Must-Do Things to Keep Your Smoky Mountain Vacation Safe and Healthy

Punita K Malhotra
Updated April 4, 2024

Whenever you try to picture the smokey green mountains, the first thing that comes to mind is peace. The lush greenery, fresh air, and gurgling rivers are a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. A must-visit place for city dwellers to experience picturesque beauty and peace. The best time to visit the Smoky Mountains is in summer, which will allow you to take part in various mountain activities and be safer.

But before you pack for your mountain adventure, you must consider a few essential tips to ensure your Smoky Mountain vacation is safe and healthy. From the trembling encounter with a hungry bear to the bubbling mud pots, there are several potential hazards in such mountains.

For our best tips on staying safe and healthy while enjoying everything, continue reading this article to help you prepare for your trip.

Put Your Research Hat On

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is huge, spanning over 800 miles, and is located in Tennessee and North Carolina. With that much ground to cover, it’s best to have a game plan of the must-see sights and attractions you want to hit up during your stay.

Another necessary part of your stay is to ensure you have the most comfortable cabin. Plenty of Smoky Mountain cabin rentals will make you feel right at home while providing the perfect basecamp for all your outdoor adventures. However, read the reviews before deciding which one was designed with your dream vacation in mind.

Narrowing down your list will also help you better focus on the logistics of getting around and mapping out a game plan for each day. You’ll also learn about the best time to visit in terms of weather conditions and crowds. You don’t want to fight for space on the trails or be caught in the rain.

Be Bear Aware

You’re not in the city anymore, and that means looking out for some of the Smokys’ most resident animals. Bears are a common sight in the park, with over six thousand calling it home.

Before you envision a grizzly chasing you through the woods, know that attacks are incredibly rare. There have only been six reported since 1970. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the necessary precautions to avoid an encounter in the first place.

Keep your safe distance if you spot a bear, even if it’s just roaming around and minding its own business. However, if you find yourself close to one, make yourself as big as possible by spreading your arms or opening your jacket. And whatever you do, never run away. That will only trigger the bear’s instinct to chase.

Carry the Essentials

Always carry the essentials on your trip with you no matter where you’re hiking or what time of year. That includes water, food, a first-aid kit, a map, and a flashlight.

Suppose you’re planning on hiking some serious trails. In that case, you might also consider bringing along a whistle or bear horn to signal for help if you find yourself in an emergency.

Wearing the right gear is also important. Ensure you have the right footwear to avoid blisters and sturdy clothes to protect your skin from scrapes and scratches.

Be careful; we do not imply that you lug around a full-fledged backpack everywhere. But a small daypack is always a good idea to store the essentials.

Know Your Limits

An important safety tip to follow is knowing your limits. The mountains offer a variety of perils for all skill levels, but that doesn’t mean you should try to tackle one that’s way out of your league.

Start small and work your way up. That way, you won’t find yourself over your head and putting yourself at risk. You must always pay attention to your body. If you’re feeling tired, take a break. And if the weather decides to act up, don’t be afraid to turn back.

Listen to your gut and not push yourself beyond your limits and risk any sort of injury; this is important. There’ll be plenty of other trails to explore on future trips. Some of the easiest hikes with spectacular views include the Laurel Falls Trail, Alum Cave Bluffs Trail, and Clingmans Dome.

Get Insured

If something happens and you need to see a doctor, make sure you’re covered by travel insurance.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry and unforeseen circumstances can occur to anyone. That way, if you need to see a doctor or get evacuated, you won’t have to worry about the financial strain.

Some health risks in the Smokys include Lyme disease, transmitted by ticks, and hantavirus, carried by rodents. You need to be more cautious if kids are with you because they are prone to such bug bites otherwise Smokies is the best place to take your kids on the trip.

There are also a variety of injury-prone areas to be aware of, such as falling rocks and steep drop-offs. So, if you’re planning on doing any adventurous activities, like rock climbing or zip-lining, make sure you’re well-insured.

Car Maintenance

Heating engines, broken-down cars, and long waits for tow trucks are not how anyone wants to spend their vacation. So it becomes necessary to properly maintain you car and visit for servicing before your trip. But suppose you’re not properly maintaining your vehicle before embarking on a road trip. In that case, that’s exactly what you might be setting yourself up for.

To avoid car troubles, get your vehicle serviced before hitting the road. That includes getting an oil change, checking your tires, and ensuring all your fluids are topped off.

You should also pack a small emergency kit to keep in your trunk. That way, if you do run into car trouble, you’ll be prepared.

And finally, familiarize yourself with the route you’ll be taking. It’ll help you avoid nasty surprises, like road closures and detours.

Final Thoughts

Remember to keep the area clean and not throw away wrappers or any sort of disposable item. It includes packing out what you pack in, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors.

We all want to enjoy the Smoky Mountains for years to come, so let’s do our part in preserving their beauty.

Now that you know the key things about how to keep your vacation safe and healthy, it’s time to start planning your trip! The sooner you get started, the quicker you can be on your way to enjoying all the Smokys have to offer.

Happy trails!