Great Smoky Mountains Family Adventure
Experience the bounty of the Great Smoky Mountains
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- Activity Level: 3
- Days: 4
- Group Size: 4-12
- Member price: from $1,649
- Non-member price: from $1,825
Overview
Every day of this trip brings a new adventure and reveals a new side of these ancient mountains. Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site and International Biosphere Reserve with naturalist guides who seem to know something interesting about every plant, critter, hill and holler. You’ll hike amongst old-growth giants, mist-veiled valleys, meadows of year-round wildflowers, and a thousand years of human history. (Ever hiked a Civil War road or explored a moonshine cave? You will!). You’ll fly mountaintop to mountaintop on two miles of zipline, then board rafts for a ride on the rollicking Nantahala River. Evenings are for roasting marshmallows and cuddling up to the campfire and gazing up at “wow”-worthy night skies, all in the comfort of our deluxe private Signature Camp. Give your kids the chance to rediscover the beautiful simplicity of life with less technology.
Kids get an REI day pack — Kids traveling on our Family Adventures will receive an REI day pack for their adventure! Kids age 8-17 will receive the REI Flash 18 Pack (while quantities last, colors may vary). Learn more about REI Family Adventures.
Not traveling with kids? Check out our Great Smoky Mountains Adventure trip or our Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking trip.
Trip highlights
- Hike through towering forests full of discovery and delight
- Raft down gentle Class II and III rapids along the Nantahala river
- Speed over the forest floor on an exhilarating zip line course
- Roast marshmallows and play games in our exclusive Signature Camp
Activities
- Hiking
- Rafting
- Zip-lining
Accommodations
REI Signature Camping, 3 nights
Itinerary
Our adventure begins at 10am 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 a beautiful waterfall and series of small cascades. All meals included.
Hiking: 3 miles; 600’ elevation gain and loss.
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.
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.
An approximately one hour drive gets us 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 soar along a world class zipline 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 to our host hotel by 7pm this evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
Inclement weather may impact the accessibility of the zip-lining course. If this is the case, we may substitute the NOC’s adventure rope course for the zip-lining activity.
Zip-lining: up to 2 miles, Time: 1-2 hours; Whitewater Rafting: 8 miles, Time: 3 hours..
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.
What's included
Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time
Options
- Children’s discount (ages 8-17) - $100
Price Includes
Any park or other admission fees or permits, Guides and Camp Host; Round trip transportation from Gatlinburg, TN to all destinations visited during the trip; All meals and snacks from lunch on day 1 through lunch on day 4.
Not Included
Airfare; Airport transfers; Lodging the night before trip start; Alcoholic beverages; Insurance of any kind; Optional guide gratuities.
Consider as you sign up
Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please contact us or see details.
REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.
REI Co-op World Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
Full payment is due at sign up, fully refundable up to 30 days prior to departure.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
30+ days prior to departure = $0
15 to 29 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 14 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:
15+ days prior to departure = $0
0 to 14 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Weather
Weather in the Smokies varies significantly depending on season. Spring temperatures can range between mid-60s to high 70s during the day and are typically in the 40s at night; rain showers are common so raingear is a must. Summer can be quite humid with daytime temperatures into the 90s. Summer evening temperatures typically fall to the 60s and 70s. September and October temperatures usually range in the 60s and 70s with cool evenings; first frost is typically in late September. Consider the time of year you’re traveling and check weather forecasts.
Single Travelers
Families will be roomed together unless any family members request single accommodations. Please be advised that there are a limited number of tents and single tents are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
General Information
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Meet your guides
Michael M.
It was seeing Yellowstone's backcountry that first sparked Michael's passion for wild places. Since 2003 he's been wild about exploring the Smokies and enthusiastically shares the park's natural and cultural history with REI members.
Meet your guides
Samantha S.
A former interpretive ranger at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Samantha loves exploring and sharing this beautiful region with others. She's fascinated by its cultural history, too, and holds a graduate certificate in historic preservation.
Adventure Expert
Heather
There is so much to do and explore in the Smokies. This adventure makes the most of all the region has to offer and will engage the entire family in four days of maximum fun.
Departure dates
Select a month to view departure dates. If there are no departures in a month, the month will not appear below.
Prices are per person, double occupancy.
2019
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Mar 28 - Mar 31 Available from $1,649Book now Error: Please select a departure date to book your trip. Error: Sold out. Please select another departure date.
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May 24 - May 27 Available from $1,649Book now Error: Please select a departure date to book your trip. Error: Sold out. Please select another departure date.
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Aug 1 - Aug 4 Available from $1,649Book now Error: Please select a departure date to book your trip. Error: Sold out. Please select another departure date.
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Gear list
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose the proper equipment. Try to bring only what is necessary; this will help you and the field staff.
Provided by REI
- All Group Cooking Gear
- Camp Furniture
- Cots and Sleeping Pads
- Group First Aid Kit
- Stoves and Fuel
- Tent(s)
- Wetsuits and PFDs
Required
- Camp Towel
- Day Pack (21L-35L)
- Hiking Shoes
- Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Sleeping Bag (20° for Spring and Fall/35°+ for Summer)
- Water Bottles (Two 1-Quart) or Hydration System
- Water Shoes (Full Foot Protection)
Recommended
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Lightweight, Synthetic or Wool)
- Casual Shoes for Camp
- Day Pack Rain Cover
- Duffel Bag or Soft-Sided Suitcase (51L-100L)
- Ear Plugs
- Flashlight or Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Fleece/Wool Gloves
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
- Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Insect Repellant
- Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
- Long Sleeve Shirt (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Luggage Tags and Locks
- Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
- Sun Block and Lip Balm
- Sun Hat
- Sunglasses and Accessories
- Swimwear
- Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
- Toiletries
- Travel Pillow
- Trekking Poles
- Underwear
Optional
- Camera and Accessories
- Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
- Lightweight Beach Towel
- Liner Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Motion Sickness Remedies
- Paddling Gloves
- Reading and Writing Materials
- Small Binoculars
- Stuff Sacks
- Travel Alarm Clock
- Travel Games
Travel Documents
- Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)
Contact Us
Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (1-800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice, which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
.Overview
Spend 4 days as a family experiencing the sights, summits, flavors and joys of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Every day of this trip brings a new adventure and reveals a new side of these ancient mountains. Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site and International Biosphere Reserve with naturalist guides who seem to know something interesting about every plant, critter, hill and holler. You’ll hike amongst old-growth giants, mist-veiled valleys, meadows of year-round wildflowers, and a thousand years of human history. (Ever hiked a Civil War road or explored a moonshine cave? You will!). You’ll fly mountaintop to mountaintop on two miles of zipline, then board rafts for a ride on the rollicking Nantahala River. Evenings are for roasting marshmallows and cuddling up to the campfire and gazing up at “wow”-worthy night skies, all in the comfort of our deluxe private Signature Camp. Give your kids the chance to rediscover the beautiful simplicity of life with less technology.
Kids get an REI day pack — Kids traveling on our Family Adventures will receive an REI day pack for their adventure! Kids age 8-17 will receive the REI Flash 18 Pack (while quantities last, colors may vary). Learn more about REI Family Adventures.
Not traveling with kids? Check out our Great Smoky Mountains Adventure trip or our Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking trip.
Trip highlights
- Hike through towering forests full of discovery and delight
- Raft down gentle Class II and III rapids along the Nantahala river
- Speed over the forest floor on an exhilarating zip line course
- Roast marshmallows and play games in our exclusive Signature Camp
Activities
- Hiking
- Rafting
- Zip-lining
Accommodations
REI Signature Camping, 3 nights
Itinerary
Print Itinerary Collapse all days
Our adventure begins at 10am 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 a beautiful waterfall and series of small cascades. All meals included.
Hiking: 3 miles; 600’ elevation gain and loss.
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.
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.
An approximately one hour drive gets us 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 soar along a world class zipline 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 to our host hotel by 7pm this evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
Inclement weather may impact the accessibility of the zip-lining course. If this is the case, we may substitute the NOC’s adventure rope course for the zip-lining activity.
Zip-lining: up to 2 miles, Time: 1-2 hours; Whitewater Rafting: 8 miles, Time: 3 hours..
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.
What's included
Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time
Options
- Children’s discount (ages 8-17) - $100
Price Includes
Any park or other admission fees or permits, Guides and Camp Host; Round trip transportation from Gatlinburg, TN to all destinations visited during the trip; All meals and snacks from lunch on day 1 through lunch on day 4.
Not Included
Airfare; Airport transfers; Lodging the night before trip start; Alcoholic beverages; Insurance of any kind; Optional guide gratuities.
Consider as you sign up
Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please contact us or see details.
REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.
REI Co-op World Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
Full payment is due at sign up, fully refundable up to 30 days prior to departure.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
30+ days prior to departure = $0
15 to 29 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 14 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:
15+ days prior to departure = $0
0 to 14 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Weather
Weather in the Smokies varies significantly depending on season. Spring temperatures can range between mid-60s to high 70s during the day and are typically in the 40s at night; rain showers are common so raingear is a must. Summer can be quite humid with daytime temperatures into the 90s. Summer evening temperatures typically fall to the 60s and 70s. September and October temperatures usually range in the 60s and 70s with cool evenings; first frost is typically in late September. Consider the time of year you’re traveling and check weather forecasts.
Single Travelers
Families will be roomed together unless any family members request single accommodations. Please be advised that there are a limited number of tents and single tents are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
General Information
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Meet your guides
Michael M.
It was seeing Yellowstone's backcountry that first sparked Michael's passion for wild places. Since 2003 he's been wild about exploring the Smokies and enthusiastically shares the park's natural and cultural history with REI members.
Meet your guides
Samantha S.
A former interpretive ranger at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Samantha loves exploring and sharing this beautiful region with others. She's fascinated by its cultural history, too, and holds a graduate certificate in historic preservation.
Adventure Expert
Heather
There is so much to do and explore in the Smokies. This adventure makes the most of all the region has to offer and will engage the entire family in four days of maximum fun.