The Great Smoky National Park offers a full range of hiking trails to its visitors. Some are easy day hikes that take a few hours and others are several miles long and are usually traveled by more experienced hikers. Here are some tips for folks who want to take a day hike in the Smoky Mountains.
1. Above all else, have fun and enjoy the beauty of this truly wonderful national park.
2. Stay on the marked trail. Many hikers have become disoriented and lost after traveling just a few yards off the main trail.
3. Plan your trip and account for turn around time. The average hiker will have a hiking speed of 2 miles per hour. Make sure you know what time the sun sets and that you have enough time to reach the trail’s end and travel back before dark. If you are traveling a loop trail, make sure you have enough time to complete the loop before you lose daylight. Also keep in mind that children won’t be able to hike as fast as adults and will need more breaks. Hiking is one of the most enjoyable things you can do with your child, so take the time to slow down, explore and rest with them.
4. Be aware of the weather and try to watch a local weather forecast before you go. In the summer time, it’s common for strong thunderstorms to fire up in the afternoon after it has gotten hot. Winter hiking is an excellent and rewarding activity, but offers its own meteorological challenges. Frontal systems can cause the weather to change suddenly. It’s best to pack a warm article of clothing and rain gear. Bear in mind that sudden downpours can make stream levels rise rapidly and without warning.
5. Bring plenty of water along, especially in the summer months. It’s important to remember that you’ll be more active than usual and your body will need to be hydrated. THis is especially true for little hikers.
6. It’s a good idea to carry a snack with you, especially if you’re hiking with children. You don’t have to get fancy. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are awesome on the trail. Remember to pack out your trash and throw it away.
7. Wear appropriate shoes. Comfortable, flexible shoes are the best choice. For your average day hike, cross trainers or trail running shoes are an excellent choice. Wear what is comfortable to you. Flip flops probably won’t be very good at protecting your feet from rocks and tree roots. Don’t forget socks! These are also an important consideration as they’ll help you avoid blisters, cold feet, etc. Hiking boots are a hiker’s best friend, that’s for sure, but if you just want to get out in the woods while you’re in the Smokies, they may be too cumbersome or too expensive. If you are planning on doing an extensive amount of day hikes, or back packing, then you should consider purchasing a good pair of boots.
8. Don’t forget the bug spray in the warmer months. Hiking can be a miserable experience if you are constantly swatting at pests.
9. If you want to avoid crowds, try to hike during the week, not on weekends and especially not on holiday weekends since these are peak times in the GSMNP. Starting early in the morning is also a great way to enjoy the Smokies without too many folks around you.
10. Be careful crossing or walking near streams. Moss grows on the wet rocks it’s usually very slippery. You don’t want to fall in, especially in the winter time when hypothermia is a concern.
11. Respect wildlife and remember that it’s called ‘wild’ for a reason. Should you encounter a bear, stay calm. Bear attacks are extremely rare. Do not approach the bear. Try to immediately put as much space between you and the bear as possible, but do it in a calm manner. Generally, the bear will want to do the same thing.
12. Other things to bring with you: a flashlight with good batteries, a current GSMNP trail map, and a whistle. It’s a good idea to let a responsible person know where you’re going and what time you expect to return. Should you become lost or injured, someone will know where to look right off the bat when you don’t return on time. Have them call the park service at (865) 436-1230 if they suspect you have become lost.
Links of Interest:
The Official Site of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Maps of GSMNP Trails
Book - "Hiking Trails of the Smokies"
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