Vacation Overview
Tour Details
Misty ridgelines, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forests await in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, listed by UNESCO for its rich ecology and natural beauty. Hike beneath towering spruce along sections of the iconic Appalachian Trail, where breathtaking views stretch across layers of blue-hued peaks. Your expert guides uncover the region's past, from Cherokee origins to moonshine caves and Civil War roads. Soar across the treetops on a thrilling mountain zipline, then feel the rush of whitewater rafting down the Nantahala River's Class II and III rapids. After each exhilarating day, return to your private camp to enjoy hearty meals and the warmth of a crackling campfire.
Highlights:- Hike along the Appalachian Trail and see the blue ridges of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Raft Nantahala River's Class II and III rapids and zipline through the Smoky Mountains
- Spend evenings around the campfire under the stars with delicious meals prepared by your guide
Important Trip Details: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. 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-IV whitewater.
Minimum Age: 18
Daily Itinerary
MT Sobek: Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains Multi-Adventure
Day 1 Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1.5-hour private van transfer
5.4 miles/2-3 hours hiking with 800' elevation gain and loss
Meet your guides and fellow traveling companions this morning in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. After introductions and trip orientation, hop aboard the provided shuttle for a quick transfer to the first trailhead. The Cucumber Gap Loop, following an old logging railroad past historic homesteads and enchanting waterfalls, is a perfect introduction to the rich biodiversity, beautiful landscapes, and colorful history of the Great Smoky Mountains. At the end of the day, your friendly camp host welcomes you to our camp where you'll enjoy a barbecue dinner around a roaring campfire and fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp - Great Smoky Mountains
(B, L, D)
Day 2 Summit Mount Cammerer & Hike on the Appalachian Trail
1-hour private van transfer
11 miles/6 hours hiking with 3,000' elevation gain and loss
After a tasty backcountry breakfast, transfer to Low Gap Trailhead for an out-and-back hike to the summit of Mount Cammerer (4,928'). Climb 2,000 feet up a series of switchbacks before joining the Appalachian Trail. Follow the white blazes on the trees, just as intrepid through-hikers have on the full 2,200-mile route from Springer Mountain, GA, to Mount Katahdin, ME. Your expert MT Sobek guides will share some of those hikers' stories as you hike through beautiful hardwood forest. Your reward is the summit of Mount Cammerer, where you'll be treated to 360-degree views of the majestic Smoky Mountains. Descend and return to your comfortable camp and another scrumptious dinner to round out the day.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp - Great Smoky Mountains
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike through Ancient Forest to Smoky Mountain Views
2-hour private van transfer
4.5-6 miles/2-3 hours hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and loss
Today's hike traces another stretch of the Appalachian Trail in the heart of the park, where it straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. Follow a path along a burbling mountain stream through an old growth spruce-fir forest as you climb to one of the trail's prettiest views, where you can look out over a sea of misty blue ridges stretching into the horizon. Along the way, your guides share stories of Cherokee heritage and perhaps you'll get a glimpse of Kuwohi, the park's tallest mountain and a sacred place for the tribe. After a rewarding hike, return to camp for a tasty meal around a roaring campfire. Spend the final evening together sharing stories and reflecting on your last few days of adventure.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Zipline through the Mountains, Raft the Nantahala River & Depart
3.5-hour private van transfer
2 miles ziplining; 8 miles rafting
Enjoy a morning drive to the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River. After three days of exploring on foot, now you'll take to the air to experience the park from above. Soar mountaintop to mountaintop along two adrenaline pumping miles of zipline over the Nantahala River Gorge under the watchful eyes of professional guides. Don't miss the 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then, load into whitewater rafts to enjoy a fun, Class II and III ride down the scenic Nantahala River. When you're not enjoying the thrills of the splashy rapids, calmer sections allow time to soak in the scenery. Later, make your way back to Gatlinburg for flights home or onward adventures.
(B, L)