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Among my favorite activities in the Smokies is going on hikes. No matter which part of the park you visit, there are trailheads on minutes from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Townsend. I've hiked in every season and in all types of weather. And on almost every hike I will see at least a few people who are ill-prepared for hiking in the mountains. So that you don't become one of them, I want to share ten tips for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains:
1. Dress in layers or bring a jacket - even in summer. Although
temperatures in East Tennessee can reach 100 degrees the mountains can
be considerably cooler, especially as you hike to higher elevations.
2. Don't forget water, and possibly a snack. There have been
times I haven't followed my own advice on this one, especially for
shorter hikes, and I almost always regret it when I do. There's
something about hiking near a mountain stream that makes you long for a
tall glass of water, so do yourself a favor and take a bottle of water
along. If you plan on being gone for at least a few hours it wouldn't
hurt to add a snack as well. It's amazing how a little exercise can
make you hungry.
3. It never hurts to carry a poncho. Bring along a
disposable poncho in your pocket or backpack, especially if the
forecast calls for scattered storms in the mountains. Hiking in a
downpour is no fun, but it's even worse without a poncho.
4. Always wear comfortable hiking boots or shoes. Please,
please, please make sure you pack good shoes if you plan on hiking
during your vacation. It amazes me how many people attempt to hike
several miles in flimsy sandals. They may work for Dollywood, but they
are far from appropriate when you are walking uphill over tree roots
and rocks.
5. Your cell phone will probably be useless. Feel free to
bring it just in case it does work, but I haven't been on a trail in
the Smokies yet where I had reliable (if any) cell phone coverage.
6. Never leave the marked trail. Okay, everyone should
already know this one, but it really is easy to get confused about
which direction the trail is in after you've left it. A few people
every year get lost in the Smoky Mountains and I don't want you to
become one of them. Trails in the park are well marked if you stay on
them.
7. It's always best to hike with a buddy. Another "common
sense" rule. I know plenty of people who hike alone, but I personally
wouldn't want to find myself several miles from a trailhead with a
broken leg and no one around.
8. Always tell someone where you are hiking and when you plan on returning. Okay,
this is the last "do I really look like an idiot" suggestion. In rare
cases something can go wrong on a hike - even a short one - and it's
always good when authorities can be alerted.
9. The hike always takes longer than you think it will.
Allow yourself plenty of extra time for even a short hike in the
Smokies. Inevitably you will stop to admire the sights along the trail
and you'll want to allow time to enjoy your hiking destination. It also
just plain takes longer to hike a mountain trail than it does to walk
the same distance in city blocks. I can jog several miles in 30
minutes, but I always spend at least 2-3 hours on a 3 mile hike. In
this case, it's not a race to the finish (unless you count the times I
am chasing my kiddos down the trail).
10. Bring your camera. Well, maybe one more "I already knew
that" tip. Don't forget your camera because photos are the only thing
you're allowed to take with you when you leave the Smokies. And you
certainly don't want to hike all the way to Rainbow Falls then realize
you left your camera in the car.
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