11 Packing Essentials You’ll Need When You Go to the Smoky Mountains

Tennesseean offers tips on what to pack on a Pigeon Forge trip

You've booked your cabin and picked your must-see attractions and restaurants. Now it's time for the not-so-fun part of vacation planning: Packing your bags. I've spent a lot of time in the Smoky Mountains. In fact, I grew up within an hour of Gatlinburg, and I rent a cabin in the Smokies with friends and family at least a couple of times each year. So when a friend asks me what they should pack for a trip to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, here's what I tell them:

When you go on a trip to the Smoky Mountains, you'll want to pack a few essentials. These include items like swimsuits for hot tubs, umbrellas for frequent rain storms and comfortable shoes for the hilly terrain. Here, a local offers the best tips on essentials you'll need when you visit Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.

1. A swimsuit or swim trunks

Whenever I rent a cabin in the mountains, I always bring some swim gear, no matter what time of year it is. In the summer, you may want to hit up one of our great water parks. And in the winter, there's a good chance your cabin or hotel will have a hot tub.

2. An umbrella or poncho

Ya'll, it rains a lot here. But that being said, don't be too sad if you look at the forecast and see gray skies. In East Tennessee, it can be pouring rain one minute and sunny the next. Still, I always recommend bringing some rain gear and keeping it on hand. The rain will come and go, but it can take a while to dry off if you're caught in a downpour.

3. Comfortable shoes

Unless you plan on getting to your cabin and staying there the whole time, you'll want some comfortable shoes. Will you be shopping at the outlets? Going to Dollywood? Doing some hiking? East Tennessee is hilly, so bring your best shoes.

4. Sunglasses and sunscreen

There's a good chance you'll encounter some higher elevations at some point during your trip. This makes it even more important to bring some high-SPF sunscreen with you. Whether you're hiking or visiting an attraction like Anakeesta, you'll be glad you brought sun protection.

5. Cash

While most places will take a credit card, there are a handful of places that only accept cash, and being prepared will help you avoid those ATM fees. Plus, if you do moonshine or wine tastings, you'll want to have some tip money.

6. Layers

The weather can be unpredictable here. I often heard growing up in East Tennessee that you can experience all four seasons in one day. So no matter what time of year you're visiting, bring some extra layers. Even when daytime temperatures are warm and sunny, the mountains can cool off drastically after the sun goes down. Always check the weather forecast, but be prepared to bundle up or cool down as needed.

7. Snacks

Bringing snacks with you is a good idea on pretty much any vacation. However, it's an especially good idea if you're renting a cabin that is a good distance away from the main strip. Schlepping up and down a winding backroad gets tiring. Certainly, you don't want to spend half your vacation driving because someone got hangry.

8. Basic toiletries (if you're renting a cabin)

If you're renting a cabin, you may need a few additional items to make sure you're prepared for a comfortable stay. Most cabins do not supply basic toiletries like hotels do. I also find that the water can be more drying than most people are used to because it's often well water. So, my typical cabin list includes travel soaps, shampoos and lotions. Extra dish and laundry detergent may save an extra trip to the store. I also bring bottled water, paper towels and extra toilet paper.

9. Hiking gear (if you plan on hiking)

If you hope to do some wildlife viewing or hiking on your trip, you may also want to consider some binoculars, hiking sticks, a first aid kit or a compass. Also, mosquitos are rough here in Sevier County. Bring some good bug spray with you as well.

10. Flashlights or lanterns (in the winter)

While it's rare and unlikely to happen, I've seen a snowstorm leave travelers stranded without power in their rental cabin. Bring some flashlights or battery-operated lanterns so you have a light source if the power goes out. It's unlikely that you will need it, but it's great to have something just in case.

11. Backup power supply and heat source (in the winter)

Again, if you do lose power, consider what you will do for power or heat. Consider bringing extra blankets or a power supply to charge your cell phone.

Is there anything on your must-have packing list that I missed? Let me know in the comments!