Hiking is a great summer activity in the Smokies. Visitors love being out in the warm sun while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Whether you're new to hiking or a seasoned veteran, we would love to share some helpful information for your next hiking expedition in the national park. Keep reading to find out our best tips for summer hiking in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Start Your Hike Early
One helpful tip for hiking in the Smoky Mountains during the summer is to start early in the morning. Temperatures in the lower elevations of the park are at their coolest and range from 70-80℉. By noon, they can go up to the mid-90s! Another benefit of being an early bird is that you can avoid some of the crowds and snag a good parking spot. Parking may be limited in some areas. Before you hit the trails, make sure you have a parking tag on your vehicle. Get one online before you leave or when you get to the park. They are available for purchase at the visitors centers and at automated kiosks throughout the park.
2. Hike Higher Elevation Trails
You should explore some higher elevation trails while you’re in the Smokies in the summer. Why? These areas can be as much as 20 degrees cooler! One route is the Forney Ridge Trail to Andrews Bald, a grassy meadow that is 5,920 feet in elevation. In the summertime, flaming azaleas bloom here. This is a flower that grows in all kinds of vibrant colors, including pink and red. If you prefer a hike that’s shorter, take a 1-mile hike from the parking area on Kuwohi Road to the observation tower. It was built in 1959 so that visitors could easily see views from the highest peak at 6,643 feet. Admire views for up to 100 miles on a clear day!
One way to stay cool in the low elevation areas is to go for a swim after your hike. An excellent Smoky Mountain swimming hole is in the Greenbrier area. This is a shallow part of the Little River that offers a place to relax, picnic, and take a dip in the cool water. Be on the lookout for salamanders while you’re there!
3. Choose Trails Near Picnic Spots
Before and after hiking in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll need to have good food to regain your strength. These are great times to have a picnic! If you do, choose trails that are near the top picnic spots, such as the Metcalf Bottoms Trail. It is one of the most popular trails in the park and leads to the Walker Sisters Cabin. Cades Cove is another area with plenty of family-friendly hiking trails close to a scenic picnic spot. Read more about the best summer hikes in the Smokies!
Now you know some great tips for summer hiking in the Smoky Mountains! Want more helpful tips for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains? Take a look at our guide on what not to do during summer in the Smokies!
