Disappointing photos show what it's like to visit the Great Smoky Mountains in constant pouring rain

I recently went to the Great Smoky Mountains for the first time for five days — and four of them were filled with rainy weather.

Read more: I went to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the first time and 7 surprises made my trip harder — and better — than I expected

2023-04-28

I chose the Great Smoky Mountains for my trip because I wanted to be outside as much as possible and connect with nature, something I don't get to do at home in NYC.

But as my early-April trip approached, the forecast predicted rain most days. I wasn't thrilled, but everything was booked. I was excited to go and didn't let my doubts stop me.

However, looking back on my experiences, I wish I rescheduled my trip for a sunny week when I think it would have been more enjoyable.

When I arrived at the Great Smoky Mountains, it was night time. My first accommodation was only for one night, and when I woke up the next morning, it was pouring and I had to check out of my accommodations at 10 a.m.

Before my trip, I read that ride-share apps were available in the area. I started searching for Ubers at 9 a.m. to go to a restaurant for breakfast, but as my check-out time came closer, the app was still searching for a ride.

When 10 a.m. rolled around, my only option was to wander to the nearest highway to be closer to potential Uber rides. Within minutes, I was soaked from head to toe.

With no luck on Uber, I started calling cab companies. The first two had no available drivers, and the third told me he was about 30 minutes from my location. I had no choice but to wait in the rain.

Once he arrived, I realized I'd never been so grateful for a ride in my life.

Throughout the trip, I spent more time inside than I hoped because of all the rain. I found myself lingering in restaurants waiting to see if the rain would let up.

And when I did go into the national park, I thought it was so foggy that it was difficult to see much. The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their haze, according to the National Park Trust, but the weather made it tough to fully appreciate the scenery.

Source: National Park Trust

All the rain also made my experience camping at a glamping resort less fun than I imagined it would be.

Read more: Why I preferred sleeping in a glamping tent over cozy cabins during my first trip to the Great Smoky Mountains

I hoped to spend my time exploring the woods near my campsite. But since it was so wet outside, I ended up staying mostly in my tent.

Meanwhile, rain dampened communal areas too much for me to use them. Since I was traveling alone, this took away opportunities to connect with other campers.

When the sun went down, I went outside to view the stars. But it was too cloudy to see any.

All of the rain also often left me with uncomfortably wet shoes after I stepped in puddles at the campsite. I spent an entire morning drying my soaked sneakers in front of the fire inside my tent.

The next day, I was hiking up a mountain road to get to my next accommodation when I stepped in another giant puddle. I had to dry my shoes again, but this time, I had to rely on the heat vents on the floor of my cabin.

Overall, I had a great time and got the break from the city I needed. But the sun only came out on the last day, and I couldn't help but think how much more fun my trip could have been if every day was bright and dry.