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All New Gatlinburg Event & Summer Festival
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Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains |
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 The Happy Hiker - "We're More than a Hiking
Store, We're a Mountain Experience." An all-season outfitter, we stock major brands of tents, packs, boots, clothes, food and accessories. As time allows, we are
happy to answer your general hiking questions too!
1-800-HIKER-01
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 NEW Smoky Mountain Scavenger Hike Adventure - Enjoy adventure travel in the Smokies to the fullest extent by planning a hiking vacation or just an afternoon of family fun! This great hiking adventure
book will lead you on easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, with the added twist of a scavenger hunt. Authors
John & Kat LaFevre have compiled directions, history, and little known facts about each trail to help you enjoy the splendor of the Smoky Mountains! www.smokymountainscavengerhike.com
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70 miles of the trail pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Within the Park's borders, the trail crosses from
Davenport Gap near Big Creek on the east to Fontana Dam, N.C. on the southwest, reaching a halfway point at Newfound Gap. It passes near or over several of the highest peaks in the
eastern United States. The "AT" winds up over the highlands through grassy balds and descends into the valleys to briefly join other trails.
A good place to start your journey is the Sugarlands Visitors Center on Route 441 at the Gatlinburg entrance to the Great
Smoky Mountains National Park. There are nature exhibits, a short film, guidebooks, maps, and park rangers who give lectures guided strolls, and
answer questions. This is also where you would pick up your camping, hiking, or fishing permits.
Back Country Hiking
All overnight hiking in the Park requires a permit which can be obtained at any ranger
station. Planning is paramount as the use of campsites must be regulated. 18 campsite shelters are maintained throughout the Park. Each is spaced so that hikers
will remain within the recommended eight to ten miles of travel each day. Safety is the most important concern. Hikers should stay only on the marked trails and never travel
alone. We want you to enjoy this land of majestic mountains and country charm. Be smart. Learn about the do's and don'ts of hiking in the Park from any Visitor Center or Ranger Station.
ACTIVITIES
Picnicking is an American tradition and no family trip to the Smokies is complete
without one. Please remember to dispose of all garbage properly and NEVER feed the bears! Most bears are very used to human presence and seldom feel uninvited to your
picnic. Always remember, they are wild animals and can be very unpredictable. These are not domesticated house pets and therefore you should remain at observation distance at all times.
The Park contains several designated picnic areas with tables and grills.
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Winterfest in the Smokies