fall view in the great smoky mountains national park

Hiking Tips

azaleas blooming at Gregory Bald

Tips For Hiking in the Smoky Mountains During Every Season

August 26, 2026

In the Smoky Mountains, every season is hiking season! Proper preparation is key to a safe and fun time. Read on to get excellent insights for the whole year! This way, you’ll always be prepared! Here is our list of helpful tips for hiking in the Smoky Mountains during every season:

leave no trace principles to follow when hiking in the smokies

4 Leave No Trace Principles to Follow When Hiking in the Smokies

April 16, 2026

Anytime you hike in the Smokies, the natural beauty probably takes your breath away! But the scenic views and long-term access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park rely on each visitor doing their part to leave no trace. Keep reading to learn more about how you can respect the park while exploring the trails; here are a few Leave No Trace principles to remember:

wildflowers on porters creek

3 Reasons to Go Hiking in the Smoky Mountains in Spring

March 27, 2026

While hiking in the Smoky Mountains is always a good idea, the area is especially pleasant in the spring. We would love to tell you why and help with planning the perfect visit. You just need to keep reading. Here’s why you should go hiking in the Smoky Mountains in spring:

gsmnp hiking trails

How to Prepare For a Smooth Hike in the Smoky Mountains

January 23, 2026

A Smoky Mountain hike is a great activity that allows you to enjoy fresh air and the peace of nature. Are you planning to hike for the first time? Luckily, we've got some tips to make the process easier. Explore this guide to preparing for a smooth hike in the Smoky Mountains:

smoky mountain hike

4 Reasons Why You Should Take Your First Smoky Mountain Hike

December 22, 2025

Are you looking for a new hobby to take on or a way to get a little exercise and enjoy nature? If so, consider going hiking in the Smokies. Let us tell you about all the reasons why we love it! Simply keep reading to learn more about why you should take your first Smoky Mountain hike:

cove mountain trail

4 Questions to Ask Before Going Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

October 15, 2025

Proper planning is the key to both a safe and fun hike in the Smoky Mountains. You may have questions about the park if you’ve never been here. You could also be an avid hiker who wants to be better prepared. Whatever the case may be, we have the answers. Simply keep reading to find out! Here is a list of 4 questions to ask before going hiking in the Smoky Mountains:

backcountry camping smoky mountains

Everything a Hiker Should Know About Backcountry Camping in the Smoky Mountains

August 28, 2025

Do you love to camp? Experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a new way by planning a backcountry camping trip! This guide provides some helpful information, from the best hikes and campsites to what you need to know about making reservations. So if you want some ideas for great places to enjoy backcountry camping in the Smoky Mountains, then keep reading!

GSMNP sign

Top 3 Reasons to Visit A Smoky Mountains Visitors Center Before Your Hike

January 12, 2025

Before you head off on your highly anticipated Smoky Mountain hike, you should make a stop at one of the national park’s visitor centers. There are 4 in total, and they all have many helpful resources for the hundreds of people who come to the park every day. Read on to learn more! Here is a list of 3 reasons why you should visit a Smoky Mountain visitors center before your hike:

bridge along smoky mountain hiking trail

4 Things You Should Know About Hiking in the Smoky Mountains in the Fall

September 30, 2024

Each season brings its own unique changes to the Smoky Mountains. In the fall, the temperature drops, and the green leaves take on fiery hues. It is a great time to plan your first or next hike. Keep reading for some helpful tips! Here are 4 things to know about hiking in the Smoky Mountains in the fall:

hiking in the smoky mountains with dog

3 Things to Know When Hiking in the Smoky Mountains With Your Dog

September 5, 2024

One of the things that visitors love about visiting the Smokies is that they are pet-friendly. However, there are a few things you should know before you and Fido visit this fun place. If you plan to hit the trails with your four-legged friend, read on to learn more! Here is a list of 3 things you should know when hiking in the Smoky Mountains with your dog:

hiking in the rain

A Guide to Hiking in the Rain When in the Smoky Mountains

August 13, 2024

When hiking in the Smokies, the weather may change quickly. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go indoors. You’ll be glad to know that a rainy day doesn’t have to put a damper on your plans when it comes to hiking. All you have to do is follow our tips for a fun and safe hike. Explore our guide to hiking in the rain when in the Smoky Mountains:

smoky mountain hikes

4 Things You Should Always Have On Your Smoky Mountain Hikes

July 31, 2024

A huge part of the safe and fun hikes in the Smokies is proper planning! This is true no matter how skilled of a hiker you are. Read on to learn more about preparing for your next hike! Take a look at this list of 4 things that you should always have on Smoky Mountain hikes:

bears

What to Do If You Spot a Black Bear in the Smoky Mountains While Hiking

July 15, 2024

One of the reasons why people take hikes in the Smokies is to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery! While it is pleasing to look at, the area is also home to many types of wildlife. The most popular is the bear, as they have a population of more than 1,500. You may have the opportunity to see one on your hike. While this experience is fun, there are some tips you must follow to ensure the safety of yourself and the animals. Read on to learn what they are! Here is a list of what to do if you spot a black bear in the Smoky Mountains while hiking:

schoolhouse gap trail

4 Spring Activities to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains

April 30, 2024

While the Smoky Mountains are a popular tourist destination year-round, the spring season is a great time to visit. Tourists love the milder temperatures and bright scenery. If you’re planning a visit soon, get ready for a lot of fun. Need some help? Check out this list of 4 spring activities to do in the Great Smoky Mountains:

flame azalea along a Smoky Mountain hiking trail

10 Common Smoky Mountain Wildflowers You’re Likely to See on Your Spring Hikes

February 29, 2024

There are more than 1,500 flowering plants that grow in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and 80 percent of them are wildflowers. This is more than any other U.S. national park, which is why the park is sometimes called the “Wildflower National Park.” Many of the hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains offer the chance to see these colorful and fragrant plants. Here’s a list of some of the common Smoky Mountain wildflowers you’re likely to see while hiking this spring.