Multi-day backpacking on the Appalachian Trail from Gatlinburg, TN (4 days)
Come with the certified guides of Smoky Mountain Guides on a four-day adventure along the illustrious Appalachian Trail and discover the history and mystique of an iconic trek on a guided hiking program from Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Group
Appalachians
4 Days
Jun, Aug, Oct
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Learn about a classic American hiking route and its history.
- Take on the highest part of the Appalachian Trail and its evocative views.
- Enjoy four days of serious trekking for an exciting and rewarding trip.
- Immerse yourself on the Appalachian Trail for complete wilderness enrichment.
Description
Conquer the Great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian Trail on a rugged hiking program from Gatlinburg, Tennessee! This guided trip in the heart of the Appalachians boasts remarkable scenery, captivating flora and fauna, and a bucket list-worthy hiking experience that is a symbol of the American wilderness!
Located in the Appalachian Mountain of the Eastern United States, the Appalachian Trail has long been a dreamy objective for serious hikers and intrepid trekkers across the globe. The trail itself is 2,200 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.
Your program will put you in the middle of this beautiful wilderness, exposing you to the highest part of the trail – the Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet – and the fertile valleys that surround it. Beginning from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you can expect to see some of the trail’s most incredible scenery over the course of a wonderful four-day program.
Your hike begins early from Gatlinburg and heads right to the top, unleashing awe-inspiring views of Clingmans Dome right from the start. From there, we will hike up and down through the intriguing mountains, admiring foliage, learning about Appalachian history and culture, and keeping our eyes peeled for compelling wildlife.
Our nights are spent in backcountry shelters, where we will recap our days’ adventures with a meal and friendly stories. Mornings will start from the trail, giving you uninterrupted access to the Appalachian Trail and all of its glory.
We have your logistics covered, so you just need to bring a positive attitude and a passion for the region. We will cover up 12 miles in a day, so you should be physically fit and mentally prepared for a sustained four-day journey.
Book this unforgettable four-day backpacking trip from Gatlinburg NOW and experience one of the most rewarding portions of the Appalachian Trail and an iconic United States mountain range!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transportation start and back
- Permit and entrance fees
- Mountain guide expenses
- Tents
- Cooking utensils
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Snacks
- Clean drinkable water
Price details
- WHAT'S INCLUDED
- All group gear: AT shelters, group tarp, all cooking equipment & eating utensils
- Safety Equipment: phone, maps, GPS, and medical kit
- Trekking poles
- Roundtrip transportation from Gatlinburg to GSMNP
- Professional guide service with wilderness medicine certification
- All meals & snacks from lunch on day one through lunch on the final day of the itinerary
- Storage for your extra travel items while in the field
- High quality backpacks & sleeping bags
- What’s not included:
- Lodging in Gatlinburg prior to and after your adventure
- Personal gear (rain gear, etc.)
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Additional hotel nights
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide gratuities
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1
After our trip orientation and gear check in Gatlinburg, we will head to the highest point of the GSMNP accessible by road and begin our trek. We will start the Appalachian Trail at its highest point – 6,643 feet – with incredible views of Clingmans Dome. We will head to the shelter camp for the evening, getting accustomed to our gear along the way.
Roughly five miles of hiking.
Day 2: Day 2
Our second day is full of peaks, with awe-inspiring views from both ascents and descents. While making our way along the trail, we will learn about the region and its various uses to settlers and native communities.
Roughly eight to twelve miles of hiking.
Day 3: Day 3
This craggy section of the Appalachian Trail will reward us with phenomenal views of Fontana Lake. Arguably the most challenging part of the trek, it is an exhilarating experience that is sure to leave an impression on all hikers.
Roughly six to ten miles of hiking.
Day 4: Day 4
Descending into a lush valley to culminate our journey, you will discover the rich history of farming that defines the area. After a light lunch of sandwiches and fruit, we will shuttle back to Gatlinburg.
Roughly six to ten hours of hiking.
Details
More info
A minimum of three (3) participants are required to guarantee departure. Some recommended items include, but are not limited to: - Hiking boots - Hiking backpack (unless provided by the guide) - Sun protection (sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, hat) - Camera - Personal snacks - Personal medication - Personal toiletries - Water bottles - Cotton-free clothing - Base-layer tops and bottoms - Weather-proof tops and bottoms - Long pants - Multiple pairs of socks
Meeting point
What people are saying about this trip
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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