i'm planning a trip in the GSMNP in october. its my first overnight hike. other than the basics, are there any gear or tips i need to know about? any advice would be appreciated.

Plan ahead and be sure to get reservations 30 days out. If you choose to stay in a shelter or backcountry campsites 9, 10, 13, 23, 24, 29, 36, 37, 38, 47, 50, 55, 57, 61, 71, 83, or 113, you will need a reservation for those areas. You can get full information on phone numbers on this page. You will also want to stay up to date on any closures that may occur due to bears or other unsafe conditions.

There are LOTS of groups that will run shuttles in the area, so you can park in one spot, get shuttled and hike back to another instead of a loop or there-and-back hike. Once you've determined the area you wish to hike in, I can give you the best options if you are interested.

pisgah is poorly marked and hikers get lost. maps maps and don't plan on gps to save you, since there is deep forest and valleys. it gets dark around 7 if you are down in it.

Always -- always -- bring rain gear in the Smokies. And a fleece, even in summer. In late July it was below freezing several nights on the ridgelines.

Use the bear cables if they are available.

Visit Gatlinburg when you are finished. Makes a nice counterpoint....

thanks for the advice. i will be going from newfound gap to davenport gap. will i need to pack in all my water or will there be some water sources along the way?
thanks for any help