Forget tiptoeing through the tulips—we’re stomping through a full-on floral explosion, where wildflowers paint the trail in every shade of fabulous. We’ll hike up, over, and into the heart of the Smokies—walking in the footsteps of badass pioneer women, chasing waterfalls, and paddling through rapids. Our days are packed with adventure, our nights with lodge life—think crackling fires, home-cooked feasts, and swapping stories in rocking chairs. This is an all-women adventure (with a side of barbecue) that you don’t want to miss. Come for the trails, stay for the sisterhood!
Step into the heart of the Great Smokies, where every trail has a story, every peak holds a view, and every meal feels like a hug from the South. This all-women adventure blends hiking through wildflower meadows, paddling down scenic rivers, and exploring the untamed beauty of the Appalachian wilderness. We’ll follow paths once walked by pioneer women, soak in the sounds of waterfalls, and indulge in homemade lodge meals and laughter by the fire. If you’re looking for adventure with a side of sisterhood, this is it!
We’ll kick off our adventure with an introduction to the cultural history of the Smokies, hiking through what was once the Little Greenbrier Community. Along the way, we’ll visit a historic one-room schoolhouse, a pioneer cemetery, and the former home of the Walker Sisters, who famously held onto their homestead long after the park was established. This gently uphill trail follows an old roadbed, making for a scenic and insightful first walk.
After settling in at the lodge, we’ll gather for a hearty Southern barbecue dinner before getting ready for the days ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Hiking: 2.6 mi (4.1 km)
Accommodation: Mountain Laurel Chalets
Our trail today ascends at a steady, moderate grade through a forest of towering Eastern Hemlocks and Fraser magnolias, eventually transitioning into a moist, sheltered cove hardwood forest. Renowned for its stunning wildflower display in April and May, the forest floor can become a vibrant carpet of 30 to 40 different wildflower species. Rich in cultural history, Porters Creek Trail features landmarks such as the old Baxter Cabin, stone walls, a historic cantilevered barn, and the Owenby Cemetery—remnants of a once-thriving community.
We’ll hike to Fern Branch Falls, where we’ll pause for lunch before heading back. Tonight’s dinner will begin with appetizers and continue with the first of several delicious, homemade meals prepared by the guides, ending with dessert!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 4 mi (6.4 km)
Accommodation: Mountain Laurel Chalets
Our first stop this morning will be the Sugarlands Visitors Center, where we’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the park and its history. Then, it’s back to hiking and the search for wildflowers! Traveling off the beaten path, today’s trail leads into a natural limestone sink. White Oak Sink is home to many rare plants, various caves, and a waterfall that flows into one of the caves. Spring wildflowers abound in the sink, carpeting the trail with a stunning variety of colors.
Our hike begins on the School House Gap Trail, an old roadbed with a gentle uphill grade. Soon, we’ll turn off the School House Gap Trail onto the unmaintained trail to White Oak Sink, which features occasional steep ascents and descents. Depending on time and energy levels, we may also have the option to visit Laurel Falls on our way back. After our hikes, we’ll head back to the lodge for some well-deserved relaxation—and tonight is pizza night!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 5 mi (8 km)
Accommodation: Mountain Laurel Chalets
This morning, we’ll head to the Grotto Falls hike, one of the park’s most spectacular waterfalls—and the only one we can actually walk behind! The trail is a moderate hike through a hardwood cove, offering great wildflower spotting and beautiful views across the valley. After our hike, we’ll return to our condo for lunch, with a few different options to choose from. The afternoon is free, and there are no wrong choices.
The guides will offer the opportunity to journey to the highest points of the park—New Found Gap (with a short walk on the Appalachian Trail) and Clingman’s Dome, at 6,643 ft (2,024 m), the highest point in the eastern U.S. Alternatively, we can enjoy downtown Gatlinburg or relax back at the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 2.6-4 mi (4.2-6.4 km)
Accommodation: Mountain Laurel Chalets
We’ll start with a delicious pancake breakfast before heading to the whitewater of the Pigeon River. While the rapids are exciting, the trip is perfectly suitable for novice rafters.
Afterward, we’ll return to Gatlinburg and visit the historic Bud Ogle’s farm, where we’ll take a short hike to explore what a typical homestead was like in this region, including a plume for water and a gristmill. Back at the lodge, we’ll have time to relax—perhaps in the hot tub or by unwinding in rockers on the porch before enjoying another homemade dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 1.2 mi (1.9 km)
Rafting: 2-4 hours
Accommodation: Mountain Laurel Chalets
Today’s trek will take us through Eastern Hemlock and deciduous forests as we hike along the Maddron Bald Trail. The trail begins as an old roadbed and ascends steadily but moderately throughout its length. We’ll enjoy lunch by the beautiful cascades before having the option to continue on to Albright Grove, an old-growth forest. Here, we’ll experience the sights, sounds, and feel of a home to ancient trees.
We’ll have plenty of time to stroll among and admire the grand Eastern Hemlocks, silverbells, Fraser magnolias, tulip trees, and other tree species before returning along the Maddron Bald Trail. We’ll return to the lodge with plenty of time to freshen up before heading into Gatlinburg to share our last dinner together at one of the many local restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 6.7 mi (10.7 km)
Accommodation: Mountain Laurel Chalets
It’s our last morning in the Smokies, but we’ll make sure to savor every minute! We’ll take our time this morning, enjoy our final breakfast together, and soak in the view from the lodge before making our way back.
We’ll stop by the Sugarlands Visitors Center for one last chance to pick up any items we may want to take home, and we’ll even have time to walk the nature trail to Cataract Falls. Afterward, we’ll head to the Knoxville airport. Those driving should plan to leave by 10am. Those flying will be returned to the Knoxville airport by 11am for a flight out after noon.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 0.7 mi (1.1 km)
I think the overall group dynamic was fantastic. All of the participants were engaged in the activities and had a genuine desire to get to know each other.
the guides went over and above with food prep and hiking hints. Also the entire group got along splendidly. Loved having my own room.
Included:
Not included:
This Great Smoky Mountains hiking tour is appropriate for any woman who exercises regularly at a moderate level (such as going for 45-minute brisk walks 3-5 days a week), and who either enjoys hiking or is new to hiking and wants to learn in a safe and fun environment.
On this trip there is a special emphasis on cultural and natural history and stopping to smell the flowers (literally). With lots of instruction and tips to make your hiking more enjoyable, this is an ideal trip for novice hikers. You can also learn to identify the many wildflowers found here.
Expect hiking up to 6.7 mi (10.7 km) per day.
For more hiking adventures in the USA, click here! If you’re interested in more women-only adventures, click here!
Here’s a list of everything you need to bring:
Footwear:
Clothing:
Equipment/essentials:
Toiletries:
Optional items:
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. Ensure all clothing and gear are appropriate for varying weather conditions, and be prepared to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs.
Vegetarian options for this trip are available but may be more limited than you are used to. If you are concerned about having enough protein during your trip, plan to bring some plant-based protein sources such as nut butter, instant dried hummus, or high-protein energy bars. If you cannot eat gluten or if you have other dietary restrictions i.e. vegan, you will need to bring some supplemental food with you.
Group sizes and pricing
A Great Smoky Mountains hiking 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 hiking tour is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To get there, most people fly into Knoxville Airport, also known as McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).
Once you’re at the Knoxville Airport, you will meet your guide there at noon, and then you’re going to be transferred to the park.
If you’re driving,plan to meet the guides at the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic parking lot (south side) by 2pm.
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
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The guides were amazing. Not only were they great guides but also wonderful cooks. I was so appreciative of their cooking and providing us with delicious meals. The accommodations were exceptional. The hikes were nice and leisurely. Saw many waterfalls and wildflowers; however, we seemed to be a little early for some of the wildflowers. I would have liked a little more discussion on trees and shrubs. All the women on the trip were great – everyone was positive and easy to be with. The one downside was the afternoon shopping at the so-called craft stores. Most were not open on the day we were there, and even if they had been open they did not look very interesting.