Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited and biodiverse national parks in the United States. Known for its mist-covered ridges, rolling forested hills, and rich Appalachian culture, the park offers a range of backpacking opportunities suitable for all levels. From gentle ridgeline walks to steep climbs with panoramic views, there’s something here for every type of hiker.
This guide is designed for budget travelers, solo adventurers, and nature lovers who want to explore the Smokies through multi-day treks. We’ll cover everything from the best times to visit and how to get there, to suggested itineraries, costs, and essential gear. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a full week in the backcountry, this article will help you prepare for a safe, rewarding, and affordable adventure.
Why Backpacking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Worth It
The Smokies are unique because they combine ancient Appalachian landscapes with an accessible trail system, abundant wildlife, and historical significance. Unlike parks with vast open terrain or desert plateaus, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is defined by lush deciduous forests, cascading streams, foggy ridgelines, and moss-draped hollows. With over 850 miles of hiking trails, it’s a backpacker’s paradise filled with opportunities for exploration, solitude, and connection with nature.
Backpackers frequently spot black bears, wild turkeys, salamanders, and elk, especially in the early morning or dusk hours. Some trails also pass historic cabins, old cemeteries, and remnants of early settler communities, adding a cultural layer to the natural beauty. The Appalachian Trail cuts right through the park, offering a challenging but rewarding long-distance option for seasoned hikers. Whether you’re looking for a remote experience or a social hiking route, the Smokies provide a perfect balance.
Best Time to Go Backpacking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The best months for backpacking in the Smokies are late spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October). These shoulder seasons offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant natural displays. In spring, the forest comes alive with wildflowers, while autumn explodes with colorful foliage—arguably some of the best in the country.
Summer (June–August) is the busiest season, and while the higher elevations remain relatively cool, the lower valleys can get hot and humid. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so waterproof gear is essential. On the upside, summer offers longer daylight hours and clear access to nearly all trails.
Winter (November–March) brings solitude and snow at higher elevations. While some roads and campgrounds may close, prepared backpackers can find true solitude and still enjoy parts of the park that remain open. For budget-conscious travelers, midweek trips in the spring or fall strike the best balance between affordability, accessibility, and scenic beauty.
How to Get There (and Around on a Budget)
Getting to the Great Smoky Mountains is fairly straightforward, especially if you’re flying into one of the nearby cities. The closest airports are:
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, TN – about 45 miles from the park
- Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in Asheville, NC – about 60 miles away
- Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) in South Carolina – around 110 miles away
From the airport, budget travelers can rent a car or take regional buses. While public transportation to the park itself is limited, Knoxville’s Megabus and Greyhound terminals offer connections to nearby towns like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Cherokee.
Once you arrive, the park has no entrance fee, which helps reduce costs. However, you will need to pay for a parking tag (as of recent years), which starts at a small daily fee. For backpackers relying on shuttles, private services like A Walk in the Woods or Standing Bear Farm offer trailhead drop-offs, especially along the Appalachian Trail.
If you’re planning a point-to-point route, arranging a shuttle or car drop ahead of time can be a huge help. Hitchhiking is possible in some areas, though not guaranteed. Always have a Plan B, especially in the off-season when fewer people are on the roads.
Suggested Backpacking Itineraries
Backpacking in the Smokies offers something for every experience level. Whether you’re testing your gear on a short loop or committing to a full-week wilderness trip, the park has well-marked routes for each.
3-Day Intro Trip: Kephart Prong to Smokemont Loop
Perfect for beginners, this loop offers around 15–20 miles of hiking with established shelters and scenic highlights. Start at the Kephart Prong Trail, connect with the Grassy Branch and Dry Sluice trails, and return via the Bradley Fork Trail to Smokemont Campground. The route features old-growth forest, river crossings, and backcountry solitude—ideal for those easing into multi-day trips.
5-Day Moderate Trip: Appalachian Trail to Mount Le Conte and Alum Cave
Start at Newfound Gap and head northeast on the Appalachian Trail toward Icewater Spring Shelter. Spend nights at Peck’s Corner, Mount Le Conte Shelter, and then descend via Alum Cave Trail. This route covers alpine ridges, sweeping views, and the stunning Le Conte Lodge area. Expect around 35–40 miles depending on detours.
7-Day Full Loop: Deep Creek to Hazel Creek and Forney Ridge
More remote and rewarding, this full-week itinerary covers the park’s western wilderness. Begin at Deep Creek, connect to Hazel Creek Trail, and return via Forney Creek and Forney Ridge Trails. Highlights include Fontana Lake, creekside camping, and less-trafficked zones with rich biodiversity. This 60+ mile loop is great for advanced hikers seeking solitude.
Budget Accommodation Options
Backpackers on a budget will be pleased to know that camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is both scenic and affordable. The park operates over 100 backcountry campsites and shelters, accessible only by hiking and reserved through the park’s Backcountry Permit Reservation System.
- Backcountry Campsites and Shelters: A $4 per person, per night fee applies. Sites must be booked in advance via recreation.gov or the park’s backcountry office.
- Frontcountry Campgrounds: Places like Elkmont, Cades Cove, and Smokemont offer car-accessible campsites for around $25 per night, with facilities like restrooms and fire rings.
- Budget Lodging: Outside the park, towns like Gatlinburg, Bryson City, and Cherokee offer hostels, motels, and rustic lodges. Backpackers can often find shared rooms or last-minute deals under $60/night.
For those without a car, look for places offering shuttle services to trailheads, especially near the Appalachian Trail or Clingmans Dome Road.
Backpacking Costs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Planning a budget-friendly trip in the Smokies is totally doable. Here’s a rough breakdown of typical costs:
- Backcountry permits: $4/night per person
- Frontcountry campground: $20–30 per site
- Food: ~$15/day if packed ahead
- Gear rental (tent, pack, stove): ~$30–50/day
- Transportation (rental + gas or shuttle): ~$100–150 depending on duration
- Miscellaneous (parking tag, water treatment, maps): ~$15–30
To save money, consider borrowing gear, sharing shuttles with other hikers, or using local Facebook groups to connect with other backpackers planning similar dates. Shopping for bulk trail food and pre-packing meals also helps reduce daily expenses.
Must-Pack Essentials for Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Conditions in the Smokies vary quickly—one moment it’s sunny, the next you’re in a thunderstorm. Packing the right gear is key to staying safe and comfortable.
Here’s a solid gear list:
- Lightweight backpack (40–65L) – fits multi-day loads
- 3-season tent or hammock with rainfly – weatherproof, compact
- Sleeping bag (20–30°F) and sleeping pad
- Layered clothing – moisture-wicking base layer, fleece, rain jacket
- Trail runners or waterproof hiking boots
- Bear bag or bear canister – bear hangs are required in many camps
- Backpacking stove (like Jetboil or MSR PocketRocket) and fuel
- Trail maps and compass or GPS app
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Water filter or treatment drops – Sawyer Squeeze or Aquamira are popular
- First-aid kit, duct tape, and repair kit
- Trekking poles, gaiters, and bug repellent (especially in summer)
If you’re just getting started, some items like tents, filters, or GPS devices could be linked to affiliate-friendly outdoor gear retailers.
Top Things to Do for Backpackers
Backpacking in the Smokies isn’t just about hiking—there’s a variety of outdoor experiences to enjoy along the way.
- Climb Mount Le Conte: One of the park’s most iconic peaks, with panoramic views from the summit and a network of scenic approach trails.
- Explore Alum Cave Bluffs: A popular feature on the way to Le Conte, these natural bluffs offer a cool rest stop with dramatic geology.
- Spot wildlife in Cades Cove or Cataloochee: Deer, turkeys, black bears, and even elk roam freely in these open valleys.
- Catch a Smoky Mountain sunrise or sunset: Spots like Clingmans Dome and Charlies Bunion offer stunning early-morning or evening views.
- Wade through Deep Creek or Forney Creek: Refreshing and scenic, these waterways are perfect for short dips or campsite resupply.
Backpacking lets you access remote areas where the crowds disappear and natural solitude takes over—something most day visitors never experience.
Food and Water Tips for Backpackers
Food planning in the Smokies doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be thorough—especially because you can’t rely on resupplying in the backcountry.
Food tips:
- Pack lightweight, calorie-dense meals like dehydrated pasta, trail mix, energy bars, peanut butter, and couscous.
- Bring at least 2,500–3,500 calories per day, depending on mileage and elevation gain.
- Use Ziploc bags for portioning and pack out all waste.
Water tips:
- There’s plenty of water in the Smokies—creeks, streams, and rivers are frequent—but must be treated.
- Use a Sawyer Squeeze, LifeStraw, or Aquamira drops to purify water before drinking.
- Carry at least 2 liters at all times, and fill up whenever you’re near a source, especially at higher elevations where water may be scarce.
Safety Tips for Backpacking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Staying safe while backpacking in the Smokies starts with preparation and awareness. Trails here can be rugged and remote, so always let someone know your itinerary and expected return.
Weather in the park can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and temperatures can drop suddenly at night, even in warmer months. Check the forecast before heading out and bring layers to adapt.
Wildlife safety is another key concern. The park is home to black bears, and while encounters are rare, they do happen. Store all food using bear cables or canisters, and never leave scraps behind. Ticks are also present in grassy and wooded areas—wear long sleeves and check your body daily for bites.
Cell service is unreliable in much of the backcountry. Carry a paper map and compass, or use an offline GPS app. For emergencies, consider a personal locator beacon or satellite communicator. Rangers recommend checking in at visitor centers or backcountry stations if possible.
Eco-Friendly and Responsible Travel Tips
The Smokies are one of the most biodiverse places in North America, so protecting this natural treasure is everyone’s responsibility. Always follow Leave No Trace principles.
Stick to established trails and campsites to prevent erosion and habitat damage. Don’t cut switchbacks or trample sensitive vegetation. Pack out all trash, including food wrappers and biodegradable waste. Never bury toilet paper—use a sealed bag or pack-in-pack-out system.
Cooking should be done with a backpacking stove rather than open fires, especially in dry conditions. Avoid using soap near streams and instead filter or boil water properly. Respect wildlife by observing from a distance and never feeding animals.
Backpackers should also avoid loud noise and artificial light at night, which can disturb both animals and fellow hikers. Responsible travel helps preserve the experience for everyone who comes after you.
Recommended Apps & Tools for Backpackers
Technology can make a huge difference when backpacking in remote parts of the Smokies. Here are some essential tools to consider downloading or carrying:
- Gaia GPS or AllTrails+ – Ideal for offline maps, route tracking, and topographic overlays.
- National Park Service App – Great for updates, closures, and official park alerts.
- FarOut (formerly Guthook) – Useful for thru-hikers, especially along the Appalachian Trail section.
- Cairn App – Shows where others have found cell signal and lets friends track your progress.
- Recreation.gov – Use this to book your backcountry permits and monitor campsite availability.
- Topo Maps+ – Excellent for backcountry navigation with offline capabilities.
- Avenza Maps – Lets you download official National Park Service maps with GPS overlay.
Pairing these tools with traditional map-and-compass navigation adds extra security on the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All overnight backpackers must have a backcountry permit and campsite reservation. You can get permits through the official Smokies Backcountry Permit System, and it costs $4 per person, per night.
Bear canisters are not currently required, but proper food storage is mandatory. Most campsites have bear cables, and you are expected to hang all food, toiletries, and scented items at night or when not in use.
The AT in the Smokies is beautiful but can be strenuous due to elevation changes and weather. It’s best suited for intermediate hikers or fit beginners with some overnight experience. Shelters are spaced roughly 7–12 miles apart.
Popular scenic routes include the Alum Cave to Mount Le Conte, Gregory Bald, Charlies Bunion, and the Forney Ridge Trail. For backcountry lovers, Hazel Creek and Deep Creek areas offer more solitude and wildlife sightings.
Yes, but all water must be treated before drinking. Use a filter, purification drops, or boil the water to remove harmful bacteria and parasites like Giardia.
Late spring (May–early June) and early fall (September–early October) strike a nice balance. You’ll find cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and lighter crowds than peak summer months.
Yes, several local outfitters offer hiker shuttle services, especially around Newfound Gap, Fontana Dam, and the Appalachian Trail corridor. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Besides black bears, the park is home to copperhead snakes, wild boars, ticks, and even elk in certain areas. Always give wildlife plenty of space and use caution when hiking in dense brush or near water.
Cell reception is extremely limited in most backcountry areas. You may get a signal near Newfound Gap or Clingmans Dome, but don’t rely on phones for emergency contact. Always carry a paper map and let someone know your route.
During peak months, it’s best to reserve at least 2–4 weeks ahead—especially for popular shelters on the Appalachian Trail. Some backcountry campsites fill up quickly in spring and fall.
Robert StarkeRobert Starke is a graphic designer with a keen eye for detail and a strong background in video editing. Beyond his creative work, he’s an avid traveler and passionate writer who enjoys sharing practical, engaging advice with fellow adventurers. A lifelong animal lover, Robert also writes about pet products for other websites. Here at Traveleon.com, he focuses mainly on camping, hiking, and backpacking—offering firsthand tips, gear guides, and destination insights to help readers make the most of their time outdoors.