If you plan on doing some hiking during your Smoky Mountain vacation and need to gear up before hitting the trails, you can find several fantastic outfitters in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! Whether you forgot a couple of items at home or want to see some of the latest products on the market, make one of these stores the first stop on your trip! Here are the top 4 local places to gear up for hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains:
1. Nantahala Outdoor Center
The Nantahala Outdoor Center is the region’s premier outdoor store because it features 18,000 square feet of outdoor gear and everything necessary to enjoy an adventure into the Smokies! You also can’t beat the store’s fabulous Gatlinburg location, as it sits right on the doorstep to Great Smoky Mountains National Park! If you have kids joining you on your adventure, they will love walking across the second floor swinging rope bridge, ascending the 25 foot climbing wall, and crawling through the kid-friendly “bear cave”!
2. The Day Hiker
Another one of the top local places to gear up for hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains is The Day Hiker, which is conveniently located in the Village Shops in downtown Gatlinburg! This popular store carries everything you need for hikes in the park, including hiking staffs, trekking poles, water carriers, daypacks, hats, trail guides, and other essential items! The Day Hiker also has a huge selection of National Park t-shirts, as well as some fun gift items to take back home! The best part is that everything is marked at affordable prices that are easy on your budget!
3. GSM Outfitters
GSM Outfitters is situated along Wears Valley Road in Sevierville and offers a wide inventory of hiking gear, camping supplies, tools, accessories and more! The store prides itself on southern hospitality, so be sure to ask one of the friendly staff members if you are looking for something special! Many of the team members at GSM Outfitters are also experienced hikers with a great love for the outdoors, so they can provide helpful insights on hiking routes, optimal gear, and park information!
4. REI Pigeon Forge
One of the newest local places to gear up for hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains is REI Pigeon Forge, where outdoor enthusiasts can find all of their favorite top name brands! The store not only features hiking gear, but also items for camping, climbing, cycling and more! If you are planning on doing some extra activities in the Smokies, take advantage of REI’s outdoor rental equipment including tents, sleeping bags, and mountain bikes. While all of the merchandise is top quality, you can also count on a pleasant shopping experience with excellent customer service!
Once you are all geared up for the hiking trails, you’re all ready to start exploring the National Park! Before you begin your adventure, be sure to check out our list of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains!
