When planning a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are many important things you need to know before you go. Having this knowledge will make your trip much more enjoyable and safer for both you and other visitors.

1. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Introduction
When planning a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are many
important things you need to know before you go. Having this knowledge will make your
trip much more enjoyable and safer for both you and other visitors.
Also having an understanding that the infrastructure in the Park was built in the late 1930s.
They were never planning for 8 million visitors, let alone 13+ million as we have today. And
also understanding with limited staff and facilities. Some amenities such as plentiful
restrooms and parking just simply aren’t available.
Season Closures

2. Some of the most beautiful times in the Park are in the winter. But the GSMNP considers
itself as a seasonal park. So many amenities aren’t available to visitors in the winter. You
can check for seasonal closures HERE.
Restrooms
One of these unavailable amenities are the restrooms. Many of the restrooms and pit
toilets are closed to visitors during the winter months. Typically only the restrooms at the
Visitor Centers are open in addition to Newfound Gap restrooms. So plan accordingly if
you’re planning a trip into the Park. With the constant threat of slowed and congestion
traffic conditions. You don’t want to get caught needing to “go”....
If you’re caught in an area with no restrooms and you need to go. Find an area untraveled
by people and dig a “cat hole”. Cat holes are the most widely accepted method of human
waste disposal. Locate a spot at least 200 feet (about 70 adult paces) from water, trails,
roads and campsites. Pick an inconspicuous spot where other people will be unlikely to
walk and/or camp. Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter using a stick, rock
or hand tool. The cat hole should always be covered with natural dirt, leaves and twigs
when finished. Human waste and/or toilet paper should NEVER be left on the surface of the
ground, on trail, parking lot or roadside.
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3. Trash and Garbage
When you visit the Smokies you’ll notice there aren't many trash receptacles or bins. Many
years ago the park service removed most of the trash bins to limit the interaction between
wildlife and the visitors. This initiative called the “Pack-it Out” initiative was intended to not
just limit the contact between hymns and wildlife, but also to encourage visitors to take
their trash with them when they leave the park. Most trash does not originate within the
parks boundaries. It’s brought in by visitors to the park. The park in turn wants the visitors
to take it back out of the park with them once they are done with their visit.
Why is it important for you to take your trash with you? Litter is the number 1 problem
within the park boundaries. Tons of litter is thrown to the roadsides by irresponsible park
visitors every year. This litter can harm wildlife and the local ecosystems. Not to mention
that it is illegal.
Interaction with Wildlife
When visiting the Smokies you’ll have opportunities to see many types of wildlife. But it’s
important to remember though some of the wildlife may seem “tame”, they certainly are
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4. NOT. These are wild animals that are protected by the park boundaries so they don’t feel
the pressures of hunting and may be accustomed to seeing humans in the area.
It’s important to remember that the park has rules that must be followed when
encountering wildlife, especially like elk, deer and bear. All visitors must maintain a distance
of 50yards (150 feet) from wildlife. Under no circumstance should you be any closer or
attempt to pet them. The park service has been known to euthanize wildlife that has made
contact with humans.. even if it was the humans fault. So please DO NOT PET THE
WILDLIFE.
Changing Weather Conditions
The weather in the Smokies is known to change without warning. They are also a
temperate rainforest. The mountains tend to generate some of their own weather. For
every 1000 feet you lose 3-5 degrees in temperature. Clingmans Dome can easily be 20
degrees cooler than Gatlinburg or Townsend. Also when winter weather or high winds are
forecasted. The park service will likely close US 441 along with several other park roads
without notice. They do this to give the limited staff and Rangers time to get visitors out of
the park so they can begin preparing for the incoming weather event.
Other Things You Must Know
Other things you must know before you enter the Smokies.
•There are no stores, markets or fueling stations in the park.
•There is also no cell phone service. If you break down it may be difficult to get a tow truck to
you.
•There are extremely limited Park Rangers available at any given time. If you have a situation
and need assistance, you may be waiting a while.
•There are limited restrooms as mentioned before. Plan to use the restroom before entering
the park.
•There are limited trash receptacles and bins as mentioned before.
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5. •Depending on when you plan to visit, expect it to be very crowded. The Smokies are the most
visited national park in the US.
•Check the Parks website for any road or facility closures before you g. Weather can change
quickly in the Smokies.
Recreate Responsibly
When visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or any other public lands it’s
recommended you recreate responsibly. Here are a few tips on how you can do this.
•Plan Ahead and Be Prepared
•Walk and Camp on Durable Surfaces
•Dispose of Trash and Human Waste Properly
•Leave What You Find
•Minimize Fire Impact
•Respect Wildlife
•Be Considerate of Others
•Geotag Responsibly
For more information about these responsible recreation tips and more. Visit the Leave No
Trace website.
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