Some hikes are nice. This one? It’s a full-on Smoky Mountains masterpiece. Think misty mountain sunrises, roaring waterfalls, and ridge-line trails that make us feel like we’re walking on top of the world. We’re taking on the best of the best, including a stretch of the legendary Appalachian Trail—because why hike regular trails when we can hike history? And the food? From trailside lunches to BBQ feasts, we’re eating right. Four days, non-stop adventure, and a zipline exit worthy of a standing ovation. Future hikes may feel…underwhelming. You’ve been warned.
The Great Smoky Mountains are calling, and they’re bringing waterfalls, panoramic views, and world-class trails to the table. Over four incredible days, we’ll hike through mossy forests, stand beneath thundering cascades, and trek a stretch of the legendary Appalachian Trail. With cozy cabin stays, mouthwatering meals, and a zipline finale soaring over the Smokies, this trip blends adventure with comfort in all the best ways. Hike it, feast on it, zip through it—this is the Smokies turned up to full blast.
After meeting the guides and going through an orientation, we will hop in a vehicle and head into the Park for our first hike, leading us to a beautiful Smoky Mountain waterfall. We’ll find a cozy spot on the trail for lunch. After we conclude our hike, we’ll head back to Roamstead, check-in to our cabins and settle in. Dinner will be catered Southern BBQ.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 6.7 km (4.2 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 300 m (1,000 ft)
Accommodation: Cabin in Roamstead Campground
Day 2 begins with a delicious breakfast. Afterward, we will set out for our second hike to the largest cascade in the Park. We’ll encounter two very different types of trails on this adventure. First, our journey starts on an old roadbed alongside a gorgeous mountain river, surrounded by moss-covered boulders. We’ll then enter another area of some of the largest trees in the Park, followed by the largest cascade in the area. Lunch will be on trail and dinner will be a cookout back at home base.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 12.8 km (8 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 670 m (2,200 ft)
Accommodation: Cabin in Roamstead Campground
We’ll begin with another hearty breakfast, then head out to see some great views as we hike along the famous Appalachian Trail. We’ll have lunch at a clearing with beautiful views. Once we complete our hike, we’ll head back to our cabins and freshen up before a nice dinner out in town.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 12.8 km (8 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 609 m (2,000 ft)
Accommodation: Cabin in Roamstead Campground
After we savor our last mountain breakfast of the trip, we’ll head to our final hike. Here we’ll get to dive into the visual history of the Smokies with many sightings of old rock walls, historic structures, and a couple hidden surprises! We’ll take some time to relax and enjoy lunch by the water before heading out of the Park. Then, for one of the best finales to a trip, ziplining! One of the best zipline companies in the area will give us fantastic, panoramic views of the Smokies.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 6.4 km (4 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 213 m (700 ft)
Seriously awesome hike! Jeremy and Lucy were awesome hiking partners as we stomped around the Smoky Mountains. It was really fascinating learning about the ecosystem from the trees, to birds to flowers. You can tell Jeremy has a real passion for the outdoors and is really knowledgeable about the area. Highly recommend booking a tour with this company to learn while you hike!
Ken was a great guide. We learned so much about the trail and the Smoky Mountains. Will definitely do this again. We all walked at a very comfortable pace.
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This Great Smoky mountains adventure tour is rated moderate, which means that a good fitness level is required to participate. You need to be able to hike 12.9-16 km (8-10 mi) at a pace of 1.6-2.4 km/hour (1-1.5 mi/hour). Expect hiking up to 12.8 km (8 mi) per day, while gaining up to 670 m (2,200 ft) in elevation.
Those living in areas with little elevation change should use stairs or stair machines with a weighted pack before the trip starts. Participants will receive a conditioning guide after booking.
For more hiking adventures on the Appalachian trail, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
A Great Smoky Mountains adventure tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Great Smoky Mountains adventure tour is Roamstead Campsite. To get there, most people fly into McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS). From there, you can rent a car to reach the Roamstead Campsite. Alternatively, your guides can organize an airport shuttle for an additional fee—please leave a note at checkout if you’re interested.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at a predetermined time in Roamstead 4946 Hooper Hwy, Cosby, TN, 37722. Your guides will provide more details before the adventure begins.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
I would definitely recommend these guys they are well trained knowledgeable caring people who saved my friends life. We were not even in their group and they were able to get my friend stable until search and rescue arrived. Brian and Andy I want to thank you personally and I want everyone who is considering using this company to know that I would feel very safe in the wilderness with these guys.