Hiking is a very rewarding experience when you are prepared. You'll learn the basics of hiking and backpacking, from tips on planning your hike and what to carry in your pack, to wildlife watching etiquette and basics of animal behavior. You'll also learn how to cope with abrupt changes in weather, challenging terrain, and other unpredictable conditions. Learning and practicing some basics will help you gain confidence and give you self-assurance that you know how to take care of the wilderness and yourself. We'll begin in the classroom with an introduction and some instruction on our topic. We'll spend the rest of the day outdoors on a nearby Park trail, practicing what we learned in the classroom and learning more about how we can enhance our backcountry experience.

You must be 18 or older to register for and attend a Smoky Mountain Field School course.