Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! In addition to delightfully crisp daytime temperatures, you’ll be treated to the stunning show of colors from the autumn leaves! Before heading out on that hike, remember that the fall is one of those seasons where you expect a little bit of everything in one day! Mornings are generally chilly while afternoons can be warm, but it is not out of the question to see snow flurries at high elevations on some days in late fall! Therefore, the best way to keep comfortable for a fall hike is to dress in layers! Keep reading to find out how to layer your clothing for fall hikes in the Smoky Mountains:
Wear a Base Layer
The base layer is the layer right next to your skin, which will wick away moisture and help to keep you dry (and warmer!). You’ll want to choose a base layer made of synthetic material or wool, but avoid cotton since it is known to hold moisture and can cause you to become chilled. Many hikers enjoy wearing a short-sleeved t-shirt or tank top as their base layer. After all, the daytime fall temperatures can still get warm and it is nice to have the option to strip down to a t-shirt if you are doing something active!
Choose a Lightweight Mid Layer
Another one of the top ways to layer your clothing for fall hikes in the Smoky Mountains is to choose a lightweight middle layer, such as a thick long-sleeve shirt or light fleece. This should be able to fit over your base layer comfortably and not be too bulky so that it will fit under your insulating layer without restricting your movement!
Retain Body Heat with an Insulating Layer
You’ll want to retain your body heat with an insulating layer, which will keep you nice and toasty during those cooler times of the day! You likely won’t wear this layer while hiking unless it is really cold out, but it is good to have if the temperature suddenly drops or the wind picks up! You may also want to throw on an insulating layer when you are taking a break so that your core temperature doesn’t drop too much while you aren’t moving and generating heat.
Stash a Water and Windproof Outer Shell
If you happen to experience any rain or high wind during your fall hikes in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll want to stash a water and windproof outer shell in your backpack! This layer usually consists of a rain jacket and a pair of rain pants, which will keep you dry in the rain, trap in the heat and keep out the wind.
Now that you know how to layer your clothing for fall hikes in the Smoky Mountains, you are all ready to hit the trails! In addition to the fantastic hiking opportunities in the Smokies, learn all the reasons you’ll love visiting the Smoky Mountains in the fall!
