails. This means there are a lot of routes to choose from. When picking the right one, carefully consider your experience with hiking. A great beginner trail is Grotto Falls. It is 3 miles round-trip and has a stunning waterfall that is teeming with salamanders. If you consider yourself a more experienced hiker, you can continue for an additional 2 miles to reach the summit of Mount LeConte. You’ll love the stunning views from the third-highest peak of the Smokies. Other beginner trails include the Gatlinburg Trail and the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. Another challenging but rewarding hike is Rainbow Falls. The namesake is an 80-foot waterfall. It is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the Smokies. At the end of the Trail, travel for another 4.2 miles to Mount LeConte!

2. Pack the Right Gear

Now that you've chosen the right trail for your Smoky Mountain hike, you'll need to pack the right gear. It is important that you pack a pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes no matter what season it is. They will keep your feet from getting tired and help you stay steady on uneven terrain. Another thing you'll need year-round is a jacket. While the area can definitely get cold in the fall and winter, it is important to keep in mind that the temperature of higher elevations can be as much as 20 degrees colder than the one down below. Additionally, a rainy day doesn't have to put a damper on your hike! Bring along an umbrella and cover for your backpack to keep everything dry.

3. Additional Preparations

You’ve chosen a trail and you’ve packed the right gear. The hike is almost here. When going to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a hike, keep in mind that you will need a parking pass if you plan to stay longer than 15 minutes. As for the day of, make sure you eat a good breakfast and drink plenty of water for lots of energy. Some great meal options include eggs and oatmeal. Keep an eye on the Smokies Road Info page on X (@SmokiesNPS) (formerly Twitter) for the most up-to-date information on sudden road closures. During your hike, have fun admiring all the scenery around you. You may even see some wildlife. When you come back to our condos, take a well-deserved rest.

Now you know how to plan the perfect Smoky Mountain hike! Want to know even more about the national park before your visit? Explore our other list of things to know about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.