Whether you want to explore hiking trails in the Smokies, discover waterfalls, observe wildlife, or visit historic places, you’ll love spending time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To make the most of your visit, we want to share a few tips from the locals that you should know:
1. Pack A Picnic Lunch
Our #1 tip when it comes to exploring the national park is to never go without a picnic lunch. You’ll most likely spend more time than you might originally plan for, and nothing is worse than being hangry when you’re supposed to be having fun on vacation! A granola bar or trail mix might work in a pinch while you’re hiking, but throwing a sandwich in the cooler for lunch isn’t going to satisfy you like one of our Buddy’s BBQ Family Packs will! Enjoy pulled pork, delicious sides, chocolate chip cookies, and tea with plenty of buns and BBQ sauce for everyone. We pack up all the necessities for a full meal– paper products included!
2. Plan For The Weather
Smoky Mountain weather is usually mild but can certainly be unpredictable. Rain is not uncommon, and higher elevations are at least a few degrees colder than the forecasts. Snow can often result in temporary closures of Newfound Gap Road, and some roads close seasonally such as Kuwohi Road. Regardless of the time of year, always make sure you have a jacket, proper footwear, and most importantly– sunscreen and water.
3. Decide On Trails/Routes In Advance
The best thing you can do before heading to the national park is plan ahead. If you don’t have at least some sort of plan, you may be disappointed if you come across a particularly crowded area or trailhead. That’s why we recommend prioritizing a few main activities or trails and always having a Plan B in mind. This also comes in handy if there are seasonal road closures or weather-related closures, whether you’re planning a Smoky Mountain scenic drive or a hike.
4. Visit Cades Cove Early
Cades Cove is the most popular area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a reason, so expect it to be busy and to go at a slower pace. If you just plan to drive the scenic loop road, the earlier you can get started, the better! Since this road is open year round (weather permitting), winter time is typically the least crowded, and you can still enjoy the incredible scenery and historic sites.
5. Don’t Approach Wildlife
It should go without saying, but getting too close to the local wildlife is dangerous both for you and them. While it’s certainly fun to take photos of bears and see them in their natural habitat, it’s crucial to everyone’s safety that you maintain a large distance. Observe from afar and take advantage of your phone or camera’s powerful zoom lens!
These are just a few of our top tips for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Don’t forget to order a Buddy’s BBQ Family Pack for the ultimate picnic with no fuss or mess. But that’s not the only occasion our delicious BBQ is good for…take a look at more reasons to order from our Sevierville BBQ restaurant.
