Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Meet your guides and fellow traveling companions this morning in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. After introductions and a trip orientation we'll hop aboard our provided shuttle for a quick transfer to our first trailhead. The Cucumber Gap Loop is a perfect introduction to the rich biodiversity, beauty, and history of the Great Smoky Mountains. This hike takes place along an old logging railroad that passes old homesteads and small waterfalls. Plenty of small stream crossings enliven our walk. At the end of the day, our friendly camp host welcomes us to Signature Camp where we enjoy a barbecue dinner around a roaring campfire. All meals included.
Hiking: 5.4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +800'/-800'; Transfers: 1.5 hours
Hike the AT in route to breathtaking views at the summit of Mount Cammerer
After a tasty backcountry breakfast, we transfer to Low Gap Trailhead for an out-and-back hike to the summit of Mount Cammerer. A series of switchbacks climbs 2,000 feet through beautiful hardwood forest before joining the famous Appalachian Trail. We let the famous white blaze lead the way as our guides share stories of intrepid travelers who have hiked the over 2,000 miles of trail from Springer Mountain, GA to Mount Katahdin, ME. Our reward is the summit of Mount Cammerer, with its 360-degree views of the majestic Smoky Mountains. Our day finishes at our comfortable Signature Camp where we enjoy another scrumptious dinner. All meals included.
Hiking: 11 miles; 3,000' elevation gain/loss; Transfers: 1 hours
Explore historical artifacts and climb to a mountain vista
Our mission today is to explore a unique section of trails; home to the largest collection of human artifacts in the National Park system. Walk along a beautiful mountain stream through an old growth forest. Climb to one of the most picturesque mountain vistas with expansive views of breathtaking rock formations. Our celebration of this spectacular region continues as we head back for a tasty meal around a roaring campfire. We'll spend our final evening together sharing stories and reflecting on our last few days of adventure. All meals included.
Hiking: 4.5-6 miles; 1,000-1,500' elevation gain and loss; Transfers: 2 hours
Soar along a mountaintop zipline and float down the beautiful Nantahala River
An approximately two hour drive gets us to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. The NOC is a mecca for outdoor adventure and located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River. After three days of exploring on foot, we take to the air to experience the park from above. We soar mountaintop to mountaintop along two adrenaline pumping miles of premier zip-line. Next we load into whitewater rafts to enjoy a fun, Class II and III ride down the scenic Nantahala River. After rounding out our exploration of the Great Smoky Mountains by land, sky and water we make our way back to Gatlinburg. We expect to arrive back in Gatlinburg early this evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
Inclement weather may impact the accessibility of the zip-lining course. If this is the case, we may substitute the NOC's adventure rope course for the zip-lining activity. In the event of lightening all aerial courses will be closed.
Zip-lining: 2 miles; Time: 2-3 hours; Whitewater Rafting: 8 miles; Time: 3 hours; Transfers: 4 hours