12/04/2022
Here's some important info about hiking in the winter! Note that if you don't want to hike when you have your stay in the beautiful smokies that there is absolutely no shortage of activities to do, even in the winter!
As the temperature continues to drop here in the Smokies, it is important to come well prepared. Here are some tips for hiking in cold weather:
▪︎Check on Twitter for updated road conditions.
▪︎Clingman's Dome Road is closed from December 1st through March 31st.
▪︎Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed for the winter.
▪︎Check the temperature and weather for the area that you plan to hike. The temperature drops the higher you go in elevation.
For example:
•If planning to hike Cove Mountain, check the weather for Gatlinburg.
•If planning to hike Abrams Falls, check the weather for Townsend.
▪︎Wear proper hiking boots, preferably cold weather resistant.
▪︎Wear extra layers. Better to be prepared to layer down instead of not being able to layer up in case the weather changes.
▪︎Pack extra wool socks.
▪︎Bring plenty of water and snacks. Your body is doing extra work to warm itself up in the cold.
Source: NPS Photo