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:
What to Wear
Whenever you go for a rainy day hike in the Smokies, you should wear proper shoes. The ideal choice is rainboots with wool socks. This allows your feet to stay warm and dry. Proper footwear also helps you maintain your balance in potentially slippery spots. You should also dress in layers. Put on long pants and a long-sleeve shirt with a rain jacket on top. Choose clothes made of wool, nylon, and polyester. These fabrics won’t hold water like cotton and do a better job of keeping you warm. The rain can cause the temperature to fall as much as 10 to 20℉. Additionally, wet clothes can make you even colder. You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the rain from hitting your face.
Tips for Hiking in the Rain
If you plan on hiking in the rain with a backpack, it is a good idea to put a rain cover on it. It will provide an extra protective layer against the water. You should also bring along a flashlight or headlamp. The rain and clouds often mean less light which can make it hard to spot the trail markers. As for safety, it is important to note that the rainwater may cause the various rivers and creeks in the area to swell. If you see this, do not try to cross the footbridge. Rather, turn back and go to the trailhead.
Where to Hike in the Smoky Mountains
One benefit of hiking in the rain is that the trails tend to be less crowded. One Smoky Mountain trail that offers a great rainy day hike is Alum Cave. This trail is 4.4 miles roundtrip. It starts off with a walk along the creek. If you hike in the summer, you can see the rosebay rhododendron bushes bloom. They undergo a spectacular transformation from white to pink. You will then reach the Arch Rock and do a little bit of a climb to get to the trail’s namesake. At the end, take a rest on the concave bluff and admire the stunning views as a reward for your journey. A more challenging trail is Ramsey Cascades, as it is 8 miles and has an elevation change of 2,000 feet. The little rivers and streams along the route will lead you to Ramsey Falls, the tallest multi-drop waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you want to do some exploring along the water, stay on the flat ground and refrain from attempting to climb the rocks. When choosing a trail, keep your eye on the Smokies Road Info page (@SmokiesRoadNPS) on X (Formerly Twitter) for information on sudden road and trail closures.
Now you will be prepared for hiking in the rain when you come to the Smokies! Want more safety tips? Explore our other list of things you should always have on your Smoky Mountain hikes.
