SMOKY MOUNTAINS PACKING CHECKLIST
A season-aware packing list you can check off — rain gear, layers, bear safety, footwear, and the parking tag. Saves in your browser.
Essentials
0/7Clothing
0/6Rain & Sun
0/5Hydration & Food
0/4Footwear
0/3Safety
0/4Optional
0/5This is a general guide for the Smokies' humid, temperate-rainforest climate, where weather changes fast and high elevations run much cooler. Conditions and road status change — always check the current forecast, road closures, and bear activity at nps.gov/grsm before your trip.
Great Smoky Mountains Packing FAQ
What should I pack for Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Pack for a humid, temperate-rainforest climate where rain and fast weather changes are the norm: a waterproof rain jacket, moisture-wicking layers (skip cotton), a warm fleece for high elevations that run 10–20°F cooler, waterproof hiking boots, insect repellent, trail snacks, and a headlamp. Bring or buy a Park It Forward parking tag, download offline maps (cell service is limited), and follow bear-safety basics. Use the interactive checklist above to tailor the list to your season.
Do I need rain gear in the Smokies even in summer?
Yes. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the wettest places in the eastern US — the high peaks get over 80 inches of rain a year — and summer afternoons bring frequent thunderstorms. Always carry a packable waterproof rain jacket (and ideally rain pants or a poncho), keep electronics in a dry bag, and avoid cotton clothing, which stays wet and chills you in the humid mountain air.
What bear-safety gear and habits do I need in the Smokies?
The park is home to roughly 1,900 black bears, so food storage is essential. Never leave food, coolers, or scented items unattended at picnic areas, campsites, or trailheads, store food in your vehicle or in provided bear-proof containers, pack out all trash, and keep at least 50 yards (150 feet) from any bear. Carrying bear spray is optional but reassuring; the most important tool is keeping a clean, food-secure site.
What do I need to pack for the Smokies in winter?
Winter visits call for warm insulated layers, a hat and gloves, insulated waterproof boots, and microspikes for icy, high-elevation trails. Conditions at the crest can be far colder and snowier than in Gatlinburg, and Clingmans Dome Road closes December through March while Newfound Gap Road can shut after snow. Pack hand warmers and trekking poles, and always check current road status before you head up.