Great Smoky Mountains Travel Tips
WEATHER & WHAT TO WEAR
Expect the unexpected when it comes to weather conditions in the Smoky Mountains. Traverse the lower countryside in warm weather or hike through cooler temperatures at higher elevations, all in the same day. The temperature can drop 10 to 20 degrees the higher you go in the mountains. Be sure to dress accordingly, with layers in order to remain comfortable regardless of changing temperatures. Bring both long- and short-sleeved clothes to accommodate whatever weather you may encounter during your visit. Don’t forget that it gets dark early in the mountains, so plan your hike accordingly.
DRIVING
If you are traveling by car through the Smoky Mountains, be careful of tight curves, steep inclines and narrow drop-offs. They can be treacherous, especially if you are not accustomed to driving on mountain roads. The best way to stay safe while driving in the mountains is to remember a couple of simple rules. Drive slowly. Take curves slowly to avoid skidding. Avoid driving during bad weather. Light rain and black ice can make the road very slippery. Remember to make sure everyone in your car wears a seatbelt.
SAFETY
Part of the thrill of visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to view its beautiful waterfalls and streams. Be careful around the water because the moss on logs and boulders can make for very slippery footing. Never drink the water. It may contain natural parasites and impurities that can make you very sick. Swimming also can make you sick and is dangerous because of submerged rocks, logs and debris. Also, NEVER approach or feed any wild animals you encounter during you visit in the Smokies.
TRANSPORTATION
Gatlinburg Trolley
Leave the driving behind and enjoy the Gatlinburg Trolley, which offers 6 different routes depending on location and more than 100 stops, some with sheltered waiting areas. Trolley fare ranges from 25 cents to $2. Simply look for the street signs with a small trolley. For more information about the Gatlinburg Trolley, call 865-436-3897.
Pigeon Forge Trolley
The Pigeon Forge Trolley, which also offers more than 100 stops, runs daily at 20-minute intervals from 8:30 AM to midnight (April through October) and 10 AM to 10 PM (November and December). Trolley fare is 25 cents. For more information about the Pigeon Forge Trolley, call 865-453-6444.
AIRPORTS
Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport
1255 Airport Road, Sevierville, Tennessee
865-453-8393
McGhee Tyson Airport
2055 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, Tennessee
865-342-3000
RENTAL CARS
Alamo
865-342-3210, 1-800-327-9633
Avis
865-342-3220, 1-800-331-1212
Budget
865-342-3225, 1-800-527-0700
Enterprise
865-342-1650, 1-800-736-8222
Hertz
865-342-3232, 1-800-654-3131
National
865-342-3240, 1-800-227-7368
Thrifty
865-342-3250, 1-800-367-2277
CONTACT INFORMATION
Appalachian Trail Conference
P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425
304-535-6331
Cherokee Tribal Travel & Promotion
P.O. Box 460, Cherokee, North Carolina 28719
828-497-9195, 1-800-438-1601
Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce
811 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
865-436-4178, 1-800-568-4748
Gatlinburg Department of Tourism
234 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
1-800-343-1475
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
865-436-1200
Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism
2450 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-453-8574, 1-800-251-9100
Sevierville Chamber of Commerce
110 Gary Wade Boulevard, Sevierville, TN 37862
865-453-6411, 1-888-SMOKY4U (766-5948
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
320 Sixth Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37243
615-741-2159
Townsend Visitors Center
7906 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882
1-800-525-6834
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