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.
Essential Gear & Permits
Must-Have Essentials
- Insect repellent (humidity breeds bugs)
- Rain jacket (the Smokies get up to 80 inches of precipitation a year)
- Bear spray or bear canister
- Permit for backcountry sites (required)
- Water filter (Giardia present in streams)
- Trekking poles for slippery roots and rocks
What to Wear
Clothing & Footwear
- Moisture-wicking base layers (humidity makes cotton dangerous)
- Light rain jacket
- Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts
- Waterproof hiking boots (trails often muddy)
- Extra socks (feet stay wet in humid conditions)
Gear & Equipment
Backpacking & Camping Gear
- Daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (roots and rocks make trails slippery)
- Headlamp for sunrise waterfall hikes
- Binoculars for wildlife (fireflies are famous in late May/early June)
Food & Nutrition
Food Planning
- Bear-safe food storage required at all backcountry sites
- Standard backpacking meals
- Extra snacks — humidity and heat increase calorie burn
Safety Tips for Great Smoky Mountains
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
Popular Activities
hikingbackpackingwaterfall tourswildlife watchingphotographycycling
Get Your Personalized Great Smoky Mountains Pack List
Enter your trip dates, activities, and experience level. PackList's AI generates a custom list updated with current weather and conditions.
Plan My Great Smoky Mountains Trip →
More Packing Guides