3-day Backpacking on the Appalachian Trail from Gatlinburg, TN
Join a certified mountain guide for a fun and scenic 3-day hiking adventure along the Appalachian Trail in the astoundingly beautiful Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Group
Appalachians
3 Days
Jul, Aug, Oct
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Enjoy the simply stunning scenery of Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
- Learn about the park's history and ecology from a local guide.
- Meet other hikers each night at the backcountry shelters.
Description
Composed of high peaks, low valleys, meadows, forest and streams, hiking on the Appalachian Trail rightfully should be on every hiker's bucket list.
Join us and backpack through a particularly scenic portion in Smoky Mountain National Park!
After meeting up in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where we will briefly go over our itinerary, we will head right out onto the trail at New Found Gap.
We'll begin our three day adventure by hiking for 5 miles at up about 5,000 feet above sea level, enjoying some fantastic views of the surrounding scenery and vegetation as we go.
On the second day, we will continue ascending and descending along the trail for about 8 to 12 miles, getting more great views and learning a bit about the storied culture of this part of the country. We'll finish the day in one of the most remote sections of the entire national park.
On our third and final day, we will hike for about 6 to 10 miles through this remote part of the park, before descending into a valley with pristine streams, learning a bit about the region's ecology as we go.
At the end of our hike, a shuttle bus will pick us up and take us back to Gatlinburg where we will say goodbye.
So what are you waiting for? Book now for this incredibly fun and scenic 3-day hiking experience on the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Price details
- Price also includes: sleeping bags
Itinerary
Day 1: ~5 Miles
We will begin ourtrip in Gatlinburg, TN with a pre-trip orientation and pack up. We will then take a shuttle to the New Found Gapwhere we will begin our journey. Over the course of the day we will hike approximately 5 miles before settling into a backcountry lodge for the evening.
Day 2: ~8-12 Miles
After enjoying a filling breakfast, we set out into a remote section of the trail where we will get a taste of the mountains. After approximately 8-12 miles of hiking, we will arrive at shelter number 2,
and enjoy a well-deserved dinner before falling asleep in near-solitude.
Day 3: ~6-10 Miles
On our last day on the trail will continue along the remote sections before we descend into the valleys with streams that are crystal clear. Over approximately 6-10 miles of hiking, we will learn about the diverse ecosystems that exist at a varietyof elevation zones. We will end our hike by meeting our shuttle thatwill bring us back to Gatlinburg, TN.
Details
Disclaimer
These trips are very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and mind as well as willing and adventurous attitude! These are the wilds of the Smoky Mountains! A relatively unpredictable and remote environment! You will be carrying about a 30 lb. pack over hilly, rocky, and sometimes wet and slick terrain. The weather can and will change quickly.
Meeting point
FAQs
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
The altitude gain is 2,025 m.
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
You need to have a good physical condition to take this tour.
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
Accommodation and meals are included in the price of this trek.
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
The best time of the year for this hike is on July, August, and October.
Can I join a group?
Yes, you can join a group.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is in Gatlinburg, TN.
What is the average weight on my backpack?
30 pound or 15 kilos approximately.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
What people are saying about Smoky
Larry
Camping was a wonderful adventure. The professionalism by David was outstanding. His knowledge and understanding of trails we took; his knowledge of the history were educational; and the help in hiking and his ability to physically aid me when I needed help got me through this hike was paramount in my ability in making it through.
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