Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 4-day Great Smoky Mountains adventure tour Accommodation: 3 nights in new or newly renovated cabins All meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners Trekking poles Park fees Ziplining Add-ons: Airport shuttle from the airport — can be arranged at an additional cost Single supplement — $200 Not included: Flights Airport transfers Transportation before and after the trip Meals not indicated in the itinerary Personal items Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

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 !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 21-35L bag) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Comfortable “camp” shoes Hiking socks (non-cotton) Comfortable hiking clothes (t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, shorts or pants) Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket or a raincoat Fleece/insulated jacket Sunhat Swimwear and lightweight towel Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.) Personal medication Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Duffel bag or soft sided suitcase Camera — optional (but recommended) 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 age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Great Smoky Mountains adventure tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants. A Great Smoky Mountains adventure 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 adventure 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.

Getting there and meeting location

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.

Safety measures and insurance

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!

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NP | TENNESSEE

Hiking the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee: Cascades and Canopies

5.00

From $2,699 ()

Duration

4 days

Season

June through October

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Accommodation and food
Reviews
Things to know

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.

Adventure highlights

Appalachian awe

Hike a stretch of the iconic Appalachian Trail and soak in amazing views
Smoky Mountains, Smoky BBQ

Refuel with mouthwatering barbecue and campfire feasts after full days of hiking
Zip it!

End the adventure by flying high over the treetops with a zipline finale

Itinerary

Download itinerary

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)

Hiking the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee: Cascades and Canopies

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Ben Wolfe

Meet REI Top Guide 2023, Ben Wolfe! Ben knew from an early age that he would count on the natural world to guide him throughout his journey. Ben received a B.S. in Geology and Environmental Studies from the University of Tennessee with a minor in Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Science. He has worked as a Research Technician with the Department of Plant Sciences at UT since 2013. Ben has Outdoor Guide Certification from the University of Wyoming and is a Certified Interpretive Guide from NAI.

5.00

Ansley Still

Ansley grew up in the city of Atlanta and spent weekends and holidays in the southern Appalachian mountains. After college she worked in Wilderness Therapy in the North Carolina mountains with troubled youth. In the winters, Ansley goes out west to Utah to ski. She has hiked all around the United States, but the Smoky Mountains always call her back. Her favorite activities include, rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, rafting, scuba diving, yoga, canyoneering, skiing and of course backpacking.

5.00

A Walk in the Woods

Founded in 1998, A Walk In The Woods is an award-winning tour guide service. Emphasizing the teaching of natural history, A Walk In The Woods offers spectacular trips into the incredible biodiversity of the Smokies. Every tour features highly-trained guides, all experts in local biodiversity, history, and survival knowledge. This ensures that the adventures are safe, educational, and most importantly, fun!

Accommodation and food

Food

On this adventure, we’ll enjoy delicious breakfast, lunches, and dinners because all meals are included in the price.

On the first night, we’ll have southern-style BBQ catered from a popular local restaurant. The second night is a cookout, while on the third night we’ll have dinner from a local restaurant in town.

Lunches are sandwiches and wraps with chips and cookies. Breakfasts range from pastries and yogurt to breakfast sandwiches and wraps. Some snacks are also provided, but it’s suggested to bring comfort snacks to supplement.

Accommodation

We’ll stay in new or newly renovated cabins with a modern touch. The campground setting has 2 streams running through the property, a seasonal saltwater pool, bar foods, a pavilion with a fireplace and movie showings.

5.00(4 reviews)

Bryan Stanfill

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.

Kara Kressin

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!

Lila Ellison

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.

Show all reviews

Bryan Stanfill

Kara Kressin

Lila Ellison

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.

Rosalind Keppler

Wonderful guides who are knowledgeable on the intricate plants and animals and history. They make it personal and magical.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 4-day Great Smoky Mountains adventure tour
  - Accommodation: 3 nights in new or newly renovated cabins
  - All meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
  - Trekking poles
  - Park fees
  - Ziplining
Add-ons:
- - Airport shuttle from the airport — can be arranged at an additional cost
  - Single supplement — $200
Not included:
- - Flights
  - Airport transfers
  - Transportation before and after the trip
  - Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  - Personal items
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
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:
- - Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 21-35L bag)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Comfortable “camp” shoes
  - Hiking socks (non-cotton)
  - Comfortable hiking clothes (t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, shorts or pants)
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket or a raincoat
  - Fleece/insulated jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Swimwear and lightweight towel
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
  - Personal medication
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Duffel bag or soft sided suitcase
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
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
- - For this Great Smoky Mountains adventure tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
A Great Smoky Mountains adventure 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 adventure 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.
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
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
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 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.