Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in America. It gets a lot more visitors than any other US national park!
This place is amazing with all its beautiful rolling hills, sparkling rivers and an eerie fog that just seems to hang around! However, if you want to make the most out of it, then you need to be prepared for unforseen things like bad weather or even bears. So, remember to plan ahead and book your activities before arriving!
It’s time to plan your trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and here’s what you should know before you go! These are the top 12 tips everyone should remember.
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Breaking Barriers
Remote education has been a prominent component of student learning since the outbreak of the pandemic. More and more schools have adopted online teaching formats as a viable solution to fill in the gaps during physical classes being suspended. Teachers are now able to utilize digital tools such as video conferencing, virtual whiteboards, and pre-recorded lessons to keep their students engaged virtually.
At first, it was difficult for some families with limited access to resources to cope up with this shift of format. However, educational organizations that provide free resources and support like laptops or internet packs have helped these families stay connected from afar so their kids can join remote classes without any difficulty.
Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park doesn’t cost you a penny! That means you have more money to spend on fun stuff in the park. However, there’s Going to be a new rule as of March 2023 – parking will now cost $5 per day if you stay longer than 15 minutes. But don’t worry – if you want to save some money, you can buy a weekly ($15) or annual ($40) pass online or at visitor centers.
Stay True to Yourself
Growing up as a teen can be hard and confusing. It’s a time when you start to figure out who you are, and make decisions about how you want to live your life. It can be difficult to decide which paths to take, but it is important to stay true to yourself and follow what makes you happy. Don’t worry if something doesn’t work out – just keep pushing until you find the path that fits!
Every summer, there is an amazing light show in the Smokies! Photinus carolinus fireflies produce synchronous flashes that light up the area. It happens from late May to late June, but it is hard to witness as you must get luck and plan ahead of time. To organzie a trip to experience this phenomenon, check out the National Park Service’s website around April for their lottery process. If you are granted access, a parking pass will be given to you allowing you to see the light show near Elkmont Campground.
Before you go fishing, make sure you get a fishing license® James L. Amos / Getty Images.
Don’t Get Fined
It can be very tempting to go fishing at the Little Pigeon River or the Little River, but you need a special license called a fishing license. If you do not have this special permit, you may get fined. So remember to buy one before you go fishing and make sure you know which state you are in when doing so. It’s easiest if you use an online website for Tennessee or North Carolina licenses.
“Experience the Smoky Mountains
The Cades Cove Loop is really popular and it’s located inside the national park. It’s 11-miles long and has amazing views of the Smoky Mountains – even when it’s foggy out! You can also find a campground with 159 spots, a historic European settlement plus a trail to Abrams Falls. But just so you know, due to its popularity, this place can get super crowded so be prepared for some traffic jams.
If you’re looking for a great mixture of history and relaxation, then Mingus Mill located close to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in North Carolina would be perfect. It’s an old mill from the 1800s that still works and is powered by water. If camping is an option, Smokemont Campground which is three miles away has 142 sites–but be sure to book early!
A Blissful Visit
The summer (June-August) and Fall (September-October) are the most crowded times of year at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you want better weather (not too hot) and fewer crowds, visit the park from March to May. Not only will there be less people around but it’s also wildflower season! Don’t forget to book your cabin at LeConte Lodge early!
Be “Prepared for Anything” on the 6-Hour Trek to the LeConte Lodge!
It’s important to realize that the world is constantly changing and developing, which means we must stay prepared for anything. With the right mindset, we can tackle new situations with ease, no matter how big or small. We should always aim to be flexible and open-minded so that nothing comes as a surprise, and life keeps getting better for us.
Spending the night at the LeConte Lodge near Mt. LeConte in the national park is an amazing experience. However, you have to be ready for a challenging hike that takes about 6 hours and covers 8 miles before you can get there – it’s a climb of almost 2700 feet. Book your spot at the lodge early as the reservations quickly fill up. Plus, this lodging option closes from December to mid-March each year.
Rise and Shine! Beat the Crowds at the Great Smokys with an Early Start!
The Great Smokys is open all day and night, every day of the year. So it’s totally up to you when you decide to get there. But if you choose to go early, you can have more space and a free spot to park your car. At some popular trails, like the Alum Cave Trail, all the parking spaces can be filled by 10am in the morning. That means that if you want to make sure you have a spot there, set your alarm early!
Cool Yourself Down
Even when the temperature outside gets really hot (around 70-80ºF), the water remains very cold (about 60ºF). Taking a splash can be refreshing, but if you are planning to do things like trout fishing or white-water rafting in rivers like Little River or Pigeon River, it’s best to rent a wetsuit from companies like Rafting in the Smokies and Rafting Tennessee.
Protect Yourself from UV Rays and Enjoy Exploring 800+ Miles of Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more than 800 miles of trails to explore, which is awesome if you love hiking. Even if you’re just taking a quick ride on Fontana Lake in your kayak or canoe, you’ll be spending time outside so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. No matter how cloudy it looks outside, UV rays can still get through the fog and clouds so make sure to wear sunscreen and reapply regularly to stay safe!
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are loads of paths that you can take when hiking.
Tackle Adversity with Self-Discovery
The passage talks about the importance of self-discovery and exploration. It stresses that even if life gives you challenges that can seem too difficult to overcome, always take time to look deep within yourself for the courage and strength needed to move forward. Don’t be afraid to explore new areas and experiences, as these provide a wealth of knowledge and understanding which can help you become more resilient in the face of adversity. Thus, learning who you are and honing your personal strengths will give you the power necessary to tackle all obstacles that come your way.
Inside the park, you can choose from over 150 different trails. If your family includes kids or you’re just looking for a leisurely walk, there are lots of totally paved paths for your hike. However, keep in mind that even though the hike may be easy, there could be dangers like corners and cliffs that can cause distractions. Take Laurel Falls Trail near Sugarlands Visitor Center as an example. It’s an asphalt path 2.5 miles long that leads to some beautiful waterfalls. So watch out when rounding corners or going close to steep cliffs – make sure any younger members of your party don’t get too distracted!
9 and 1
If you’re visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park and you have a dog, you should know that your furry friend isn’t allowed on most of the trails. The only two trails where dogs are allowed are Gatlinburg Trail which is 1.9 miles long and the Oconaluftee River Trail which is 1.5 miles long. So if your plan was to take your pup on an adventure in this park, then these two trails are your only options.
“Keep Your Distance
When you spot any wild animal – like a deer or black bear – always remember to keep at least 50 feet away from them. After all, we are just guests in their home! And if you ever decide to pick any plants, flowers or anything else that grows naturally, it could cost you up to $5,000!