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: 4 mi (6.4 km)
Elevation gain/loss: 700 ft (213 m)
Included:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
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.
Discover more hiking adventures on the Appalachian trail here!
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). You will be staying at the same cabins during your tour, meaning that all you’ll be carrying during your hikes is a daypack filled with things you might need throughout the day.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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.
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
A Great Smoky Mountains adventure tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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 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.