Smokies Backcountry Camping: Things You Need To Know
To ensure your backcountry trip is safe and enjoyable, please take a few moments to read each of the sections below. If you have questions, please call the Backcountry at (865) 436-1297. • Regulations • Hiker Shuttle Information -There are a number of hiker shuttle services in communities surrounding the national park. Information for most of these businesses may be found on the internet. Because this information changes often, the park does not maintain or publish a current listing of these businesses. |
Did You Know?
The park’s high elevation heath balds are treeless expanses where dense thickets of shrubs such as mountain laurel, rhododendron, and sand myrtle grow. Known as “laurel slicks” and “hells” by early settlers, heath balds were most likely created by forest fires long ago.
Black Bears
Road and Facility Closures
Weather Forecast
Regulations Concerning Pets