Packing List for Pigeon Forge Trip – The Ultimate Checklist

America’s most visited National Park boasts 800 miles of trails, but besides a good pair of hiking boots, what should be on your packing list for a mountain vacation?  Follow along to discover our ultimate packing list for the mountains: what to pack for a Pigeon Forge trip.

Whether you plan to lounge by your Pigeon Forge hotel during the warmer months of summer or you have your sights set on summiting Mt LeConte, the contents of your suitcase will vary greatly.

From a ranger-approved trail map to bug spray, we will tackle everything you need to know about what things to pack for a mountain trip.

Packing List for Pigeon Forge

Revved and ready for your Smoky Mountain escape? Don’t let packing for your hiking trip or Pigeon Forge family reunion intimidate you. In preparation for curating the perfect suitcase or hiking pack, we recommend checking the weather forecast for your travel dates.

Pigeon Forge weather can be unpredictable depending on the time of year, but it is always a good idea to stay abreast of the most current weather predictions. Don’t forget that rain is plentiful in the Smoky Mountains, so be sure to bring along rain gear no matter what season you plan on visiting.

Winter

Dreaming of a snow-topped cabin nestled in the Appalachian mountains? From cross-country skiing to savoring piping mugs of hot cocoa from your balcony, there are countless wonders to encounter when enjoying a winter trip to Pigeon Forge.

Related Post: Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN in December: Ultimate Winter Guide

While December temperatures may hit lows of 30 degrees Fahrenheit, with our list of must-bring clothes, accessories, and accouterments, you’ll never feel winter’s chill:

• Warm and comfortable clothes
• Snow boots and winter jacket
• Slippers for inside
• Gloves, scarves, and winter hats
• Flashlights and/or lanterns
• External power source
• Battery Pack to charge phone/devices
• Extra snacks
• Card or Board games
• Kindle, E-reader, or books
• Bathing suit (if your hotel has a pool and/or hot tub)

Of course, no matter when you visit Pigeon Forge, be sure to bring along all necessary toiletries, medications, and personal items.

Spring and Summer

Fields of multi-colored wildflowers, buzzing bees, and plentiful trout fishing. Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains is a welcome reminder of the power of rebirth. The warmer spring and summer months allow us to ditch our heavy winter coats, but temperatures can still be unpredictable.

July may bring about a high of 87 degrees Fahrenheit, but a cool April night could reach lows of 43 degrees. Prepare for all possible weather outcomes when you consult our list of spring and summer must-haves:

• Light layers of clothing
• One or more long-sleeved shirts
• Comfortable shoes
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Water shoes
• Bathing Suit
• Reusable water bottles
• Rain jacket or Poncho
• Pool floats or toys for children
• Battery Pack to charge phone/devices
• Power Strip
• Extra snacks

Fall

Perhaps one of the most popular times to visit Pigeon Forge, Autumn brings the rustic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains alive with riotous displays of changing leaves. Pack up your car and peep the foliage on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, or appreciate the raw power of the gushing Laurel Falls.

Related Post: When to See Peak Pigeon Forge Fall Foliage

Sneak away and spend a day in Dollywood enjoying pumpkin-flavored treats and multiple ooey gooey cinnamon bread servings. Or, take in your Tennessee scenery from the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. September, October, and November in Pigeon Forge all feature pleasant temperatures ranging from 80 degrees Fahrenheit to mid to low 30s.

Stay cool and comfortable when you follow our fall packing list to a T:

• Comfortable and warm layers of clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Umbrella and/or rain gear
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Bathing suit
• Battery Pack to charge phone/devices
• Power Strip
• Extra snacks
• Flashlights

Must Bring Cabin Items

Does your Pigeon Forge escape take place in a charming wood cabin? Ensure your Smoky Mountain trip lives up to your fantasy when you come fully prepared. While many rentals will come stocked with bed linens, towels, utensils, soap, dishwashing detergent, toilet paper, and trash bags, it can be helpful to bring along the following creature comforts just in case:

• Travel toiletries
• Laundry detergent
• Extra bottled water
• Coffee filters and grounds
• Extra snacks
• Your favorite games and books
• Ipad or laptop from which to stream movies
• Bathrobe
• Toys and/or sports equipment for kids
• Cooking ingredients if you plan on making meals
• Charcoal and lighter fluid if your cabin comes with a charcoal grill

Packing List for Mountains: Hiking Trip

Looking to truly commune with nature? From nights of stargazing to fire-roasted marshmallows, nothing beats pitching your tent in the shadow of the Smokies. Get ready to rough it in the great outdoors when you plan to combine your hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a campsite stay.

Please be aware that both the front and backcountry sites fill up fast, so make your reservations as soon as possible. When tackling the trails of the Smokies, comfort and safety should be your top priority. If you are a novice camper, we highly recommend stopping by your nearest outdoor outfitter for a full rundown of camping essentials.

No matter what, be sure to pack our top camping items:

• Comfortable, breathable clothing
• Hiking Pants
• Water-resistant clothing options
• Pair of hiking boots, water resistant if possible
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Wool socks
• First Aid Kit
• Travel-sized toiletries, fragrance-free
• Trail Map and/or compass
• Tent
• Tarp
• Hiking Backpack
• Hiking Poles
• Emergency Gear such as a Space Blanket, Lighter, Headlamp, and Firestarters
• Field Guide (available at Visitor’s Center)
• Sleeping Bag and Pad
• Refillable Water Bottle
• Travel towel
• Multitool
• Carabiner, Rope, and Sacks for a Bear Bag
• Extra batteries for a flashlight
• Portable phone charger
• Water shoes if planning a creek crossing

Pigeon Forge Hotels

Wondering what to pack for the mountains? Before we dive into your mountain packing list, it’s time to lock in those lodgings. If you are skipping out on sleeping under the stars, don’t fret. We offer up a wide range of Pigeon Forge Hotels from rustic river inns to luxurious resorts, complete with water parks. Of course, whether you elect to recharge in a cozy cabin or a modern condo, your packing list will reflect your selected accommodations.

Miles of Pine, Maple, and American Beech trees plus a dazzling array of flora and fauna are lucky enough to call the Great Smoky Mountains home.

A nirvana for families, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ilks, a Pigeon Forge vacation is just too good to pass up. However, many Tennessee newbies may be wondering what to pack for a mountain trip.

Thanks to our detailed guide you’ve got the inside scoop on what to bring on your Pigeon Forge journey.

Whether you are hoping to spot an elusive Black Bear by Cades Cove or catch some trout for a fresh fish dinner, a packing list for the Smoky Mountains doesn’t need to be complicated.

Bring along all the cabin essentials for a heartwarming night of movies and parlor games, or take advantage of balmy summer temperatures when you splash around in your on-site pool or waterpark.

No matter if you are visiting during Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall our ultimate packing checklist will cover all the bases.

Tell us, What’s on Your Packing List for the Mountains?

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