Probably you already know this, but in case you don't (your comment about not needing a tent reminded me of this), in the Smokies they consider anyone that's not starting and ending a hike at least 50 miles outside the park boundaries to be a section hiker. They have different rules for thru-hikers and section hikers for use of the shelters. Section hikers (that would be you) are required to make reservations in advance to use the shelters. In that context, yup it seems to me that indeed you have no need to carry a tent, having a reserved space!

I hope you have a great time. I walked through there in March this year; waist deep snow and in general lots of fog and clouds so not much in the way of views. My feeling is that while I walked through the Smokies, I've yet to really see them! :-)