The Day Hiker is a locally owned shop in Gatlinburg’s Village shopping area. Open 7 days a week, it’s a great destination for hiking equipment and supplies, including clothing, packs, trekking poles, maps, guides, books, and more. Prices are affordable, and the generous advice and hiking recommendations given cheerfully by the knowledgeable staff is free.
Image courtesy of the Day Hiker
Novice or Expert, The Day Hiker Caters to All
The Day Hiker caters to anyone who is a hiker, or who wants to become one.
Seasoned trekkers who have been coming to the Smoky Mountains for years stop by the shop to pick up gear and chat with friendly staff members. But the store is just as much a place for beginners and novices as it is for experts. That’s because every staff member at The Day Hiker is a hiker, and happy to provide useful information and advice to those new to the trails.
Many people come to the Smoky Mountains with no thought of taking a trail – and it’s true it can be full-time fun just hanging out in your Gatlinburg cabin – but it’s also easy to catch the hiking bug simply from the beauty all around. It’s an easy place to want to get out in nature.
But hiking can be daunting for someone without gear or experience, and the Day Hiker is a friendly place to ask for recommendations on getting started. Staff members are always overflowing with information and happy to suggest simple trails to start out on, plus hiking gear to streamline your efforts.
Trekking poles or a single walking staff, for example, are extremely valuable on a trail, for numerous reasons including extra stability and less fatigue, but many visitors to the area will not have thought to bring any with them – even seasoned hikers often have never tried them – and beginners may wonder if they’re getting too fancy. But in fact, having good gear to start with is a great help, and friendly advice from experienced hikers is useful, especially with poles, because there’s correct technique involved.
Have additional questions or concerns about hiking the Smokies? The Day Hiker staff can answer those too – How much water should you bring? What other supplies do you need? Is a backpack necessary? What type of shoes are best? Where do you start? Their passion is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the more than 800 miles of trails within it. As hikers themselves, they’re excited about sharing this passion and encouraging others to experience its limitless possibilities.
Everything You’ll Need for a Day in the Smokies
The Day Hiker’s extensive selection of equipment and supplies runs the gamut from serious hiking gear, park maps, and guides to fun t-shirts and souvenirs. At the Day Hiker, you’ll find:
- Hiking Poles
- Hiking Packs
- Water Reservoirs
- Hiking-Suitable Clothing
- Park Maps & Guides
- Books on the Smoky Mountains for Kids & Adults
- Gifts and Souvenirs (including Trail Medallions)
Useful Information
The Day Hiker – in The Village:
634 Parkway #1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel: 1-877-DAYHIKE
Hours: Open every day at 10 am until 9 or 10 pm
Web: https://www.thedayhiker.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedayhiker
