Pack for humid forests, black bears, and misty mountain trails
Build My Great Smoky Mountains Pack List →The most visited national park in the US, Great Smoky Mountains features 800 miles of trails, ancient Appalachian peaks, stunning fall foliage, and black bears. Use this packing guide as a starting point, then let PackList's AI personalize it based on your exact dates, activities, and gear preferences.
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!
44°F — Clear (current forecast).
Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday Information
Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday through September 30. This allows pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the cove without the presence of vehicles on the roadway.
Elkmont/Sugarlands Dump Station is temporarily closed Park Closure
The Elkmont/Sugarlands Dump Station is temporarily closed for maintenance. In the meantime, visitors can use the dump stations at Cosby, Cades Cove, or ones commercially available in Gatlinburg.
Park Headquarters Road closed Park Closure
Park Headquarters Road is closed due to rehabilitation work on the Sugarlands water and wastewater systems.
Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road closed. Park Closure
Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga Round-Bottom Road) are closed.
Most visitors need a parking tag Information
All vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes require a parking tag. Three tag durations are available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types: Daily ($5), Weekly ($15), or Annual ($40).
Black bears are everywhere — food storage is mandatory
Hypothermia risk in rain and fog even in summer at elevation
Thunderstorms are common — get off exposed ridges by noon
Check for road/trail closures — popular trails often have crowds
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