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Fall Itinerary
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When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

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After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.
Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Summary
All-Women Hiking Tour in the Great Smoky Mountains
Itinerary
Fall Itinerary
Date(s)
--
People
1 Person
  • Fall Itinerary - 1
    -
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    Booking fees
    Group discount
    People
    Cancellation policy
Cancel in the first 48h for free
Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit
Travel and medical insurance available
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  • A 7-day guided hiking trip through Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Fall, when the hillsides burn with autumn color and the air turns crisp. Based the entire week at a luxury lodge on the mountainside above Gatlinburg, you'll spend the days walking less-traveled paths—through old-growth hemlock groves, along river-carved valleys, and up to the Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap. A day on the Pigeon River and a visit to the historic Bud Ogle homestead round out the week. All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 7 included; private room with ensuite bathroom; maximum 12 women.

    • We pick up arriving guests at Knoxville Airport at noon and drive into the park for an easy first-day hike along the Little Brier Gap Trail—2.6 miles round trip on a former roadbed with a gentle uphill grade. The trail introduces the park’s deep cultural roots: we visit the Little Greenbrier School (first opened in 1882), a pioneer cemetery, and the Walker Sisters’ cabin, where five sisters famously lived off the land well into the 20th century. Dinner back at the lodge is a classic Southern barbecue.

      Meals: Dinner
      Hiking: 2–3 mi (3.2–4.8 km)
      Accommodation: Mountain Laurel Chalets or similar

      women only adventure smokies

    • Today’s hike follows the Little River, one of the cleanest waterways in the park and home to the eastern hellbender salamander and the occasional river otter. After 2.4 miles along the river, we pick up the Cucumber Gap Trail—a well-worn single-track that rolls through peaceful second-growth forest—before looping back via Jake’s Creek Trail. Along the way we pass remnants of 1920s summer cottages built by Knoxville’s wealthy families, some of which the park has preserved. Back at the lodge, the guides cook the first of several home-cooked dinners.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
      Hiking: 5–6 mi (8–9.6 km)
      Accommodation: Lodge in Gatlinburg (or similar)

      trip hike smokies

    • We hike the Maddron Bald Trail through Eastern Hemlock and deciduous forest, following an old CCC-built roadbed that rises consistently but moderately throughout its length. The destination is Albright Grove, a rare and remarkable remnant of old-growth forest named for early National Park Service director Horace Albright. We take our time among the grand hemlocks, silverbells, Fraser magnolias, and tulip trees before heading back the same way. By October, the canopy here is typically well into its fall color.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
      Hiking: 6–7 mi (9.6–11.2 km)
      Accommodation: Mountain Laurel Chalets or similar

      smokies forest tour

    • A day off the trails—we head to the Pigeon River for a morning of whitewater rafting. The rapids are exciting enough to be fun but fully appropriate for first-time rafters. After rafting, we return to Gatlinburg and take a short hike through Bud Ogle’s farm, a well-preserved 19th-century homestead with a working grist mill, a plume water system, and a classic Appalachian drive-through barn. The afternoon is free to use the lodge’s hot tub or relax on the porch.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
      Hiking: 1–2 mi (1.6–3.2 km)
      Rafting: Half day
      Accommodation: Mountain Laurel Chalets or similar

      All women rafting

    • We start the morning at Sugarlands Visitors Center, where a short film covers the park’s natural and cultural history before we spend time with the exhibits. Then it’s on to Laurel Falls, one of the most visited spots in the park for good reason. The paved 1.3-mile trail leads to one of the Smokies’ most spectacular waterfalls. After the falls, we return to the lodge for lunch. The afternoon is your own: guides offer an optional hike to Grotto Falls (a moderate 2.6-mile round trip to the only walk-behind waterfall in the park), while others are free to explore Gatlinburg or relax at the lodge.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
      Hiking: Varies (2.6–5 mi / 4.2–8 km depending on afternoon choice)
      Accommodation: Mountain Laurel Chalets or similar

      laurel falls

    • The highest day of the trip. We drive up to Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingmans Dome), at 6,643 ft (2,024 m) the highest point in the eastern US, and walk the short paved path to the observation tower for a sweeping view of the park—and in October, a sea of fall color in every direction. From there we drive to Newfound Gap to walk a section of the Appalachian Trail north to Icewater Spring Shelter, a backcountry AT shelter with a fine view for lunch. Back in Gatlinburg, we have one last evening together—dinner out on the town.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
      Hiking: 5–6 mi (8–9.6 km), ~900 ft (~275 m) elevation gain/loss
      Accommodation: Mountain Laurel Chalets or similar

      smokies women rafting

    • A slow final morning at the lodge—last breakfast together, one last look at the view. We stop briefly at Sugarlands Visitors Center for anyone wanting to pick up a memento, then head to the Knoxville airport. Those driving should plan to leave the lodge by 10 am. Those flying will be dropped at Knoxville Airport (TYS) by 11:30 am for a flight out after 12:30 pm.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Leaving the Smokies

    • Included:

        • 1-3 experienced hiking guides (based on group size) with extensive knowledge of the area
        • 7-day Great Smoky Mountains hiking tour
        • Accommodation for 6 nights lodging in a private room with ensuite bathroom (solo occupancy)
        • All meals, from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 7
        • Transportation to/from the Knoxville airport (TYS)
        • Transportation during the adventure
        • White water rafting and rafting guide gratuities

      Not included:

        • Airfare to/from Knoxville (TYS)
        • Alcoholic beverages
        • Optional activities
        • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
        • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
        • Guide gratuities — optional

    • 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 admire the surroundings. 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 if joining the spring itinerary.

      Expect hiking up to 7 mi (11.2 km) per day.

      For more hiking adventures in the USA, click here! If you’re interested in more women-only adventures, click here!

    • Footwear:

        • 1 pair of waterproof, broken-in hiking boots or shoes
        • 1 pair of alternate trail running shoes (helpful if blisters develop; consider sizing up slightly)
        • 1 pair of comfortable athletic shoes, Keens, or Teva/Chaco sandals for general use
        • 3-4 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic, e.g., Smartwool, Bridgedale, Darn Tough)
        • 2 pairs of thin liner socks (silk or synthetic)
        • Neoprene socks for rafting

      Clothing:

        • 1-2 pairs of comfortable, synthetic long pants for hiking (zip-offs work well)
        • 1 pair of shorts or 3/4 pants (lightweight and quick-drying)
        • 2-3 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts
        • 1-2 lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun/bug protection (button-up front is best)
        • 1 fleece jacket or sweater
        • 1 lightweight jacket or vest
        • 1 rain jacket and rain pants/rain skirt (waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-Tex)
        • 1 wide-brimmed or baseball-style cap/hat for sun/rain protection
        • 1 lightweight wool or fleece hat (a buff can also serve as a hat)
        • 1 pair of wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves
        • Underwear and nightwear
        • 1 swimsuit or quick-dry shorts and a sports bra/t-shirt
        • 2-3 changes of comfortable clothes for casual wear (e.g., pants and/or skirt with a couple of tops)

      Equipment/essentials:

        • 1 pair of trekking poles
        • 1 daypack (24-30L) with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters
        • Waterproofing for your backpack (rain cover or heavy-duty plastic bag to line your pack)
        • 2-3 liter water capacity (hydration system or water bottles)
        • Sunglasses (100% UV protection) with retention strap
        • Sunscreen and lip protection
        • Small headlamp or flashlight
        • Personal first aid kit (including blister remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, and personal medications)
        • Plastic, Tupperware-type container for lunch/sandwich
        • Spork (for trail lunches)
        • Hand sanitizer
        • Ear plugs (for a good night’s sleep)
        • Cell phone and charger

      Toiletries:

        • Toothbrush and toothpaste
        • Shampoo and conditioner
        • Personal items (contact lens supplies, sanitary items, personal medications)
        • Dental floss

      Optional items:

        • 1-2 bandannas/buffs
        • Short ankle gaiters
        • Wristwatch/travel alarm clock
        • Compact binoculars
        • Book/journal and pen
        • Lightweight umbrella
        • Extra snacks (snacks will also be provided)
        • Kula cloth
        • Pocketknife

      Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

    • Group sizes and pricing

        • For this Great Smoky Mountains hiking tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1
        • It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.

      A Great Smoky Mountains hiking tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

      Min. age requirements

        • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
        • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Great Smoky Mountains hiking tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

      If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

    • Solo rooms are the standard on this trip. Privacy included, no sharing required! All rooms feature king or queen beds, all with private bathrooms.

      In case you’re coming with someone and you’d like to share a room, let us know before booking—there’s a special discount!

    • 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.

    • 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 insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

      Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.

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