Hiking Tips

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.

Winter is a great time of year to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The mountain landscape transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland, and you’ll likely encounter fewer crowds on the trails in winter. Though the weather tends to be fairly moderate during winter, the Smoky Mountains do still experience freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. That’s why it’s important to know how to dress and what to bring on your winter hike. Here’s a winter hiking gear list of items you should make sure you bring with you for a safe and successful winter hike in the Smokies.

If you’re an enthusiastic hiker, then you know that winter hiking can be just as fun as hiking during the warmer months! In the Smokies, trails such as Alum Cave and Andrews Bald are breathtaking when snow and ice coat the trees. We made a list of the top 10 winter hiking tips you should know before hiking in the Smoky Mountains in cold weather:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws people in from all over the world because of its beauty. They’re excited to see natural wonders, and, hopefully, some native wildlife while they’re here. However, it is important to know how to interact with these creatures so they, and you, stay safe. Check out these 8 safety tips for seeing animals in the Smoky Mountains:

One of the pull factors to Gatlinburg is the scenic nature. During your vacation, you should definitely block out time to explore the outdoors. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is great for hiking as it has over 800 miles of trails. If you have never hiked before, don’t worry! Read on to discover 5 tips for your first time hiking in the Smoky Mountains.

Many folks visiting the Great Smoky Mountains hope to see at least one black bear during their time in the National Park! After all, the black bear is the iconic symbol of the park and is one of the first things that people associate with the Smokies! While it can be fascinating to encounter a bear while hiking along the trails or exploring the historical sights, you’ll also want to be aware of some important precautions to keep you and the bear safe! Here are 4 safety tips you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains:

The scenic and diverse hiking trails in the Smokies bring in thousands of hikers every year! Whether you’re hiking in a group or individually, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing hike and see some of the most incredible views in the country! If you do decide to hike alone, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind. Here are 5 tips for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains by yourself:

When you go hiking in the Smoky Mountains, you want to be sure you’re prepared! Don’t go without all the equipment you might need or without the information you might need while you’re out on the trail. Here are 9 safety tips you will need when you go hiking in the Smoky Mountains: