When you’re hiking in the Smoky Mountains, you want to make sure you don’t forget some of the most important items. We’re helping you plan your hike with our summertime Smoky Mountains hiking checklist below.

What to Wear for Hiking in the Smoky Mountains this Summer

• When you go hiking in the Smoky Mountains, you need to remember to always dress in layers. It’s best to have a rain jacket or poncho with you in your backpack, too. Sometimes the lower elevations are very clear and warm while the upper elevations are rainy and cold. Sometimes higher elevations can be up to 20 degrees cooler than the lower elevations.

• A good rule of thumb is to remember that every 1,000 feet, the temperature will likely drop about 3 degrees.

• If you dress in layers, you should make sure the layers are easily carried in your backpack. You don’t want to carry anything too bulky. You also want to make sure that the items you wear are wicking away any moisture, to keep you the most comfortable on the trails.

• Wear comfortable tennis shoes or hiking boots when you’re out on the trails. You really don’t want to be uncomfortable on the trails because it will be a long hike back to your car with sore feet. We also suggest wearing shoes that you have already broken in. Don’t go buy a new pair of shoes and wear them for the first time on the trails. You may end up with blisters, or worst–being uncomfortable the entire day.

• It’s a good idea to wear sunglasses every time of year, but especially in the summer months. Believe it or not, the higher elevations are extremely sunny in certain spots, and you won’t want to be blinded by the sun while you’re trying to enjoy a hike.

Even more information can be found here: Planning for Hiking Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains

Smoky Mountains Hiking Checklist: What to Pack

• Plenty of water (always pack more than you expect to need)
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park map
• Complete change of clothes for each hiker
• Money, Identification (wallet)
• Watch
• Compass
• Extra socks in case your feet get wet (especially on waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains)
• Wet wipes
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Plastic bags for trash
• Cooler with high-energy snacks and a picnic meal
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Matches (waterproof are best)
• First Aid Kit

Extra Tips for Your Smoky Mountains Hiking Checklist

• A few Ziploc bags, to store personal items and keep items like cell phones and cameras dry.

• Many hikers like to bring a hiking stick, or walking poles for braving the steep elevations. These tools can help you stay balanced and

• If you’re bringing a pet, remember to pack a leash.

• For those with contact lenses, it’s a good idea to pack an extra pair of contacts or a pair of glasses just in case.

• If you’re looking for a great trail to hike, check out our blog: “Three Easy Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park”

The great thing about staying in a Pigeon Forge condo for your vacation is that you don’t have to worry about making a huge checklist of things to bring. At Cherokee Lodge Condos, everything you need is already there. Our Pigeon Forge condo amenities include a fully-equipped kitchen as well as extremely comfortable bedding and furniture, you won’t have to worry about having the perfect place to stay.

For even more convenience, our Pigeon Forge condos are located near all of the great things to do along the Pigeon Forge Parkway. You’re also only a couple of minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you won’t have to travel far to get to and from the best places in the area!

Go ahead and give us a call at (877) 918-5900 to speak with our vacation rental experts about planning your stay.