5 Things Not to Do When Hiking in the Smoky Mountains, According to a Local

Appalachian Trail and Cades Cove Trail photos by (James Overholt and Alaina O'Neal

A Local Offers Tips on What Not To Do When Hiking in the Smokies

There’s something primal about the great, wide places of the world. You feel it standing on a lonely shore, looking out over a great grey ocean. You feel it on the precipice of a canyon or valley, looking across a wide expanse. And you feel it when you’re off the paved roads of the Smokies, deep in some old-growth forest that is both magnificent and a little intimidating, a great jungle of hemlock or some towering hardwoods.

Hiking in the Smokies can be a lot of things. It’s excellent exercise, of course, as well as an opportunity to get away from the maddening crowds. But going for a walk in a great wood is wonderful for the mind and the soul, allowing you to clear your head and connect with the natural world around you.

However, it’s important to remember that even the mildest walk in the forest requires some forethought and preparation. Dangers range from a blister or turned ankle to an unfortunate animal encounter, a fall or even getting lost. Any trip to the region should include time in the forest, but before you set out on a nice walk in the woods, here are a few don’ts you should be aware of.

Five things not to do when hiking in the Smokies

A hiker with backpack standing at a lake view
Always head out with water, a map, and food and also wear good shoes (photo by Kim Grayson/TheSmokies.com)

Don’t come under-prepared

You would be amazed at the number of people who show up in the park ready to “hike” wearing flip flops or slides or some other footwear meant for the beach or the pool. Hiking the trails of the Smokies with their various rocks and roots and streams can put a burden on your feet – and in my case ankles. Wearing proper footwear like proper hiking shoes – or at least good athletic shoes – is mandatory.

Also mandatory? Bring enough water or sports drinks for the hike out and back. The mountain streams may be pure-ish. But you certainly shouldn’t drink from them and there are no water fountains located in the deep woods. Especially in the summer when the mountains can get humid, setting off to hike without water is a recipe for disaster.

Finally, you should download a trail map, know how to use a compass and consider using a satellite GPS unit before you are out of cell reach. Some trails are little more than refreshing walks. However, many trails intersect at odd angles, and it can be easy to get turned around and find yourself off the trail you meant to walk. The mountains are massive. You need to know where you’re going and where you’ve been.

A Mama Bear in a Tree in Cades Cove
Keep a safe distance from bears and other wildlife for your sake and theirs (photo by John Gullio/TheSmokies.com)

Don’t antagonize the wildlife

For safety’s sake, this mostly means the bears. But just leave any wildlife you might encounter in the park alone. From salamanders to snakes or deer to elk, the animals are there to be looked at from a safe distance, not disturbed. And if you come across an animal acting oddly, moving closer than is normal, do your best to back away. If it is a bear that has taken an interest in you, these seven tips can help you stay out of harm’s way.

dog at cades cove campground
Campers walk their dog at the Cades Cove Campground (photo by Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com)

Don’t bring your pets

Pets are prohibited on almost all of the hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dogs have been prohibited on the trails going back to the park’s foundation in the 1930s. Why? Dogs can carry diseases that affect the park’s wildlife. They can also chase or threaten wildlife and their scent reads like a predator to many of the animals, changing their habits or scaring them away. They can also attract real predators like coyotes and bears who think your Fido might make for a nice snack. Dogs also bark which can harsh the mellow of other park visitors.

The exceptions? The Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Keep in mind, however, those are two of the mildest trails and are essentially just walking paths. Also, the same rules apply to the Park’s campgrounds according to the website.

Of course, Service Animals are allowed. However, the park has some requirements about which animals qualify as service animals. Emotional support, therapy, service animals in training and companion animals do not qualify and must abide by the rules affecting pets.

Lone Hiker on the AT
Give yourself time to enjoy your hike and still return before sunset for day hikes (photo by Nico Schueler/shutterstock.com)

Don’t start too late

It gets dark early in the mountains. The sunset will be earlier than it is down in the valley. Adjust accordingly. Give yourself plenty of time to get in and get out. There are few feelings worse than getting caught deep on a trail in the dark when you weren’t expecting it. The woods take on an entirely different aura at night.

The Boulevard Trail
The Boulevard Trail in the Smokies is rocky and strenuous (photo by Kelly van Dellen/shutterstock.com)

Don’t overestimate your abilities

Hiking in the mountains isn’t the same as hiking in other places. If you’re not used to steep inclines you may find yourself winded quicker than usual. And, while it seems like steep declines would be better, many people are not prepared for the effect a steep decline can have on your feet, knees and ankles.

The biggest issue with overconfidence is you don’t recognize that you’re in trouble until it’s too late. If you’re not used to hiking in the mountains, start with a few easy jaunts and work yourself up to more taxing adventures. 

Are you planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains soon? Make sure to check out our coupons page before your trip!

Have a question or comment about something in this article? Contact our staff here. You may also contact our editorial team at info@thesmokies.com.

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