Have you decided to embark upon a journey to the Great Smoky Mountains this year? Good for you! But you shouldn’t neglect the importance of packing right before leaving for the mountains. We’ve created a list of must-bring items necessary for travelers heading to the Great Smokys. Remember that visiting the mountains can be dangerous if you leave behind the objects essential for your survival and well-being. A careful planner should consider the safety of all travelers while packing for this exotic vacation. We’re sure that our below-mentioned checklist will make a holiday super-easy for the family. Also, remember to study COVID-related guidelines issued by the concerned authorities.
What to do before traveling to the Great Smokys?
Eastern Tennessee has always remained a popular vacation destination because of the Great Smokys as millions of holiday-bound adventure enthusiasts head to the National Park for camping. They engage in activities such as fishing, camping, and attending festivals held in nearby towns, e.g., Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. However, you can’t fully enjoy an Appalachian countryside expedition if you fail to pack the right stuff. Make sure your suitcase contains everything a weary traveler may need in these distant mountain-surrounded grasslands. That’s how you can easily engage in all activities offered to visitors without trouble. Now, here’s your checklist if you’re heading to the Great Smokys retreat this year:
- Cabins:
Travelers should remember to rent comfy cabins before leaving their homes for the Great Smokys. Renting these cabins can increase the luxury of your getaway as they are equipped with all the amenities one needs while vacationing. It helps to search online for Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and choose the ones spacious enough now to accommodate your companions. Don’t delay booking the cabin, or you won’t get quality housing since October is approaching with a tide of holiday-bound folks.
- Water bottles
It seems strange, but we suggest travelers bring water bottles from home. Yes, the rented place has enough water for your adventure-loving comrades. But hydration is essential when you’re in the wilderness, trekking your way into the unknown. That’s why bringing some water-filled bottles is a good idea for travelers. Ensure you have enough supplies to last your camping days in the park.
- Clothes
Weather-appropriate garments shall make your Great Smokys vacation more comfortable and enjoyable. Since your 2022 getaway to Tennessee coincides with winter, pack weather-resistant and heavily-layered clothes with you. Bring some t-shirts so you may easily toss them aside if the area gets hotter. Hikers prefer to layer up/down as the weather demands. So, bring jackets on this trip. These clothes should be light enough for packing since you mustn’t overburden yourself.
- Bug spray
Bugs, bees, and bears are some common enemies travelers encounter while camping in these places such as the Great Smokys. So, remember to bring some sprays with you! Even though bear attacks in the National Park are rare, it’s better to get the necessary equipment to drive one away if the bear tries to approach you. Moreover, bug sprays are more critical than bear sprays. These sprays will keep your children safe. So, invest in a quality insect repellant.
- Shoes
While hiking, camping, or climbing in the National Park, travelers often need appropriate shoes. So, pack your shoes as per the activity your group has planned for this trip. A casual afternoon stroll will require some flip-flops. However, hiking boots are essential for trekking on the mountain. Also, dress shoes are necessary if tourists decide to attend a formal event in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Make sure you’ve procured the essential footwear before embarking upon this journey with your folks.
- Toiletries
You don’t want to spend your vacation in discomfort! So, bring some essential toiletries on this trip. Remember that some toiletries are optional such as sunscreen, and other toiletries are available everywhere, such as toothpaste. Keep the essential ones while traveling to ensure you remain hygienic during this journey. If you forget to bring these essentials, don’t waste a second before purchasing them after arriving. Now, here’s a list of some of the stuff a family should bring:
- Razors
- Combs
- Band-Aids
- Deodorant
- Dental floss
- Toothbrushes
- Prescription drugs
- Tablecloth
What to do when you want to have a picnic in the middle of the National Park? Travelers should not ignore the importance of bringing a tablecloth for such occasions. The park has thirteen picnic sites; you can enjoy a nice dinner at these sites with a suitable tablecloth.
- Miscellaneous
Finally, you should bring these items while traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains. The most crucial of these items is the first-aid kit, which travelers might carry to help someone in case accidents occur. Moreover, don’t forget your mobile/laptop charger to stay connected to people during this journey. You don’t want to feel cut off from the rest of the world in an emergency. We can guess that you are equipped with a decent camera, so remember to bring extra batteries.
- Maps
How are you planning to navigate your way through the National Park? Remember that phones may stop sending/receiving signals in some locations, and GPS isn’t always reliable. That’s why travelers must always carry paper-based maps of the National Park for navigating. Take some screenshots on your phone of Google Maps, so you can make your way through the wilderness in case you get lost.
Conclusion
So we’ve established that traveling to the Great Smokys has become a major outing among many American households today. However, it would help if you didn’t forget to pack the right stuff before embarking upon this exciting journey. The first thing you should do is rent a comfy cabin online before booking your trip. Make sure you have appropriate shoes, clothes, and sprays for your stay in Eastern Tennessee. You must have the necessary toiletries while bringing water bottles to the mountains. Keep the EpiPen if you are allergic to bees, and procure maps of the location (screenshots are better!). Moreover, remember to take a first-aid kit with you on the journey. That’s how you can make the journey comfortable today.