Do you need a fall packing list for the Smoky Mountains? In this Smoky Mountains vacation guide we give you a full breakdown of the items you need so you don’t spend your precious vacation time shopping for things you’ve forgotten when you could be sightseeing or relaxing.
With everything you need at hand, you’ll have more time to enjoy the gorgeous weather, breathtaking fall foliage, and many seasonal events in the area.


We all love a good fall vacation and what could be better than heading out to the Smoky Mountains with the family. With attractions and activities seemingly endless, it can be a little daunting to know where to start.
We hope this fall packing checklist for the Smoky Mountains helps steer you in the ideal direction for your fall travel plans.

Smoky Mountains Packing list in Fall
Fall is undoubtedly one of the most incredible times of year to explore the Great Smoky Mountains. The air begins to cool off a little and visitors all across the globe come to witness the Smoky Mountains’ fall foliage transform from lush deep greens to stunning shades of red, yellow, and orange.
Fall in the Smokies means warm days alternate with cool nights with the first frosts occurring often in late September. It is also the driest period of the year with only occasional rain showers.
Knowing this, it is always important to pack the right stuff so you’re always ready no matter what the Smoky Mountains have in store for you in the fall.

Fall Packing Checklist
Daypack Essentials
- Water & snacks
- Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection
- First aid kit
- Sunglasses
- Moisturizer/Lotion
- Wet wipes
- Toiletries
- Umbrella
- Portable trash bag
- Personal medications
- Comfortable shoes
Hiking Gear
- Hiking backpack
- Hydration pack
- Hiking boots
- Multi-tools
- Compass/GPS
- Fire Starting Equipment
- Headlamp
- Trekking poles
Clothing For Fall in the Smoky Mountains
If you need to remember one thing, remember this…pack layers! It is important to pack layers because of changing weather and your body temperature will fluctuate with the activity you’re doing.
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Shorts
- Light pants
- Jeans
- Jacket or sweater
- Rain jacket
- Hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Change of clothes
Other Gear & Accessories To Pack
- Camera or GoPro
- Binoculars
- Cellphone
- Portable chargers and a plug adapter
- Smoky Mountains Guide & Maps
Download Your Free Fall Packing List For The Smoky Mountains
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Related Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
You definitely shouldn’t miss visiting the Smokies in the Fall! Check out our guide to the Fall Colors in the Smoky Mountains 2023.
Make your trip to the Smoky Mountains more fun for the kids by trying this national park photo scavenger hunt idea from PhotoJeepers.