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: 4.2 mi (6.7 km)
Elevation gain/loss: 1,000 ft (300 m)
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: 8 mi (12.8 km)
Elevation gain/loss: 2,200 ft (670 m)
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: 8 mi (12.8 km)
Elevation gain/loss: 2,000 ft (610 m)
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: 64 mi (6.4 km)
Elevation gain/loss: 700 ft (213 m)
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout)
Not included:
3-Day Roan Highlands Backpacking
Although no backpacking experience is required, good fitness and some prior hiking experience are. Over 3 days, you’ll cover 16 miles (26 km), with daily elevation gain of up to 1,900 ft (580 m), but without the heavy packs (Day 2). You have to be comfortable enough on the trail to hike up to an hour on your own. You’ll be carrying a 25-30 lb (11.5-13.5 kg) backpack, apart from Day 2.
3-Day Max Patch Backpacking
Although no backpacking experience is required, good fitness and some prior hiking experience are. Over 3 days, you’ll cover 20 miles (32 km), with daily elevation gain of up to 1,350 ft (415 m). You have to be comfortable enough on the trail to hike up to an hour on your own.
4-Day Great Smoky Mountains Hiking
Good fitness and some hiking experience is required. Over 4 days, you’ll cover 24 mi (38 km), with daily elevation gain of up to 2,200 ft (670 m).
Check out the itineraries to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation changes.
3-Day Roan Highlands and 3-Day Max Patch Backpacking itineraries:
4-Day Great Smoky Mountains Hiking
Group sizes and pricing
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
This depends on which tour you choose.
If you’re joining the Roan Highlands or Max Patch Backpacking tour, you’ll spend the night prior to the tour at the guide’s bunkhouse. This is a shared bunkhouse and a single occupancy room isn’t available. However, you’ll spend 2 nights camping, and your guides are providing tents free of charge—you can either choose a single or a double tent!
If you’re joining the Great Smoky Mountains Hiking tour, the price is based on twin-share cabins. A single occupancy cabin is available to arrange, and you can add this to your booking at checkout.
The starting point depends on the tour you choose.
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.