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All-Women Hiking Tour of the Great Smoky Mountains: Wildflowers & Waterfalls

Itinerary
All-Women Hiking Tour of the Great Smoky Mountains: Wildflowers & Waterfalls
Date and group size

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All meals are included in the price of this trip. Some dietary requirements can be accommodated, please let us know down below if you have any. You can read more about special dietary requirements in the FAQ.

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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.

Cancellations

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-hour 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.
All-Women Hiking Tour of the Great Smoky Mountains: Wildflowers & Waterfalls
Itinerary
All-Women Hiking Tour of the Great Smoky Mountains: Wildflowers & Waterfalls
People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
7 day
Guide(s)
Connie Davis, Tori Gray, Adventures in Good Company
Reserve deposit (30%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0

  • 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

      Walker sisters cabin

    • 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

      Wildflowers at the Great Smokies

    • 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

      Women crossing a bridge

    • 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

      All women adventure

    • 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

      Getting ready for rafting

    • 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

      Forest trail

    • 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)

      Leaving the Smokies

    • Included:

        • 2-3 experienced hiking guides (based on group size) with extensive knowledge of the area
        • 7-day Great Smoky Mountains hiking tour
        • Accommodation: 6 nights lodging in a private room with ensuite bathroom
        • 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)
        • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
        • Alcoholic beverages
        • Optional activities
        • Travel and medical insurance — optional
        • 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 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:

        • 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

      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

        • 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.

    • 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!

Have more questions? Read our FAQ
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