RV Road Trip Tips to Hike the Great Smoky Mountains, TN, This Fall

Fall in the Great Smoky Mountains is the perfect time for a road trip and hike in Tennessee. When visiting Pigeon Forge RV, you'll find colorful foliage with cooler temperatures. Gregory Bald, Alum Cave, Mt. Cammerer, and Baskins Creek Falls provide gorgeous scenery for outdoor activities. Keep in mind that it can be a tricky season with less sunlight and an  unpredictable climate. Fallen leaves, sudden weather changes, and muddy trails are a few of the obstacles you may encounter when hiking in the fall season.

Plan ahead for your Pigeon Forge RV hikes using these tips to help you prepare to safely enjoy the mountainous landscapes.

Know Tennessee's Fall Hunting Season

The Fall season in Tennessee is very popular for hunters. This may require extra safety measures, and it can also mean temporary trail closures and re-routes in certain locations. 

Keep up to date with Tennesse's hunting regulations here.

Consider the Shorter Daylight

As we move from fall to winter, you will experience shorter days with fast approaching darkness. Hikers may find themselves in trouble if they get caught in the dark without a flashlight and proper equipment. 

Plan your trip aware of the amount of daylight and include extra time to get back to the trailhead. A good tip is to set an alarm to turn around on time.

Fall Prevention

Fall's changing leaves and larch covered mountains are some of the main attractions but can also be dangerous. Fallen leaves cover the muddy forest floor, cracks, rocks, and roots get camouflaged underneath the foliage. Even groundhogs and other small animals may cover their den's opening with leaves.

Falling is one of the most dangerous things when trekking in the backcountry. The National Estimates of Outdoor Recreational Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments, United States, 2004–2005 found that 48% of hiking injuries were related to falling. Numbers have not not varied much since. 

Hiking poles can be incredibly beneficial assets, to help maintain stability and balance. Be aware of the pole placement and test the areas ahead, especially on those steep slopes.

Pack for Success

The safest thing you can do is be prepared. The essentials for hiking include a topographic map, a compass, extra food, extra clothes and base layers, firestarter, matches, sun protection, a pocket knife, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight. In fall's unpredictable weather, you may want to bring an emergency shelter in case you cannot get back to your vehicle.

Your phone or electric devices might lose signal, and batteries die fast in cold environments. Don't rely on them as a substitute for any of the basics.

Pigeon Forge RV: Your Road Trip Home at the Smokies

Pigeon Forge RV is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Our proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg, TN, makes us the most convenient RV spot. There are plenty of amenities for everyone, including a swimming pool with a slide for the kids.

If you don't own an RV, don't worry, we got you covered! Select from our assortment of rentals to make your RV experience one of a kind. Call us at (865) 428-5841 or book your space here.