This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should be capable of hiking 5-8 hours each day (up to 11 miles) with as much as 3,000' elevation gain and loss. The aerial challenge course and zip-lining is suitable for beginners. Weight ranges for zip-lining are 60 pounds minimum and 250 pounds maximum. Rafting is suitable for beginners although comfort in/around water is recommended. Rafting is on rapids classified II-III whitewater. All rafting gear, including wetsuits, is provided.
Explore Cades Cove and the Tremont section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Our adventure begins this morning in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We meet our guides for a brief trip orientation before embarking on a 45 minute drive to Cades Cove. The unique topography and environment of this opulent Appalachian Valley attract a wide variety of plant and wildlife including the park’s famous black bear. Cade’s Cove captivates visitors with rich human history, including that of the Cherokee people whose deep connection with the Smokies dates back more than a thousand years. Our adventures will also take us past the remains of well-preserved churches, cabins and civil war cemeteries built by settlers of this area. Before heading back to our comfortable Signature Camp we’ll transfer to the Tremont section of the Great Smoky Mountains where we'll hike to an impressive set of large cascades surrounded by numerous small waterfalls and cascades. All meals included.
Hiking: 3 miles; 600' elevation gain and loss; Transfers: 1.5 hours.
The forest becomes a classroom on a day full of discovery
Today’s journey takes us past settler's homesteads and the remains of gigantic Chestnut trees before reaching picturesque Hen Wallow Falls. Surrounded by a lush forest of rhododendron, fern and towering hemlock our naturalist guides teach us about the unique characteristics which make this amazing area an International Biosphere Reserve. Using the forest as our classroom we’ll take time to learn which plants are edible and which are valued for their medicinal properties. Back at camp, we'll play games, enjoy great food and end the day roasting s’mores on the campfire. All meals included.
Hiking: 5 miles; 1,000' elevation gain and loss; Transfers: 1 hours.
Explore historical artifacts before indulging in a festive farewell barbecue
Our mission today is to explore a unique section of trails; home to the largest collection of human artifacts in the National Park system. Walk along a beautiful mountain stream through an old growth forest. Climb to one of the most picturesque mountain vistas with expansive views of breathtaking rock formations. Our celebration of this spectacular region continues as we head back for a tasty meal around a roaring campfire. We’ll spend our final evening together sharing stories and reflecting on our last few days of adventure. All meals included.
Hiking: 3-6 miles; 1,000-1,500’ elevation gain and loss; Transfers: 2 hours.
Experience a multi-level aerial challenge course with zip lines and float down the beautiful Nantahala River
Today our adventure takes us south through Great Smoky Mountain National park to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. The NOC is a mecca for outdoor adventure and located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River. After three days of exploring on foot, we take to the air to experience the park from above. We race along dual zip lines and test our skills navigating the aerial challenge course before loading into whitewater rafts to enjoy a family friendly ride down the scenic Nantahala River. After rounding out our exploration of the Great Smoky Mountains by land, sky and water we make our way back to Gatlinburg. We expect to arrive back in Gatlinburg in the early evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
Multi-level aerial challenge course with 550-foot long zipline, Time: 2 hours, Time: 1-2 hours; Whitewater Rafting: 8 miles, Time: 3 hours; Transfers: 4 hours.
