Backpacking Smoky Mountains Guide + Review
I recently went on a 3 day Smoky Mountains backpacking trip and had a blast! There are many trails for backpacking Smoky Mountains National Park, but I’ve found the Deep Creek area is great for avoiding overcrowded hiking trails, great waterfalls and even better views.
In this article:
- The best backpacking trails in the Smoky Mountains + details
- How to get GSMNP backcountry permits for backpacking
- My backpacking Smoky Mountains itinerary (3 day loop trail)
- Tips for backpacking in the smokies
- My gear recommendations (and what to leave at home)

The Best Backpacking Trails In The Smoky Mountains
This list of the best backpacking trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park includes easy to hard trails perfect for any skill level. It’s ordered by distance, from shortest to longest backpacking routes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
1. Deep Creek Loop
Trail length: 4.9 miles
Elevation gain: 895 feet
Route type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Guide + Map
Deep Creek Loop is perfect for a beginner one day backpacking Smoky Mountains trip. It’s under 5 miles with mild elevation gain.
Along the trail you’ll cross Tom Branch, Indian Creek and Juney Whank waterfalls.

There aren’t any backcountry campgrounds along this route. In order to turn this into an overnight backpacking trip I recommend you add a little under one mile (one way) up to Bumgardner Branch (backcountry campsite #60).
If you’re complete this route clockwise, your first day would be 3 miles into Bumgardner Branch. Day 2 would be slightly longer, at just under 3.5 miles back to the trailhead.
Backcountry Campsites:
Bumgardner Branch #60 – 0.8 mile detour (one way)
2. Mount LeConte Via Alum Cave Trail
Trail length: 11.8 miles
Elevation gain: 3,110 feet
Route type: Out & back
Difficulty: Hard
Trail Guide + Map
This is one of the most popular backpacking Smoky Mountains trails and takes you through some of the most iconic spots in the park, including Alum Cave and LeConte Lodge.

While there isn’t much of a view from Mount LeConte, a short detour to Myrtle Point will give you beautiful view of the Smokies, especially at sunset.
Backcountry Campsites:
LeConte Lodge – reservations required
Mount LeConte Shelter
3. Deep Creek + Indian Creek Loop
Trail length: 15 miles
Elevation gain: 2,093 feet
Route type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Trail Guide + Map
If you’re looking for a longer backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park I recommend extending Deep Creek by adding Indian Creek Loop. This trail is a total of 15 miles and is perfect for a 2 or 3 day backpacking loop in Smoky Mountains.
This is the trail I backpacked on my recent trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and really enjoyed it. My full review is detailed below.

Backcountry Campsites:
Estes Branch #46
Bryson Place #57
Nick’s Nest Branch #58
McCracken Branch #59
Bumgardner Branch #60
4. Mount Cammerer Loop – Low Gap and Lower Cammerer
Trail length: 16.2 miles
Elevation gain: 3,448 feet
Route type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Trail Guide + Map
Mount Cammerer Via Low Gap Trail and Lower Mount Cammerer is a well maintained Smoky Mountains backpacking trail that’s open year-round.
It starts at Crosby Campground and climbs through the Crosby Creek Valley, following the river, before joining the Appalachian Trail.
You may even meet some thruhikers on this route.
Just over 5 miles in, there is a half mile spur trail up to the summit of Mount Cammerer which sits at an elevation of 4,928 feet.
Along the summit is the Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower with great views of Pigeon River Gorge, Snowbird Mountain, Mount Sterling, the Big Creek area, and the Smoky Mountains.
The tricky part about this Smoky Mountains backpacking trail is the lack of backcountry campgrounds.
With an early morning start you could plan to hike almost 13 miles, summiting Mount Cammerer and then continuing on to Gilliland Creek (backcountry campsite #35). From there, it’s just under 4 miles back to the trailhead.
Alternatively, you could turn this into a 3 day backpacking loop. Instead of hiking 13 miles to Gilliland Creek, take a 2 mile (one way) detour over to Davenport Gap Shelter which would put your day 1 mileage just over 9 miles. On day 2, hike just over 6 miles to camp at Gilliland Creek, or trek the entire 10 miles back to the trailhead.
Water sources along the Appalachian Trail up to Mount Cammerer summit can be hard to come by, especially later in the season. Check current trail conditions before you set out and make sure you have a good plan.
Backcountry Campsites:
Gilliland Creek Campsite #35
Davenport Gap Shelter – 2 mile one-way detour from trail
5. Big Creek & Mount Sterling Loop
Trail length: 16.6 miles
Elevation gain: 4,248 feet
Route type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Trail Guide + Map
Note: Big Creek Trail was impacted by Hurricane Helene in 2024 and is current closed while damage is assessed.
Big Creek & Mount Sterling Loop is a very challenging backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains with large elevation gains. However, it’s one of the most scenic routes and includes several swimming holes, waterfalls and panoramic mountain views.
Taking this route counterclockwise, you’ll spend the first 9 miles following the river. Check out Mouse Creek Falls and take a dip in Midnight Hole.
From there, you start your ascent up to Mount Sterling before following the ridge line for a ways and descending back down into the Big Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Backcountry Campsites:
Lower Walnut Bottom #37 – occasionally closed due to bear activity
Mount Sterling #38
6. Twentymile, Gregory Bald, and Shuckstack Loop
Trail length: 17.5 miles
Elevation gain: 4,370 feet
Route type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Trail Guide + Map
Twentymile Loop starts near the Tennessee-North Carolina state border and is one of the most scenic backpacking Smoky Mountains routes. For the best views be sure to check out Shuckstack Fire Tower.
Part of this backpacking trail takes you through Gregory Bald, which is known for flame azaleas. They typically bloom in early July at this elevation. From Gregory Bald you’ll catch views of Cades Cove, too.

You’ll definitely want to pack trekking poles for this hike. There are a few steep downhill sections that can be hard on your knees.
The trail is also known for black bear activity, so be cautious while hiking and know proper bear safety.
Backcountry Campsites:
Twentymile Creek #93
Birch Spring Gap #113
Sheep Pen Gap #13
Dalton Branch #95
7. Silers Bald and Forney Creek Loop Trail
Trail length: 19 miles
Elevation gain: 4,550 feet
Route type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Trail Guide + Map
This backpacking trail in the Smokies sits at higher elevation, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a cooler trail in the summer. Unfortunately, access to this trail is only open seasonally when Kuwohi Road is accessible from April through November.
Additionally, blueberry patches are common along this trail, which also means you may see black bears.
Views from along Silers Bald are truly spectacular, so give yourself some extra time to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Backcountry Campsites:
Double Spring Gap Shelter
Silers Bald Shelter – small detour from trail
Jonas Creek #70
Huggins #69
Steeltrap #68
GSMNP Backcountry Permits
In order to backpack in Great Smoky Mountains National Park you need three things: a GSMNP backcountry permit, an advanced backcountry camping reservation and a parking tag.
Backcountry camping reservations are required for every person in your party. They cost $8 per person, per night and can be reserved up to 30 days in advance.
Note: If your reservation is for a shelter, you are required to stay inside of the shelter. Otherwise, you are allowed to tent camp at backcountry campsites.

When booking your backcountry camping reservations, an itinerary and general backcountry permit will also be issued. You must have a printed copy of this permit on you at all times while backpacking.
Lastly, if you plan to park your vehicle in Great Smoky Mountains National Park you will need a parking tag.
Parking tags can be purchased in-person at visitor centers, or through automated fee machines. It is also possible to purchase your parking tags online and print them ahead of time.
Parking tags cost $5 per day, $15 per week or $40 annually.
Smoky Mountains Backpacking Regulations
Unless you stay at LeConte Lodge, camping in the park is only allowed at designated backcountry campsites and shelters.
In order to stay overnight at any shelters or backcountry campsites you must have an advanced reservation. Reservations can be made up to 30 days ahead of your Smoky Mountains backpacking trip.
Failure to follow these Smoky Mountains backpacking regulations can result in fines up to $5,000 or up to six months in jail.
- Backpacking party size must not exceed 8 people.
- Fires are only allowed in designated backcountry sites and shelters in established fire rings. You are allowed to use dead or fallen wood for fires, but you cannot cut any standing wood. Food and trash must not be burned.
- All scented items must be hung on the bear cable system at night.
- You must pack out everything – food, trash, equipment, etc.
My 3 Day Backpacking Loop Smoky Mountains
My 3 day Smoky Mountains backpacking trip was along Deep Creek and Indian Creek Loop trails, totaling 15 miles and 2,484 feet of elevation gain.
The trailhead for this 3 day backpacking loop in the Smoky Mountains is between Bryson City and Cherokee, on the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
I got a late start on day 1, hitting the trail around 3 pm and hustling towards camp for the night.
Luckily, I only had about 4.5 miles on day 1 in order to get to our planned campsite at Estes Branch (backcountry campsite #46).
There are two waterfalls along this portion of the trail – Tom Branch Falls Indian Creek Falls. Luckily, with the shorter distance on our first day we had enough time to explore both of them and we were still able to get into camp with plenty of daylight left to set up camp and start dinner.

Because this trip was at the end of May, finding water sources on the trail weren’t a big concern.
Things were flowing well from snowmelt and spring rain showers. About 100 feet from Estes Branch campground there’s a small creek with clear water which was easy to scoop and filter with my Platypus Quickdraw Filter System.
I imagine that during the late summer this small creek may dry up, so if you’re planning to backpack Smoky Mountains in July, August or September be sure to research ahead of time.
I find AllTrails reviews are helpful, as well as calling the ranger station to inquire about recent trail conditions.
Aside from easy access to water and a favorable mileage split given our late start, I actually didn’t love Estes Branch and wouldn’t recommend it.
While there are plenty of cleared spaces to pitch a tent, none of them are level. Throughout the night I kept slipping down my sleeping pad and waking up on cold, hard ground – not ideal for a good nights sleep.
We had packed bear cans, but there are nice suspension systems to hoist your pack up at night and keep it away from the bears, so the cans weren’t necessary.
Next time, I would leave my bear can at home and save a few pounds of pack weight.
The following day we had a somewhat slow morning, not rushing to pack up camp, as we only had about 6.5 miles to get to our campsite for night two.
The trail from Estes Branch to our campsite for night two (Bumgardner Branch) was fantastic. It’s full of mushrooms and foliage, but well kept and easy to follow.

About 1.5 miles into our hike we crested Sunkota Ridge and the views were incredible. Up until this point the trail was mostly uphill – about 800 feet in elevation gain.
Another 1.5 miles brought us to Bryson Place campgrounds (backcountry campsite #57) which was a great place to set up my hammock and have a leisurely lunch. There’s a stream that runs along the campgrounds with easy access for refilling water.
The campsites at Bryson Place are fairly spread out and private, but there were tons of bees in this area. For that reason I wouldn’t recommend it as a good option for overnight camping.
Instead, I’d suggest staying at Nick’s Nest Branch (backcountry campsite #58) which also has fairly easy access to a water source and looked like a nice, quiet place to camp for the night. It’s about a half a mile past Bryson Place and didn’t have any bees.
After an hour of relaxing we put our packs back on and continued the final stretch into camp for the night.
Throughout the entire day we didn’t see another soul on the trail. This area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is fairly remote once you get a mile or two into the trails, but the areas closest to the parking lot are fairly well trafficked.
Three and a half miles, mostly flat or downhill, brought us into Bumgardner Branch (backcountry campsite #60).
The gnats along this portion of the trail were obnoxious. They love to congregate in front of your face and several ended up in my eyes before I pulled out my head net. This isn’t something I usually have to use, but it’s about $15 and weighs almost nothing so I’m always glad to have it with me because when you need it, you need it.
Bumgardner Branch backcountry campgrounds is right on the river. It was nice to have access to water just 20 feet away. The campsites are all fairly clustered together without many trees or bushes for privacy, but we were the only ones there and didn’t mind.
Bumgardner also has easy hoists to string up your backpacks at night and keep them away from bears and critters. While there are plenty of black bears in the Smoky Mountains, we didn’t see any signs of them on the entire trail. However, we did have a pesky deer at this campsite that kept coming around looking for handouts.
Please, please, please do not feed the wildlife! It creates dangerous habits like this deer had, and puts them in danger.
After spending a few hours around the fire ring, I pitched my tent and went to bed. It was nice to fall asleep to the sound of the river.
I think this campground could be a bit crowded during the busy summer season, but during our trip backpacking the Smoky Mountains at the end of May it was nice to have it all to ourselves.
On the final morning of our 3 day backpacking loop in Smoky Mountains we had a little over 3 miles to hike. We decided to get an early start so we would have time to stop for lunch in Asheville before continuing the 4 hour drive back to Raleigh.
With my backpack being much lighter, the two steeper sections of this trail felt much easier. As we got closer to the Deep Creek trailhead we started to see more hikers, and a group of horseback riders on the trail.

Just before arriving back at the parking lot we passed Juney Whank Falls, which was a highlight of our entire Smoky Mountain backpacking trip.
The falls are beautiful, and there’s a bridge that crosses right over the base of them. In late spring in Great Smoky Mountains, the falls were rushing down and throwing quite a bit of mist onto the trail – a nice refreshment after three days with no shower.

Tips For Your Smoky Mountains Backpacking Trip
There are a few important tips I recommend for your Smoky Mountains backpacking trip.
First, get your GSMNP backcountry permits early. Reservations are available 30 days in advance, and during the busy summer months you’ll want to jump on these before they sell out.
With any backpacking trip, always let a friend or family member know your full itinerary. That includes where you’re parking, what time you’re getting on the trail, the location of each campsite you plan to stop at, and an anticipated time of return.
You should also give them a backup time – this is the point when they should be worried enough that you haven’t checked in to call for help.
For example, I let my family know I’ll be back in service by noon on Sunday, but if they don’t hear from me by 5pm it’s time to contact emergency services.
In addition to telling friends and family where you are, it’s a good idea to write down your itinerary on paper and leave it (face down, for privacy) on the drivers seat of your car. This is the first place search and rescue will look when trying to determine your location. Help them help you.
Always have a printed paper map. Your cell phone should not be your only method of navigating.
Phone batteries die much faster in the backcountry, particularly when they’re constantly searching for service, or when the battery is cold.
Along that topic, your cell phone shouldn’t be your only light source! Please have a headlamp at a minimum, but ideally a flashlight or lantern as well. This can also double as an emergency signaling beacon if things go sideways.
Have a plan for water. You’ll need to have current information about water sources on your trail.
The best way to get current conditions is to speak with a ranger, and to read recent reviews on AllTrails. Know when you can expect to refill your water, and have a plan B in case those streams are running dry.
Ahead of your Smoky Mountains backpacking trip, be sure to check the weather forecast. Knowing whether there has recently been rainfall will help you determine if you can expect water at your water sources, and it will also help you know what gear to pack.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the Smokies, particularly at higher elevations. Weather apps are helpful, but the most accurate information will come from park rangers.
Even if you’re expecting warm temperatures, be sure to pack a warm layer and an emergency blanket. They’re lightweight and easy to carry, and could potentially save your life.
Finally, while black bears tend to be more mild than grizzlies, they can still become aggressive – especially when protecting their babies. It’s crucial to know bear safety, and to carry bear spray with you at all times.
My Backpacking Gear Recommendations
Over the years I’ve curated a great collection of backpacking gear. I try to find gear that’s lightweight and durable, but also affordable. For that reason, not everything on this list is ultralight weight – but it’s also not ultra expensive.
For example, look at my backpacking tent, the REI Co-Op Trailmade 2. Sure, it’s about 2 lbs heavier than the lightest tents on the market… but it’s also about $250 cheaper. I’m ok with the extra 2 lbs. Additionally, I’m obsessed with this tent. It’s the perfect size, has great features and has held up extremely well over the years.
For more information on picking the best beginner hiking gear check out this post.

Gear & Equipment
- Backpack
- Rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Head net
- Flashlight/lantern
- Headlamp
- Camp chair
- Printed map
- Sunblock
- Bug repellent
- Compass
- First-aid kit
- Bear spray
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Kula Cloth/TP
- Toothbrush/paste
- Backup battery bank
Food & Cooking
- Platypus Quickdraw Filter System
- Water reservoir
- Nalgene
- Stove + fuel
- Utensils
- Dishes/bowl
- Mug/cup
- Body wipes
- Meals
- Coffee
- Biodegradable soap
- Knife
- Ziplock bag (for trash)
Clothing & Footwear
- Hiking boots
- Wool socks
- Warm jacket
- Water crossing/camp shoes
- Day clothes
- Night clothes
Best Backpacking Battery Bank
One final thing I will always bring on a backpacking trip is my battery bank. I use my phone for so much while backpacking – photos, music, navigation (although it’s never my only method of navigation!) – having a way to recharge my phone is crucial.
I used to have a much heavier version, but recently found this backpacking battery bank that’s lightweight, slim, and can recharge my phone several times. It’s also more affordable than the heavier models.
When I had an unexpected detour while backpacking through the Grand Canyon, this backpacking battery bank literally saved me.
We ended up taking an extra day to get get back out of the canyon, and had to change routes. I was able to keep my phone charged with this battery bank and use a satellite connection on my iPhone to let search & rescue know about the change in our route and itinerary.
Luckily, nothing happened on the trail, but it was reassuring to know that someone knew where I was after I changed course.
What I Would Not Pack On My Next Smoky Mountains Backpacking Trip
I learned a few things on my Smoky Mountains backpacking trip, particularly as it pertains to what not to pack.
All backcountry campsites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park have hoist systems for your backpack. They’re very simple to use and clip onto your pack easily. You don’t need to bring anything extra in order to keep your scented items away from bears at night.
I had packed my bear can, just to be safe. However, this was an unnecessary additional 2 lbs in my backpack, and they’re quite bulky and obnoxious to pack around. I’d leave it at home next time.
Extra clothes. I’m a chronic overpacker and one thing I’ve learned while backpacking is that you truly don’t need a new outfit for each day. In fact, I usually rewear my clothes for at least two days.
High quality clothing, like merino wool socks and shirts, will dry quickly and are odor resistant. It might sound absurd, but I wear my socks for two days in a row and they don’t smell. Undergarments are the only things I don’t rewear.
I recommend bringing two outfits, and an extra layer for warmth. You want to be able to change at night and sleep in something dry, but the next morning your clothes from the day before will be dry and warm enough to wear for a second day. This really helps keep your pack light.
What other tips would you add to this list?