The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its timeless natural beauty. As a visitor, you can do your part to protect it during every trip. You'll be happy to know that the task is pretty easy! Read on to find out more about the Leave No Trace policy and the most important guidelines in the Smoky Mountains everyone should follow:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
In the days before your trip to the Smokies, it is wise to do some planning. Check the weather for the day of your trip and make sure you have the right gear. This can include a raincoat, boots, or an umbrella. Additionally, familiarize yourself with rules and regulations. For example, there are only two pet-friendly trails in the park. Proper planning is the key to both a fun and safe visit.
2. Stay on the Map
Stay on established trails and campsites during your visit. The Smokies have an estimated total of 150 trails that make up over 800 miles. This means there are many to choose from! As for camping, there are 10 frontcountry campsite locations that are open year-round. They allow you to camp close to your vehicle and have access to restrooms with cold running water. In the summer months, hike out to the backcountry campsites. A night under the stars is a great way to unwind during a long hike.
3. Dispose of Litter Properly
Another guideline of Leave No Trace in the Smoky Mountains is to dispose of litter properly. There are bear-proof trash cans around the park that block out the scent. Black bears, along with other wildlife, have a keen sense of smell. In fact, black bears can detect the scent of food from over a mile away, and deer can follow a scent for half a mile. While the lack of litter keeps you from attracting wildlife, it also keeps the area looking beautiful.
4. Leave What You Find
As you wander around, look but don’t touch! Leave natural resources, such as rocks and wildflowers, exactly as you find them. This rule applies to various historical remnants in the park as well. They are very old, and the National Park Service works hard on preservation efforts. Snapping a photo is an excellent alternative. You will have a memory from your fun trip to look back on forever!
5. Only Make Fires in Designated Areas
When camping, you should only start fires in designated areas. The campsites have fire rings for visitors to use. They keep the flames from spreading. The picnic areas and frontcountry campgrounds also have charcoal grills that can be used to cook food. Starting a fire in other places could damage wildlife habitats and vegetation. In an effort to prevent human-caused unplanned wildfires, the National Park Service established the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention Campaign in 1944. It is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in the United States.
6. Respect Wildlife
While you’re in the Smoky Mountains, you may have the opportunity to see some of the wildlife that inhabits the area. If you see a big animal, such as a black bear, maintain a distance of at least 150 feet away. Bring binoculars for the best possible view. Smaller creatures you may find include salamanders, worms, and other insects. Refrain from displacing them.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Lots of people come to enjoy the park each day. Here are some ways to be respectful:
- Follow the flow of traffic when driving to avoid backups or accidents
- Stay to one side when hiking on the trails to allow other people to pass by
- Keep noise levels down
- Make sure your pet is on a short leash (no more than 6 feet) in pet-friendly areas
Now you know all the Leave No Trace guidelines in the Smoky Mountains! Want to feel even more prepared to visit GSMNP? Here’s the top ten things you should know before you go!
