Hiking the Best of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hiking the Best of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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5 Days From

$3435

Hiking the Best of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

5 Days Starting and ending in Asheville

Visiting: Asheville to Townsend, Townsend, Townsend to Asheville, Asheville

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

SKTB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 9

Physical rating:

High, High

Age range:

12-99 years

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

History, Photography

From: $3435

NB: Prices correct on 01-Jul-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Get up close and personal with the picture-perfect peaks and enchanting waterfalls of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this five-day hiking adventure. With a museum visit to set the scene, you’ll soon stretch your legs in search of the spectacular views offered by Charlies Bunion, hiking along the historic Appalachian Trail. Grotto Falls, Mouse Creek Falls, Linville Falls and more will have you falling fast for their natural charm, while the summit of Looking Glass Rock will leave you feeling on top of a lush, green world. No wonder this is the US’ most visited national park!

Highlights

  • Walk along sections of the historic Appalachian Trail, established over 100 years ago and now walked by nearly 3 million people a year.

  • Chase the magical waterfalls that make up some of North Carolina’s most photographed spots, and even walk behind the tumbling torrents of Grotto Falls.

  • Take in the scenic view from the Blue Ridge Parkway, an (officially) All-American Road that weaves its way through the Appalachians.

  • Learn about the history of the 19th century settlers and the original Cherokee inhabitants of the park during a vist to the Mountain Farm Museum.

  • Spend you nights in Appalachian lodges and cabins sitting just on the outskirts of the Smoky Mountains, allowing you to soak up the serenity of the park.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Asheville To Townsend

Location: Asheville to Townsend

Accommodation: Cabin

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Welcome to Asheville, North Carolina! Your Appalachian adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at your hotel, after which you’ll hit the road for a scenic drive along to the Oconoluftee entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A visit to the Mountain Farm Museum will provide a glimpse at the human history of the park, from the original Cherokee inhabitants to the Appalachian settlers of the 19th century. Then, you’ll head into nature for the first hike of your trip. Starting at Newfound Gap, follow the Appalachian Trail to the stone outcrop of Charlies Bunion where you’ll be provided panoramic mountain views. After descending, continue to your accommodation in Townsend, Tennessee, and head out for an Appalachian dinner to cap off the day’s efforts.

Included Activities:
-Shuttle from Asheville to Townsend
-Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Mountain Farm Museum visit - Townsend
-Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Appalachian Trail hike
-Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Highest Point visit - Townsend

Day 2: Townsend

Location: Townsend

Accommodation: Cabin

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

If the weather allows, start the day on the right note with a picnic breakfast at Cades Cove. There’ll also be the chance to explore the Cades Cove historic district, wandering through pioneer log cabins and restored churches while keeping an eye out for black bears, deer, elk and more! Then, you’ll set out on today’s hike, starting from the historic logging area Tremont. Following the Middle Prong of the Little River, make your way up to the Lynn Camp Prong Cascades where you’ll pause for a picnic lunch. A final push onward through the river valley takes you to the tranquillity of Indian Flats Falls, where there’ll be time for photos before you make your way back to the trailhead.

Included Activities:
-Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Open air camp style hot breakfast - Townsend
-Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades of Cove historic district visit
-Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Waterfall hike - Townsend

Day 3: Townsend To Asheville

Location: Townsend to Asheville

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Fuel up with a breakfast at a local family-owned restaurant before tackling the first of today’s two hikes. Head to the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, which offers rushing mountain streams and glimpses of old-growth forest on your way to the picturesque Grotto Falls. Follow the trail behind the torrents of tumbling water for a great photo opportunity! Lunch will take place alongside the Little Pigeon River, and the afternoon’s hike involves chasing two more waterfalls – Midnight Hole Falls and Mouse Creek Falls. Once you’ve finished the hike, a short shuttle ride will take you back to Asheville where local farm-to-table cuisine awaits.

Included Activities:
-Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Pioneer Cabins and Grotto Falls hike - Asheville
-Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Midnight Hole Falls & Mouse Creek Falls hike - Asheville
-Shuttle to Asheville.

Day 4: Asheville

Location: Asheville

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

From your new base in Asheville, you’ll head east to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. On the way, stop by the Pisgah National Forest and the Linville Falls Visitor Center. A short hike will take you through multiple viewpoints of the captivating falls – the area well and truly earns its Cherokee name of ‘the river of many cliffs’! You’ll then drive to your second hike, which’ll see you reach the top of Table Rock Mountain. At the distinctive peak there’ll be spectacular views back over the Linville Gorge, whose natural treasures you spent the morning discovering. If time allows, a final hike will take you to the fairytale-like waterfall at Crabtree Meadows, before the Blue Ridge Parkway offers more awe-inspiring Appalachian views on the drive home

Included Activities:
-Blue Ridge Mountains - Linville Falls Viewpoints Hike
-Blue Ridge Mountains - Table Rock Mountain Hike

Day 5: Asheville

Location: Asheville

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

It’s the last day but it certainly won’t be the least, as it’ll see you summit the iconic Looking Glass Rock. Rising above the lush forest below, the curved outcrops may look impossible to climb – but a hiking trail will provide a clear path. The summit will reward you with stunning, sweeping views back across rolling green hills, which you’ll have plenty of time to ponder as you have a picnic lunch. After leaving Looking Glass Rock, you’ll drive to Looking Glass Falls which itself looks plucked from a painting. Then head back along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville, where you adventure will end on arrival.

Included Activities:
-Pisgah National Forest - Looking Glass Rock hike - Asheville
-Pisgah National Forest - Looking Glass Falls visit - Asheville
-Asheville - Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drive

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    No

  • Fully Guided

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Shuttle from Asheville to Townsend

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Mountain Farm Museum visit - Townsend

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Appalachian Trail hike

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Highest Point visit - Townsend

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Open air camp style hot breakfast - Townsend

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades of Cove historic district visit

show more

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Transport

  • AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADA
  • We recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers.

Accommodation

  • Experience some of America’s best national parks in style on an inn based tour with cosy accommodation and restaurant meals to look forward to each night. Inn based tours include transportation, lodging, meals, park entrance fees, and a professional hiking guide.

Important Information

  • 1. A completed registration form is required to join these trips. You will not be confirmed for the trip until your form has been received and reviewed. We may ask for a medical release signed by your physician for medical conditions or circumstances which could possibly compromise your safety or the safety of others on this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
  • 3. A signed disclaimer (Acknowledgement of Risks Form) is required at the time of booking for this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
  • 4. To help ensure this trip is right for you, this trip is subject to additional ‘Essential Eligibility Requirements’ – see the ‘Itinerary Disclaimer’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.
  • 5.This trip is operated and run by Wildland Trekking, an Intrepid company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Wildland Trekking customers and Intrepid customers.
  • 6. You will meet your guide and group at the Holiday Inn in downtown Asheville for an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. We’re happy to give you a ride to this meeting if you’re not staying at the Holiday Inn. Your guide will then pick you up the next morning for transport to the trailhead. This trip will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM on the last day.
  • 7. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most activities will be challenging.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Is this trip right for you

    This is a walking trip, so a good fitness level will help you enjoy all included walks and activities.

    This trip involves hiking from 6.5 to 8.5 miles (10.5 to 14 km) per day with a total trip distance of 37 miles (60 km). The maximum daily elevation gain/loss is 1650 feet (503 m). Please check the trip itinerary for more details.

    On this trip you'll be required to carry a daypack weighing approximately 8-12 lb (3.5-5.5kg).

    On our final day there is no accommodation included so please plan your departure accordingly, or pre-book a post-tour night.

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes, 12 years old or above

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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I have just completed my first trip with Intrepid to Southern Africa, and I loved every moment of it! We saw so much wildlife, stayed in some beautiful places, and learnt so much about the countries and people in a very short space of time. Our group leader, Admore, was exceptionally organised, coordinating every detail of our packed itinerary and keeping us informed along the way. The recruitment of a local group leader who can share their knowledge and fix the smallest of issues quickly really sets these trips apart, ensuring you feel safe and looked after at all times. I shall be booking my next trip soon!

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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