There is plenty of information around about how to travel to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Ā For all sorts of information about the park, check out my Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guides.Ā
The thing is that most of it focuses on what you should do when you visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Ā
This guide is different. I will share with you what you should AVOID doing when planning a Great Smoky Mountains National Park vacation.Ā This isnāt meant to scare you; itās meant to help you be fully prepared when you visit Smoky Mountain National Park.Ā I think itās helpful to be aware of mistakes to avoid in the planning stage.Ā
Iām a national park expert and have extensive knowledge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Ā Iāve seen many people make mistakes (and Iāll admit I made a few myself!) that have impacted their trip.Ā So now Iām happy to share what Iāve learned from their (and my) experiences so that you can avoid these common pitfalls.Ā
Letās take a look at the biggest mistakes to avoid when planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
No time right now to discover 7 mistakes to avoid when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Pin It and save it for later:
#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, itās 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.Ā
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.Ā Ā Ā
To truly enjoy what the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer, you need to plan your itinerary with the parkās size in mind. Prioritize the areas youād like to explore and allocate sufficient time to travel between points of interest.
By respecting the parkās vastness, youāll set yourself up for a more relaxed and fulfilling visit, ensuring you have ample time to soak in the natural beauty without feeling rushed.Ā
#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 arenāt needed if you are just driving through the park but are essential if you want to stop and enjoy the parkās features, whether youāre setting out on a day hike, picnicking, or simply stopping to take in the views.Ā
There are different types of parking tags availableādaily, weekly, and annualāso you can choose one that best fits the length of your visit. Itās 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.Ā
#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 parkās 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.Ā
Plus, parking is limited at many of the trailheads and youād much rather spend your time on the trails rather than driving around waiting for a parking space to open up.Ā
Wildlife is most active during the early morning hours, so an early start also increases your chances of spotting some of the parkās diverse animal inhabitants while the trails are still quiet.Ā Ā
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.Ā
ā”ļø READ MORE: Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National ParkĀ
#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.Ā
Not booking a place to stay early could leave you with limited options that may not suit your preferences or budget. The parkās 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.Ā
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. Ā
ā”ļø READ MORE: Vacation Rentals near Gatlinburg, Tennessee
ā”ļø Find a hotel in Gatlinburg on Expedia.
ā”ļø Find more vacation rentals in or near Gatlinburg on VRBO.
ā”ļø Find a hotel on the North Carolina side on Expedia.
ā”ļø Find a vacation rental on the North Carolina side on VRBO.
#5 Not planning for traffic
When planning a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, itās easy to overlook the potential for traffic congestion within the park, particularly during peak tourist seasons, weekends, and holidays.
The parkās 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.Ā
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.Ā
Additionally, regularly check the National Park Serviceās 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.Ā
ā”ļø 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 youāre 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.Ā
Without access to detailed maps, you could easily take a wrong turn on a trail or miss important landmarks.Ā To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, take the time to download offline maps of the park and any trails you plan to hike.Ā Ā Ā
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. Ā
#7 Not Getting Travel Insurance
You should, of course, always have travel insurance, especially when traveling to national parks.Ā You just never know what will happen.Ā 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.Ā
ā”ļø A great insurance option isāÆTravelex.⯠It has coverage for all youāll 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
ā Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guide
ā 10 Tips For Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National ParkĀ
ā Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
ā How to Get to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
ā The Best Airports Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
ā The Nearest Airport to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
ā Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
ā Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
ā 10 Fun Facts about Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Do you have any other tips for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Iād 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).āÆ
If you liked this Great Smoky Mountains vacation guide,āÆāÆPin It to your Great Smoky Mountains National Park board!
James Ian is aĀ national park, campingĀ andĀ hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of theĀ national parksĀ in the United States. WithĀ over 35 years experienceĀ in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as aĀ travel plannerĀ whoās 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 hasĀ published detailed itinerariesĀ for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well asĀ in-depth park guides, and other resources 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 manyĀ publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
Read moreā¦
Iām a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.