Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  2. Important essentials for Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  3. Activities for Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, United States of America, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, United States of America by month

January

If you are traveling to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in January, you will notice that it is very cold. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

If you are traveling to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in February, you will notice that it is very cold. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

March

March in Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be very chilly. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) to low 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

April

If you visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park during April, you are likely to see that it can be very chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

May

May in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is crisp. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

If you vacation in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during June, you may notice that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

July

If you are traveling to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in July, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

August

August in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right kind. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

If you are traveling to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

November for Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December for Great Smoky Mountains National Park is very cold. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct type. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

What to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, United States of America

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in eastern Tennessee, is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. This beautiful park boasts a variety of attractions for all types of travelers, including scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife, and historical sites. Here is a list of some of the top tourist attractions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

1. Cades Cove

Cades Cove is one of the most popular spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a scenic valley surrounded by mountains, and it’s a great place to spot wildlife such as deer, black bears, and coyotes. There are also historic buildings in the area, such as a grist mill and a church.

2. Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains, offering an incredible 360-degree view of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The observation tower at the top is accessible via a short hike and is definitely worth it for the view.

3. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a scenic drive that offers views of waterfalls, historic buildings, and wildlife. The narrow road makes it feel like you’re taking a trip back in time.

4. Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is a popular hiking trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall. The trail is only 2.6 miles round trip and is relatively easy, making it a great option for families with children.

5. Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is another beautiful waterfall in the park, measuring 80 feet tall. The hike to the falls is a bit more challenging than the Laurel Falls hike, but it’s definitely worth it for the view.

6. Chimney Tops

Chimney Tops is a challenging hike with stunning views of the mountains at the top. The trail is only 4 miles roundtrip, but it’s steep and requires a lot of effort.

7. Cataloochee Valley

Cataloochee Valley is a remote area of the park that offers a glimpse into the history of the region. There are several historic buildings in the area, including a schoolhouse and a church. The valley is also a great place to spot wildlife such as elk and black bears.

8. Sugarlands Visitor Center

The Sugarlands Visitor Center is a great place to start your trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are exhibits about the park’s history, as well as a bookstore and a movie theater showing a short film about the park.

9. Oconaluftee Visitor Center

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located at the southern entrance to the park and offers exhibits about the Cherokee people who lived in the area before European settlers arrived. The center is also a great place to spot elk.

10. Newfound Gap

Newfound Gap is another scenic overlook in the park, offering a view of the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina.

In conclusion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of attractions for all types of travelers. Whether you enjoy scenic drives, hiking, history, or wildlife, the park has something for you. Be sure to visit some of these top tourist attractions on your next trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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