How To Prepare For a Smoky Mountains Trip (+ Downloadable Packing List!)

Misty mornings that feel like stepping into a storybook. Ridges that roll on forever. Waterfalls tumbling over ancient rock, and trails that wind through old-growth forests. 

Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a place so magical, it attracts more visitors than ANY other national park in the United States. 

More than Yellowstone. More than Zion. In fact, the Smokies see twice as many visitors… and for good reason!

You can drive through the park in a day, hop out at scenic overlooks, and snap gorgeous photos. But the real Smokies magic? That’s found when you go a little deeper. With over 800 miles of hiking trails and incredible Appalachian folklore, you can choose your own adventure AND learn some incredible history.

But with that many options (and that many people) comes a lot of planning. Packing lists. Weather forecasts. Not to mention figuring out where to stay, what gear to bring, and which trails are actually worth the sweat.

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Explorer Chick, we specialize in taking the stress out of planning and replacing it with unforgettable, expertly guided, women-only adventures. From curated hikes to cozy accommodations and freshly prepared meals, we’ve helped hundreds of women experience the Smokies with confidence, connection, and zero planning headaches.

In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know to prep like a pro, plus a FREE downloadable Smokies packing list that’s been fine-tuned throughout our years of guiding women there. Keep scrolling!

How To Get To Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans across two states—Tennessee and North Carolina— so your travel options vary depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re going. Gatlinburg is one of the most centrally located places to book accommodation (and where we stay during our guided trips!), so the distances below are in relation.

•  Closest Airports:
  

  • McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) – Knoxville, TN (~1 hour drive)
  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) – Asheville, NC (~1.5 hour drive)
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – Atlanta, GA (~3.5 hour drive)

• Driving Times From Major Cities:

• • Nashville → ~3.5 hours
  • Charlotte → ~3.5 hours
  • Cincinnati → ~4.5 hours

How to Get Around the Smokies

You’ll need a car to access trailheads, scenic drives, and overlook points because there is no public transportation within the park.

Pro Tip: Leave the driving to us when you join one of our Smokies trips — you’ll get to sit back and enjoy the views from the SHEnanigans shuttle instead of focusing on driving or worrying about finding a parking spot. Vacation mode? Activated.

Entrance Fees

Technically, the park itself doesn’t charge an entrance fee. But if you plan to park your car for more than 15 minutes, you’ll need a Parking Tag:

• $5 for one day
• $15 for a week
• $40 for a year

Where to Stay in the Smokies

• Inside the Park: Limited camping and rustic cabins
• Outside the Park: Towns like Gatlinburg, Townsend, and Bryson City offer everything from B&Bs, hotels, and glamping setups.

Pro Tip: If you join one of our Smokies trips, we’ll be glamping — aka camping, but with real beds, en-suite bathrooms, cozy touches, hot showers, and coffee waiting for you in the morning!

How Long to Visit

While the Smokies can be visited in one day if you’re only stopping at viewpoints, we recommend going a little deeper. 3–5 days is the sweet spot for seeing the highlights without rushing.

Our guided trips are each 4 days, so you can see the best of the Smokies without blowing through your PTO!

Best Time To Visit the Smoky Mountains

Whether you’re chasing wildflower blooms, vibrant fall colors, or peaceful solitude, the Great Smoky Mountains offer something magical in every season. Here’s what to expect so you can time your adventure like a pro.

🌸 Spring (March–May)

• Wildflowers galore – The Smokies are famous for their spring bloom. Over 1,500 types of flowering plants pop off in April and May—it’s like hiking through a living botanical garden.
• Mild temps + fewer crowds – Before the summer rush hits, you’ll enjoy cool, comfortable weather and room to breathe on the trails.
• Rainy days = lush waterfalls – April showers bring more than flowers. Waterfalls swell and cascade at full force—ideal for waterfall chasers and photographers alike.

🌲 Summer (June–August)

• Lush green forests & full waterfalls – The Smokies are alive in the summer—vibrant, buzzing, and lush with greenery.
• Crowds peak—so do the temps and humidity – It’s the park’s busiest time of year. Expect full parking lots, afternoon thunderstorms, and serious sweat if you’re not up early.
• Perfect for longer hikes (with early starts!) – Summer’s longer daylight hours make it doable, as long as you’re up with the sun to beat the heat.

🍁 Fall (September–October)

• Showstopping foliage – This is the season. The Smokies turn into a living quilt of fiery reds, golden yellows, and rich ambers.  AKA: leaf peeping heaven.
• Cooler temps, lower crowds after October – September still draws folks out, but by late October, you’ll find quieter trails and crisp mountain air.
• Ideal hiking weather – No bugs, less sweat, more cozy campfire vibes.

❄️ Winter (November–February)

• Peaceful, snow-dusted solitude – Fewer visitors = serene trails. If you’re into quiet reflection and snowy ridgelines, this is your moment.
• Road closures + limited access – Many facilities and roads close, especially at higher elevations. Be ready for reroutes and chilly temps.
• Low visibility, but high charm – Foggy mornings, frosty trees, and cozy cabins? Yes please.

The Smokies are so much more than a pretty view. Here’s what we recommend during your trip to the Smoky Mountains:

Hike the Smokies’ Most Iconic Trails

From the Appalachian Trail to lush, waterfall-lined paths, the Smokies are a hiker’s dream. You’ll lace up for unforgettable treks like Ramsey Cascades (the tallest waterfall in the park), Spruce Flat Falls, and the jaw-dropping outcrop of Charlies Bunion.

Chase Waterfalls

The Smokies are home to over 100 waterfalls, but some of the best are hidden gems you’d miss without a guide. Our Boots & Roots trip takes you to Ramsey Cascades and Spruce Flat Falls, while our Glamping Weekend adventure includes a trail to Rainbow Falls, a 80-foot stunner crashing down a mossy cliff.

Want to experience the best of the best with none of the guesswork? Our Boots & Roots Hiking Trip and Hiking, Rafting & Glamping Weekend both include expertly curated hikes—no mapping, permit planning, or navigating solo required.

Want the full scoop on the best hikes and must-sees in the Smokies?

Catch Sunrise or Sunset at Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park, and it’s worth the early wake-up call or golden hour visit for views above the clouds!

Explore Cades Cove’s Wildlife and History

This valley loop is famous for black bear sightings, 19th-century cabins, and peaceful morning bike rides. While we don’t include Cades Cove on our itineraries (too many traffic jams!), we’ll get our fill of history and wildlife elsewhere, like quiet trails to the Walker Sisters’ cabin and the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse, far from the crowds.

Wander Through Enchanted Forests

Feel like you’re stepping into a storybook as you hike under towering hemlocks and alongside trickling creeks. Both Explorer Chick trips include trail time in the park’s magical old-growth forests.

Spot Black Bears, Elk, and Wild Turkeys

The Smokies are teeming with wildlife, from elk grazing to bears lumbering through the woods (don’t worry, take bear safety ultra-serious, we’ve got you covered). Our small group hikes keep noise low and eyes wide open for sightings. Your Explorer Chick guides are trained to keep you safe while enjoying critter sightings.

The Smokies serve up a four-season show—think wildflower blooms in spring, steamy hikes in summer, crisp air in fall, and snow-dusted trails in winter. What you pack depends on when you go.

Layers are your best friend. So is rain gear. And don’t forget your broken-in hiking boots (your ankles will thank you).

Want a done-for-you packing list?

We’ve done ALL the mental work and used our combined decades of experience to bring you the Ultimate Smokies Packing List! 👇👇👇

(Spoiler: It’s Us)

We get it—you want adventure to the Smokies without spreadsheeting every hour of your day. That’s where we come in.

Why Explorer Chick?

✅ Zero planning stress – We handle permits, routes, lodging… everything.
✅ Expert women guides who know the trails and how to hype you up on the climb
✅ Delicious meals (no soggy sandwiches or freeze-dried backpacker meals here)
✅ Small group vibes that feel like instant community
✅ Curated itineraries that blend challenge, beauty, and connection
✅ Inclusive, come-as-you-are energy—whether you’ve never hiked or you’re the designated gear nerd

Your Smoky Mountains Guided Tour Options:

Not sure which trip is right for you? Book a call with our Destination Manager, Amy, to get alllll of your Smokies trip questions answered.

Let us take care of the to-dos so you can focus on the “woo-hoos”!.

Whether you’re showing up with brand-new hiking boots or a worn-in backpack, we’ll meet you there—with a trail map, a plan, and your next adventure-loving besties.