Hiking and Camping in Great Smoky Mountains NP

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, please refer to the US international travel guidelines for COVID-19 and the COVID-19 guidelines for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• • A seasoned naturalist hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Four days of hiking
  • Transportation from Knoxville, TN, to the park and back
  • Round-trip transportation for the duration of the tour
  • All meals included in the itinerary
  • Tent, sleeping pad and group camping equipment
  • Park entry fees and permits

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to Knoxville
  • Personal hiking and camping gear
  • Meals not included in the itinerary

This strenuous adventure is suitable for people with great physical fitness and prior hiking experience. You will be spending 8 hours a day on the trails, hiking distances of up to 10 miles, and overcoming 2,500 ft (760 m) of elevation change. Keep in mind that you’ll also be carrying a heavy pack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day. If you’re new to hiking, why not try this beginner-friendly hiking tour near Asheville, NC?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 15-30L bag)
  • Luggage (can be left in the vehicle, 1 small suitcase per person)
  • Pack cover
  • Hiking boots
  • Sandals or camp shoes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Warm down, puffy, or fleece jacket
  • Waterproof rain or shell jacket
  • Breathable wicking base layers
  • Lightweight hiking pants
  • Warm hat and brimmed sunhat
  • Buff or neck scarf — optional
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Biodegradable and scent-free toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
  • Small first aid kit and blister kit — optional
  • Headlamp
  • Sleeping bag rated to 15°C (available to rent from your guide for $50)
  • Sunglasses
  • 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 prices:

• • For this adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
  • It takes a minimum of 4 people for a tour to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains 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 are only permitted to join private hikes. They must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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

A 35% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

• • For cancellations thirty (30) calendar days in advance, the Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of eighty percent (80%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  • After that deadline, the Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

To get to the Great Rocky Mountains National Park, most people fly into Nashville International Airport 5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car, take a bus or take a local flight to Knoxville, TN, where you will meet your guide for transfer to the park.