Planning A Trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid

There is plenty of information around about how to travel to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  For all sorts of information about the park, check out my Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guides. 

The thing is that most of it focuses on what you should do when you visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

This guide is different. I will share with you what you should AVOID doing when planning a Great Smoky Mountains National Park vacation.  This isn’t meant to scare you; it’s meant to help you be fully prepared when you visit Smoky Mountain National Park.  I think it’s helpful to be aware of mistakes to avoid in the planning stage. 

I’m a national park expert and have extensive knowledge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  I’ve seen many people make mistakes (and I’ll admit I made a few myself!) that have impacted their trip.  So now I’m happy to share what I’ve learned from their (and my) experiences so that you can avoid these common pitfalls. 

Let’s take a look at the biggest mistakes to avoid when planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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#1 Underestimating the size of the park

When planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a common pitfall is underestimating the sheer size of the park. Spanning over 800 square miles across North Carolina and Tennessee, it’s not a destination you can fully appreciate in just a quick visit. This majestic park is home to a vast network of trails, numerous waterfalls, a wide array of wildlife, and some of the most stunning views in the Appalachian region. 

Before you go, you may not realize that driving from one end of the park to the other can take several hours, especially considering the winding mountain roads and potential traffic.   

To truly enjoy what the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer, you need to plan your itinerary with the park’s size in mind. Prioritize the areas you’d like to explore and allocate sufficient time to travel between points of interest.

By respecting the park’s vastness, you’ll set yourself up for a more relaxed and fulfilling visit, ensuring you have ample time to soak in the natural beauty without feeling rushed. 

#2 Not getting a parking permit

A critical oversight that can disrupt a well-planned trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is neglecting to secure a parking permit. Entrance to the national park is free BUT as of 2023, the park requires parking tags for all vehicles parking within the park boundaries.

These tags aren’t needed if you are just driving through the park but are essential if you want to stop and enjoy the park’s features, whether you’re setting out on a day hike, picnicking, or simply stopping to take in the views. 

There are different types of parking tags available—daily, weekly, and annual—so you can choose one that best fits the length of your visit. It’s important to note that parking tags are not replaceable, refundable, transferable, or upgradeable, so plan accordingly. You can purchase these tags online or at various locations, including visitor centers and partnering retail outlets. 

#3 Starting hikes too late

Setting out on hikes too late in the day is a common misstep for first-time visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the U.S. The park’s popularity means that trails can become crowded, particularly the well-known ones like Alum Cave Trail or the ascent to Charlies Bunion. Starting early is key to avoiding the crowds and experiencing the tranquil beauty of the Smokies in relative solitude. 

Plus, parking is limited at many of the trailheads and you’d much rather spend your time on the trails rather than driving around waiting for a parking space to open up. 

Wildlife is most active during the early morning hours, so an early start also increases your chances of spotting some of the park’s diverse animal inhabitants while the trails are still quiet.  

To maximize your hiking experience, plan to arrive at trailheads by early morning. This way, you can enjoy the serenity of the forest, the best lighting for photography, and the safest conditions for your adventure. 

READ MORE: Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park 

#4 Leaving accommodations bookings to the last minute

One of the worst mistakes you can make when planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is leaving your accommodation bookings to the last minute. The park is the most visited national park in the United States, which means that lodging options, from campgrounds to nearby hotels, can fill up quickly, especially during peak summer and fall seasons. 

Not booking a place to stay early could leave you with limited options that may not suit your preferences or budget. The park’s size also means that last-minute available accommodations might be far from the specific attractions or trailheads you plan to visit, resulting in additional travel time and inconvenience. 

To avoid this mistake, book your accommodations well in advance. Doing so will ensure that you have a comfortable and conveniently located base from which to explore the park.  

READ MORE: Vacation Rentals near Gatlinburg, Tennessee 

#5 Not planning for traffic

When planning a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s easy to overlook the potential for traffic congestion within the park, particularly during peak tourist seasons, weekends, and holidays.

The park’s popularity, combined with its scenic but narrow and winding roads, often leads to slower travel times and occasional traffic jams, especially on routes like Cades Cove Loop Road and Newfound Gap Road. 

Failing to account for traffic can disrupt your schedule, causing you to miss planned activities or hikes. It can also lead to a less enjoyable experience, with more time spent in the car than in nature.

To avoid this, consider visiting during off-peak times, such as mid-week or outside of the busy summer and fall months. If you can only visit during peak times, I recommend starting your day early to get ahead of the crowds or explore less frequented areas of the park where traffic is less of an issue. 

Additionally, regularly check the National Park Service’s website for up-to-date information on road closures and traffic delays. Being informed and flexible with your plans can help you navigate around heavy traffic and make the most of your time in the Great Smoky Mountains. 

READ MORE: Scenic Drives in US National Parks

#6 Forgetting to download offline maps

An important but often forgotten step in preparing for a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is downloading offline maps and trail guides. Cell service in the park can be spotty or nonexistent, particularly when you’re deep in the valleys or high on the mountain peaks. This can make it challenging to rely on live GPS navigation or internet-dependent map applications. 

Without access to detailed maps, you could easily take a wrong turn on a trail or miss important landmarks.  To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, take the time to download offline maps of the park and any trails you plan to hike.   

Having these resources available on your device, without the need for a cellular connection, will help you navigate the park confidently. It will also provide you with valuable information like trail lengths, difficulty, and points of interest.  

#7 Not Getting Travel Insurance

You should, of course, always have travel insurance, especially when traveling to national parks.  You just never know what will happen.  Travel insurance covers things like medical emergencies, lost or stolen property, trip cancellation, and emergency repatriation. If you want to learn more about all this, check out my Guide to Buying Travel Insurance (on my other blog) before getting your insurance. 

A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Enjoy your Great Smoky Mountains trip!

Additional Great Smoky Mountains Trip Planner Resources

Smoky Mountain National Park Guide
Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Best Airports Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
10 Fun Facts about Great Smoky Mountains National Park
How to Get To Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Do you have any other tips for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? I’d love to hear about them.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more). 

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About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks. 

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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