Hiking Safety

You are responsible for your own safety!

Backcountry travel has inherent risks and hikers assume complete responsibility for their own safety. Rescue is not a certainty. Always practice good judgement.

In case of emergency, call 911. Clearly state your location and emergency to the operator. If you do not have cell service, send someone for help. 

 

To avoid getting lost in the backcountry, stay on marked trails.

Kenzie Connor

 

Not wearing proper footwear is one of the leading causes of injuries in the park.

NPS Graphic

Plan Ahead

Hiking in the Smokies is one of the best ways to explore the park, however caution is always advised when exploring the backcountry. The park's backcountry is managed as a natural area, where the forces of nature determine trail conditions. Please be prepared for swollen streams, bridge washouts, downed trees, and trail erosion.

There are more than 800 miles of trails in the Smokies. Trails throughout the park vary in difficulty based on mileage, elevation gain, terrain, and weather. Most trails in the Smokies are out-and-back, with very few loop hikes available.

Before You Go

• Do your research. Know the difficulty of a hike before attempting it and be sure to check out the current trail hazards, warnings, or closures. Some trails may be crowded and parking may be limited, consider a shuttle for popular trails.
• Choose the right trail for you and your group. Ensure that the trail you choose is suitable for the skills of your group. Let the slowest hiker lead and always stay together on marked trails.
• Leave a trip plan. Write down an itinerary with details about where you will be hiking, contact information, when you plan to arrive and return, and who is with you. Share this information with a trusted friend or family member who is not going with you. Have them contact the park if you do not return within a reasonable timeframe.
• Have a way to communicate. Cell service is extremely limited. Consider carrying a personal locator beacon. If you only have a cell phone, use airplane mode to prevent your battery from quickly draining.
• Be weather-ready. Check the current weather forecast and be prepared for quickly changing conditions.
• Have a plan B. If conditions are not suitable for hiking, have a 'Plan B' prepared. There are plenty of other ways to explore the park.
• Ask a ranger. If you are not comfortable planning your hike using the information on our website, ask a ranger at a visitor center for their recommendations.

What to Bring

What to bring on a hike depends on many factors, but there are ten essentials that you must have for any outing. Keep in mind that these are the minimum items everyone should carry while recreating outdoors. More supplies may be necessary depending on the duration of your hike and your specific needs.

 

Ten Essentials at a Glance

1. Navigation (map, compass, & GPS) 
2. Sun Protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, & hat) 
3. Insulation (jacket, hat, gloves, layers, & rain gear) 
4. Illumination (flashlight or headlamp; your phone does not count) 
5. First-Aid Supplies (first-aid kit; ensure supplies are not expired) 
6. Fire (matches, lighter, & fire starter) 
7. Repair Kit and Tools (duct tape, knife, screwdriver, & scissors) 
8. Food (nutritious snacks that do not require cooking) 
9. Hydration (water & water treatment supplies; at least 1 liter per 2 hours of hiking) 
10. Emergency Shelter (tent, tarp, bivy sack, or space blanket) 

Bonus: Wear suitable hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support. 

 

Rescue is never a certainty. It can take park rangers several hours to respond to incidents in the backcountry.

NPS

Common Hazards in the Smokies

Slips, trips, and falls

Wearing ankle-supporting boots is advisable.

In winter, many high-elevation trails may be icy, so use crampons or other traction devices. In autumn, be cautious of loose, slick leaves, which can lead to slips and ankle fractures.

Always watch your footing and be ready to turn back in hazardous conditions. Never walk near the edge of waterfalls as wet rocks can be extremely slippery. Stay on designated, maintained trails to avoid unstable terrain and protect natural habitats.

Hiking at night

Avoid hiking after dark. Hiking in the dark increases the risk of falls and wildlife encounters. If you're heading to a campsite, plan to arrive before nightfall. Always carry a headlamp; phone flashlights are not reliable.

Bears

Bears in the park are wild, and their behavior can be unpredictable. While attacks on humans are extremely rare, it is important to treat encounters with caution. Hikers are allowed to carry bear spray for protection against wildlife. However, bear spray should never be used on people, tents, or gear. Proper bear spray is a commercial product labeled as such, registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, and containing 1% to 2% capsaicin and related compounds.

If you use bear spray in the park, contact a ranger immediately to file a bear report.

Heat-related illness

High temperatures and physical activity can lead to heat-related illnesses, which range from mild to life-threatening. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and cool, clammy skin. Heat stroke is much more serious and includes symptoms like confusion, slurred speech, red or hot skin, a rapid pulse, and fainting. Heat stroke is a medical emergency—call 911 immediately.

To prevent heat-related illness, drink plenty of water—about 3 to 4 quarts per day. Take regular breaks, rest in the shade, and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, and know your limits.

Hypothermia

Be ready for sudden weather changes—cool, wet, and windy conditions can lead to hypothermia, even in summer. Hypothermia lowers the body’s core temperature and can impair physical and mental function.

To prevent it, put on rain gear before you get wet. Choose moisture-wicking clothing and avoid cotton, which retains water. Consider wearing wool—it helps keep you warm even when wet. Stay out of the wind, and if your clothes do get wet, change into dry ones as soon as possible. Dress in layers to manage sweat in cold weather.

Stinging insects

Yellowjacket wasps are of particular concern. They build nests in the ground near trails and streams and can be aggressive if disturbed. Avoid wearing fragrances, as these can attract yellowjackets. Stings can cause local swelling and, in some people, severe allergic reactions. Those at risk should carry an epinephrine kit.

 

To avoid being bit by venomous snakes, stay on the trail while hiking.

Ella Voorhees

Stream crossings

Heavy rain can cause streams to swell, making crossings risky. Always use good judgment and do not attempt to cross flooded streams. If a swollen stream blocks your route, backtrack to the nearest campsite or trailhead or wait for the stream water to recede.

When crossing streams, wear shoes for protection and carry a sturdy stick for balance. Remember to loosen the waist strap of your pack for easy removal if necessary.

Untreated drinking water

Always treat stream water before drinking, as it may contain the protozoan Giardia lamblia. This parasite can cause intestinal issues weeks after consumption. The safest ways to treat water are to boil it for one minute or use a filter that removes particles as small as 1 micron.

Poison ivy

Poison ivy is a common native plant in the park, often found along roads and disturbed areas. It can grow as a shrub or vine with three-leaflet compound leaves.

The plant contains a skin irritant that can cause an allergic rash, sometimes severe, after contact. If exposed, wash the area with soap and water immediately.

Trees and limbs

Before resting or setting up camp, look around for any trees or branches that could fall. Avoid areas where tree falls are a risk.

Ticks

Check for ticks at least every 24 hours or after spending time in the backcountry. Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease. When removing a tick, use tweezers and ensure you get the entire tick, including its head.

Mosquitoes

Be prepared with insect repellent, especially in areas near standing water, where mosquitoes are plentiful.

Venomous snakes

The Smokies are home to two venomous snakes: the northern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. While bites are rare, visitors should be cautious about where they place their hands and feet. Fortunately, no fatalities from snake bites have been reported in the park.

Theft

Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle. Take them with you or hide them in your car.