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We provide everything except clothing, footwear, rain gear, personal items, and a couple small gear items. Note: if you'd like to do a standard backpacking trip but prefer not to carry the gear, we offer porter services for $225 per porter per day. Grand Canyon National Park does not guarantee dates for backpacking trips until they issue permits through a lottery system.
To put in for a permit we must have at least one registered guest, so we encourage you to register before the permit process, and we offer a 5% early registration discount for doing so. Finally, we ask you for a range of backup dates and itineraries in case your first choice isn't available.
Escape the crowds and explore the depths of the Grand Canyon on one of our expert-led, all-inclusive Grand Canyon backpacking trips!
Backpack into the amazing Red Rock canyons surrounding the world-famous town of Sedona, Arizona! The Grand Staircase-Escalante comprises a massive amount of Southern Utah's pristine canyon country with spring-fed creeks, waterfalls, arches, slickrock, and more! Discover Yellowstone's pristine backcountry geysers, thermals, waterfalls, and wildlife on a Yellowstone backpacking adventure!
Experience the backpacker's paradise that is the Wind River Range, Jackson Hole Area and the Wyoming Range, all in Northern Wyoming and near Yellowstone! Hike among Yosemite's massive granite domes, giant trees, glacial-carved valleys, and thundering waterfalls on one of our Yosemite National Park backpacking trips!
South of Yosemite lie two of California's most impressive national parks: Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
Hike on the Continental Divide along the spine of the Rocky Mountains on one of our exciting, expert-led Rocky Mountain National Park backpacking trips!
Spend days hiking through lush mountains with profound history, incredible biodiversity, stunning beauty, peaceful camping and panoramic views!
Experience the heart of the Appalachians on a backpacking trip in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests outside Asheville, North Carolina. Experience the adventurous backcountry of America's national parks and wilderness areas with the added joy of hiking with only a light day pack! Our basecamp tours are adventurous hiking trips that take you deep into the wilderness on challenging day hikes and return you to a comfortable, vehicle-accessible camp each afternoon for showers and exceptional meals around a campfire!
Wea€™ve put together a collection of photography tours that will take you to some of the most photogenic hiking destinations in North America!
Make the most of your day at the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite or Rocky Mountain National Park on a guided day hike! Corporate SERVICESSMG designs all-inclusive corporate retreats in Gatlinburg, TN and throughout the Southeast. I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, producer of this blog, and passionate about hiking.
Great Smoky Mountains guided hiking tours include overnight backpacking trips, inn-based tours, and day hikes. There are dozens of streams in the Smokies and most of them are home to Rainbow, Brook and Brown trout. Some of the lower elevation streams even hold smallmouth bass. On our guided fly-fishing trips in the Smokies you can do a half-day, ? day or a full day trip. All of these trips are wade trips and we provide all the necessary gear for a day in the Smokies. If you would like to book your fly fishing trip in the Smokies just send an email or call and speak to one of our friendly staff and we will be glad to help you plan your trip.
Use the convenient form below to book a trip or inquire about our services and one of our employees will contact you in less than 24 hours to confirm the trip. In the message line list the type of trip, length, number of anglers and the date of the trip. With over 9 million visitors each year The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is the most visited National Park in the country. Many visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains may be also be surprised to learn that the Great Smoky Mountain is considered one of the most biodiverse places in the country with a wealth of flora and fauna (over 16,000 species of flowering plant and 66 species of mammal). In fact the Great Smoky Mountains is so unique in that a hiker an experience three different climate zones all in one hike, replete with different flora and fauna in each zone.
Appalachian Cove forest on Baxter Creek Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Miguel.v - Own work. In order to help guests to the area further enjoy and appreciate the astounding park, we've created the ultimate "Insider's Hiking Guide" to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We started by asking our experts why they love hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Brad Dodson, member of the Smoky Mountain 900 Milers (a select group of Smoky Mountain hikers who have traversed every single trail in the park), explains: "I've hiked in national parks all over the country, but I really enjoy the variety of terrain her in the GSMNP. Ben Lethco Manager of Nantahala Outdoor Center-Gatlinburg describes, "One of the key features of why we love the GSMNP is the diversity of the park.
As Greg Rowe, co-owner of Little River Trading Company in Maryville, Tennessee explains: "The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has beautiful views. Accessed from the Big Creek parking area just past the ranger station, hikers will enjoy following much of this beautiful creek as they wind up the trail on this hike. At just over two miles hikers will notice a short side trail on the left that leads to Mouse Creek Falls.
This trail has a little bit of everything, boasting three waterfalls, wildflowers, and a lot of history.
According to Jeff Doran, Smoking Mountain Hiking Guru and founder of the comprehensive site a€?Hiking in the Smokies, "Middle Prong trail is his favorite hike for waterfall viewing in the park. In addition hikers will also enjoy the history and wildflowers encountered along this trail. After hiking nearly half a mile hikers will encounter the 35 foot, multi-tiered waterfalls, Lower Lynn Camp Falls. Near the two mile mark just off the side of the trail the remains of an old rusted Cadillac are pressed into the ground.
This hike is also a recommended "WildFlower Walk" by the GSMNP and during the spring and early summer hikers may view a plethora of vibrant wildflowers such as foamflower, toothwort, violets, wood sorrel, and trilliums first two miles.
The trail to these beautiful falls is actually accessed via the Historic Nature trail that starts at traffic light 8 in downtown Gatlinburg. After starting at the trailhead off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, hikers will experience a steady climb through boulder fields for the first part of the hike.
Hikers can venture close to the base of the falls, but the park highly cautions people to be wary of the slippery and mossy rocks located under the falls. Located in the Greenbrier section of the park, this trail is strenuous but it is worth the hike. Hikers begin this trail follow the remains of an old gravel road for the for 1.5 miles that will eventually turn into a more narrow path.
The trail follows Ramsey Prong of the Little Pigeon River, so hikers can enjoy the babbling rivers and streams en route to their destination. While Abrams Falls is not the highest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, reaching only 20 feet high, it is one of the more prolific in the park. Named after a Cherokee Chief who's village was once located a few miles from these falls, this trail can be accessed via the Cades Cove Loop road. They will then meander down the trail that follows Abrams Creek, that they crossed to get here working there way through ridges of pine-oak forest and hemlock and rhododendron forest closer to the creek. Best known for the flame azaleas that bloom on it's summit during June, this hike also offers superb panoramic vistas. Hikers will traverse through rhododendron tunnels, through some small grassy meadows, and hike on the Appalachian trail and among beautiful Mountain Laurel in June. Hikers will pass through a spruce fir forest, typical of this elevation in the park, and travel up and join with the Appalachian Trail briefly before turning toward the bald.
A perfect place to have a picnic and relish your rugged climb, Andrew's bald features several acres of open grassy meadow. Due to the heave use of this trail The combination of heavy use, abundant rainfall, and steep terrain had turned the Chimney Tops Trail into a badly eroded obstacle course of slick, broken rock, exposed tree roots, and mud.
During the spring and summer hikers will enjoy various wildflowers Many portions of this hike are at or near 6,000 feet, the highest points in the park, previewing the way and excellent views Mt. Ben Lethco Manager of NOC-Gatlinburg notes, "Charlies Bunion is a great hike with great views. This trail take a bit more effort to access than other trails, since you must use an short access trail and walk on a short bit of the Appalachian trail to reach Sugarland Mountain Trail, making it harder to find.
To begin this hike, use the short access trail across the road from the Fork Ridge Trail parking area.
This trail will have a little less traffic than others in the park because hikers must drive and accesses it in the more remote Cataloochee valley. This trail can be accessed in near the Cataloochee campground in Cataloochee section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This hike beings on the from the Caldwell Fork Trailhead where hikers will first cross a long footbridge over Palmer Creek, and this is just the start, this hike will include 14 footbridge crossings in all.
Not only will hikers have the thrill of hiking through dense old growth forest hike, along and across mountain streams, but they will also encounter the Robert Palmer home site-whose nickname was "Boogerman," for whom the trail was named after. This hike begins in the parking area for Mingus Mill near the Oconaluftee Visitors Center just outside on the Cherokee side of the park.
For seasoned hikers that are really seeking to push their limits, these hikes are considered some of the most taxing and rugged in the park. Considered by many to be one the toughest trails in the park and certainly the most rugged way to summit Mount Sterling, this hike is a definite endurance test. Hikers will pass through old growth forests in lower elevations and climb up through Balsam and Spruce forests at higher elevations. Upon climbing this tower hikers are rewarded for their valiant efforts with the stunning views that can be seen from this tower. This hike begins at the Alum Cave Trailhead where hikers will traverse a little under 1 and half before reaching Arch Rock.
After reaching the Appalachian Trail hikers will turn left to walk towards and cross a grassy ridge overlooking Cosby Valley.
Here hikers can delight in the amazing panoramic views of the Pigeon River Gorge and beyond with Mountains in all directions. For hikers seeking a bit of a historical experience this lesser known trail is a great hike through some old homesteads.
Just after starting this hike you will encounter the stone ruins of an old fence left behind by some of the first homesteaders in the area. Some of the wildflowers that can be viewed along this trail in the spring include: Canadian Violets, False Solomon's Seal, Yellow Trillium, Purple Phacelia, Crested Dwarf Iris, Dog Hobble, Dogwood, Trillium Erect, Wild Ginger, Yellow Mandarin, Bishop Caps, Foam Flower, Blue Cohosh, Squirrel Corn, Silver Bell, and more. Photo credits This is an easy, 3 mile round trip hike that starts at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, two miles north of Cherokee. Hikers will also enjoy walking through the dense and picturesque forest among numerous trees such as: Eastern hemlock, yellow buckeye, Eastern sycamore, white basswood, flowering dogwood, and tuliptrees. This trail is also a favorite spot to view more than 40 species of wildflowers in the spring.
Photo credits This beautiful trail winds up beside the babbling waters of Porters Creek in the Greenbrier area of the park. Located off 321 this trail can be accessed by turning right into Greenbrier near the town of Pittman Center outside of Gatlinburg. Some vacationers may be hesitant to plunge into the deep forests of the Great Smoky Mountains without a seasoned expert in the backcountry, while others are just looking to learn more about the history and flora and fauna found on certain hikes.
A Walk in the Woods is the only full-range nature guide service in the Smoky Mountain area. This guide service has continually garnered fame and awards for their superb skills in guiding and customer satisfaction. Hikers choosing to book a guided hike with A Walk in the Woods will experience much more than an interpretative hike, they will walk through history, understand the immense park from a whole new angles.
Founded in 1972 as rafting company in the beautiful Nantahala Gorge, the Nantahala Outdoor Center is considered the premier rafting company of the southeast.
This 18,000 square foot flagship store is strategically located just outside the downtown Gatlinburg entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The NOC-Gatlinburg offers everything visitors need to enjoy the park from essential outdoor gear and apparel to guided trips, signature gifts and more.
Not only does the NOC-Gatlinburg provide a wealth of tangible products and gear for customers and guests to the park, but they also feature a skillful set of human resources.
Located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, The Day Hiker is dedicated to gearing hikers up to enjoy the great outdoors in the national park.
Owner Joseph Guenther, has spent over a decade traversing the different trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The store really strives to help hikers best prepare themselves for or the optimal day hike experience in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. In accordance with their mission Joseph and his store The Day Hiker aim to equip visitors o the park with the best gear necessary, especially vacations that are only in the area for a short amount of time, "But we also knew that many of these hikers were on vacation and this would be the only time they would be hiking so why invest any money in expensive gear that would be used one time. Joseph also offers sage advice for first time hikers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, "Hiking into the back county of GSMNP should be both exhilarating and meditative, but it should never be dangerous by our own lack of planning with basic provisions.
In addition Joseph advises hikers, "Know your own physical limitations and those of your group.
The Day Hiker and it's owner is truly dedicated to helping prepare every visitor to the park have a truly memorable experience. Located in Maryville, Tennessee this outfitter is just up the road from the Townsend side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Little River Trading Company features everything you need to take advantage of the grand natural wonders that lie just beyond the doors of this outfitter. Opened in the spring of 1996 the Little River Trading Company moved to a newer, bigger location in June of 1999. Little River Trading Company employs a skillful set of outdoor enthusiasts eager to help guests explore the store and find just what they need. Little River Trading Company is also committed to stewardship, preserving and conserving taking care of the abundant and beautiful natural resources that abound in East Tennessee. River Sports Outfitters carries the best in outdoor industry brands with a focus on these core brands: Vibram FiveFingers, Mountain Hardwear, Montrail, Chaco, Keen, Patagonia, Asolo, Arc'teryx and Marmot.
Not only does River Sports Outfitters have the best product to prepare you for your venture, but they have a slew of experienced and passionate staff. Customers can shop in person at their Sutherland Avenue location in Knoxville or access their incredible online catalog to pursue gear and brands to order before a hike. River Sports Outfitters also does an incredible job of promoting local outdoor events in and around the Knoxville area. One of the oldest outdoor gear stores on the east coast, Blue Ridge Mountain Sports started in 1972. Blue Ridge Mountain Sports offers the best in top outdoor brands such as The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Keen, PETZL, MSR, and CamelBak, to name a few. Not only does Blue Ridge Mountain Sports carry a wealth of outdoor gear, apparel and clothing resources for top outdoor brands, but they have a select group of staff dedicated to educating and helping guests on their outdoor journey.
Blue Ridge Mountain Sports is familiar and adept with preparing hikers for their adventures into the Great Smoky Mountains and Beyond.
Blue Ridge Mountain Sports is committed to serving as both an education and gear resource to help everyone enjoy the Great Outdoors. As Jeff Doran, hiking guru and author of Hiking in the Smokies advises, "As another tip I would recommend that people bring at least some very basic gear with them. Brad Dodson, Smoky Mountain 900 miler, notes: "Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, remember to get low if it starts lightning real hard. As Ed McAlister owner of River Mountain Sports cautions, "Remember you are hiking in a wilderness area and many of the trails are remote and few people.
The right hiking shoes and boots not only provide the appropriate foot support for the hike, but they can help in slippery conditions, and keep your feet dry. As Manager Caroline Haynes advises, "Try on your hiking boots and try on a variety see what is right for your foot. Ben Lethco Manager of the NOC-Gatlinburg adds, "A good pair of trail shoes is a must for hiking. A pair of merino-wool or synthetic socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Ben Lethco Manager of the NOC-Gatlinburg notes, "If there is one item that we do not recommend is a pair of cotton socks. As Brad continues, "You always want to be prepared for the dark in case your hike takes longer than you anticipated or you get off trail. With one of the highest concentrations of black bears in the Eastern United States, 1,500 bears live in the park (a population density of approximately two bears per square mile.) bears abound in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though it's tempting to want to get close and grab that Instagram moment or share your lunch, it's actually the worst thing you can do. In fact it's actually illegal to willfully approach a bear, so unless you planned for a mug shot photo opt on your vacation, really think twice before walking towards a bear.
Though some vacationers don't mind seeing a bear from the safety of their car, most would prefer to avoid a bear encounter while on a hike in the forests of the park. Throw away all garbage or food scraps in bear proof garbage containers or take it with you. If you see another visitor breaking these rules help the park out by calling (865) 436-1230 or stop at a Visitor Center to report it. Stay and Play in the Smokies email is your Western North Carolina connection to vacation planning tips, valuable regional information and fresh-from-the-area insights. Download PDFs of our preplanned trips, tips and advice for visiting Western North Carolina.
Enjoy solitude and adventure as you embark on a self-sufficient journey deep into America's most stunning wild areas.
All the gear we provide (backpacks, tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, trekking poles, cooking gear) is top-of-the-line.
We apply for permits 4 months in advance on the first of the month (see table below for specific dates) and know the exact dates by mid month. We have a good success rate with securing permits, but if unsuccessful we offer a full transfer or refund of your deposit ($250 per person). It's best if your backup dates are as broad as possible, and they do not have to match up with website dates.
Experience stunning scenery, remote canyon country, spring-fed creeks, and star-lit night skies! Northeast of Grand Canyon National Park is Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch - a world class backpacking adventure!
Let porters, llamas or pack mules carry the gear so you can maximize your enjoyment while hiking and enjoy more elaborate backcountry meals! Join us for an unforgettable hiking vacation featuring a variety of adventurous forays into the wilderness each day with cozy lodging and charming restaurant meals each night.
Each of our photography tours is led by professional photographer and wilderness guide, Russ Nordstrand, and features workshop style photography instruction right where the action is.
Learn about the amazing natural and cultural history of the area, enjoy the peace of mind that results from hiking with a local expert, let us take care of the gear and food, and hear amazing stories that have taken place in the Park. Use the Contact Form to send me your complete postal mailing address, and I will get one out to you right away.
For a safer, faster, more enjoyable user experience, please update your browser today or try a newer browser. These ancient mountains, some of the oldest in the world, continue to attract vacationers from all over the country and the world. The numerous types of ecosystems that house these plants and animals is encompassed all within this one park.
Therefore, visitors really have the opportunity to experience the beauty, natural wonders, and biodiversity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park best through hiking.
Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia CommonsWhile many visitors come to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to experience the wonder of these majestic mountains and awe-inspiring setting, very few even scrape the surface of the numerous hiking trails that plunge up, into, and cross this immense park.
Visitors can use this guide to choose from an array of outdoor experiences, whether it be viewing a waterfall or hiking to a mountain bald to experiencing a panoramic mountain vista, this guide has it all. This wide trail follows a former railroad grade used to carry out lumber during the logging boom that predominated this area in the early 1900s. At nearly a mile and half hikers will come upon a beautiful deep pool known as Midnight Hole. As he notes, "Hands down the Middle Prong Trail is the best waterfall hike in the Smokies, at least from my perspective. Beginning at the end of Tremont Road near the Townsend "Y." Just near the trailhead for this hike, hikers will notice the remains of the former lumber camp known as Tremont. This rushing layered falls are really spectacular and are especially resplendent after wetter weeks. Just past the three mile maker hikers will see the pass a chimney from an old homestead on the left side of the trail. As Ben Lethco, Manager NOC-Gatlinburg, describes "This is a moderate 5.5 mile roundtrip hike showcases one of the nicest waterfalls in the park. From here hikers will begin to enter one of the few old growth forest remaining in the park, untouched by the logging boom in the early 20th century. The trail culminates at Ramsey Cascades that flows over rock outcroppings from 100 feet high.
Hikers will begin their hike at the back of the grassy field just past stop #10 on Cades Cove Loop road.
Here hikers bask in the rushing waters and luminous water pooled at the bottom of this rushing cascade. With over 3,000 feet of elevation gain this hike is also rated strenuous, so it's not for the faint of heart. Leaving from Clingman's Dome parking lot (the highest point in the park) Hikers will travel 1.7 with ,only a 900 foot elevation gain compared to the other more strenuous balds, along the Forney Ridge Trail. Balds such as Andrew's Bald and Gregory Bald are known as high elevation grassy meadows, and are just a few of the grassy meadows maintained by the national park service. Visitors can see the twin peaks of these rare rock features while winding up Newfound Gap Road. During the summer months hikers will experience rhododendron, mountain laurel and many other wildflowers along this part of the trail, the rest of the trail is a very steep climb. As Brad Dodson Smokey Mountain 900 miler describes, "If you want to get away from the crowds this trail is really incredible. While many people drive down Clingman's Dome Road to access the highest point in the park, you will stop mid-way down this road to begin scouting out the access point to the Sugarland Mountain trail. Once you reach the Appalachian Trail turn left and in less than one-third of a mile you will come up the Sugarland Mountain Trail.
This trail will continue to climb, and at the high elevations of almost 6,000 feet, you will really get to experience some incredible views as you traverse this spine of the Smokies. None the less, this hike is worth the drive it takes to reach the trailhead and the time you spend traversing. Hikers will continue through lush rhododendron and Hemlock forest for 8 tenths of a mile to reach the junction with Boogerman Trail. In addition, hikers will come upon a 70-80 foot long stone wall that was a part of the Carson Messer homestead. While many vacationers come to visit the mill few take the time to traverse these trail, meaning hikers will likely encounter less traffic on this trail than others in the park. Hikers will enjoy hiking in the serene setting of this dense forest among thick rhododendron. From this high elevation and even higher look out tower surrounding mountains such Balsam Mountain, Mount Guyot can bee seen when it is clear. The trail actually moves under the arch with where hikers will traverse very cool natural steps cut into the stone. At just over 5 miles the Alum Cave Trail ends at the junction with Rainbow Falls Trail, hikers will turn right and come upon the famous Mt.
Finally, hikers will endure the final push on the spur trail that leads up to Mt Cammerer summit.
These views can be enjoyed on the deck of a restored octagonal fire tower that sits atop Mt. Easily accessed just outside Gatlinburg near the Sugarlands Visitor Center this hike this moderate trail gets you in the woods and gives you a great chance to enjoy wildflowers in the spring. This trail is so popular for wildflower viewing that it is in fact a part of the Great Smoky Mountains Association's annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage Tour that takes place every April in the National Park. So after enjoying a moderate climb, the dense forest, and hopefully some flowers (if you are here the right time of year) hikers will reach their destination after 2.1 miles at this junction then turn and head back.
This trail is one of the most popular trails in the park for a reason, not only is it paved, but the hike culminates at the 80-foot high Laurel Falls. Named for the abundant Mountain Laurel that grows in the Great Smoky Mountain region, the falls are actually divided into an upper and lower section divided by a walkway over the stream.
This rolling hike is great for families as it is a wide path that travels beside the rushing Oconaluftee River. Some of the most popular wildflowers viewed along this trail, are a variety of trillium and violets, jack-in-the-pulpit, squirrel corn, stonecrop and May apple can be viewed along this trail. Hikers will travel down this road as it turns into gravel and past a junction to the trailhead.
Hikers will travel through a thick forest with abundant foliage and moss covered rocks so popular in stream pictures of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Located in the Greenbriar area of the park hikers can do this moderate 4 mile roundtrip hike and see a plethora of wildflowers such as find yellow trillium, toothwort, wild geranium, May-apple, dwarf ginseng, blue phlox, baneberry, foam flower, halberd-leaved violets, woodland bluets and Jack-in-the-pulpits. But as Vesna explains a guide can really give you a whole new spin on the area and inside peek that would otherwise be more challenging to find.
As Vesna describes, "In 2012, we were given the Top Guide award through REI Adventures, the only guide service in the entire Eastern US to have ever received this prestigious award.
As Terry concludes, " All of our guides are not only naturalists, they are storytellers, educators and are all great with people. With swinging rope bridge, kid-friendly bear cave, giant fireplace and climbing wall, families could spend an entire afternoon exploring the store.
As Manager Ben Lethco notes, "We sell products from Columbia, Keen, Chaco, Osprey, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Deuter, just to name a few.
As Ben explains, "To go along with the products that we sell, our staff provides the knowledge and the guidance to help you find the best fit for the products so your hikes are more fun and enjoyable. Carrying a variety of day hiking items, camping novelties, and outdoor gifts, this store is unique and for hikers planning their trip itinerary even before their arrival, The Day Hiker also features an online catalogue and store.
That is when we came up with the idea of an inexpensive hiking outfitter where tourists could buy backpacks, water carriers, etc.
As Joseph concludes, "But most of all disconnect your electronic devices and take in the natural surrounding of the national park to reconnect with the natural world. This store was open by two friends, avid hikers in the park, who left the corporate world seeking to do "what they loved." Little River Trading Company was born of a passion and peace found in the outdoors. Curing this move they went into partnership with Tim Patterson to expand their store and add Cycology Bicycles a newly built building directed attached to the storea€™s current location.
This quality group of local outdoor experts, naturalists, are passionate about the outdoors and committed to customer service. This company really puts their money where their mouth is, so customers can not only get excited about the quality products they are purchasing, but feel good about the company it supports and their genuine efforts to lead in responsible ways.
In addition Blue Ridge Mountain Sports has an incredible online store featuring copious name brand and top industry products so you can gear up before you even leave on your vacation. As Manager Caroline Haynes describes, "We hold great pride in being an education resource for our customers in addition to a complete outfitter for the outdoors. Be alert for wildlife and yellow jacket and hornets, the most threatening I find to be yellowjackets and hornets." As Brad continues. Always err on the side of caution as to your abilities and never underestimate the weather. As Ben explains, "Wicking Clothes - Just like wicking sock, the clothes can keep you dry and also provide some sun protection.
Specializing in guided float trips and wading trips on the Tuckasegee River, the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest Section and the Little Tennessee River, Hookers Fly Shop and Guide Service can do it all. You'll be carrying everything you need for the trip in a top-of-the-line, fitted backpack we provide.
Trips include all camping gear, meals, a professional hiking guide, and porters, llamas or mules to carry the supplies. Trips include local transportation, camping gear, meals, park entrance fees, and a professional hiking guide.
Learn about the amazing natural and cultural history of the area and challenge yourself on exceptional hikes. Enjoy an exciting combination of hiking and photography, with cozy lodging at night (except on the Havasu Falls Photography Tour) and meals at hand-picked lodges and restaurants. Covering more than 521,000 acres the Great Smoky Mountains National Park features more than 800 miles of hiking trails, including nearly 71 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail. We probed these local hiking gurus to find their favorite hikes, vistas, and sacred spots located within these marvelous mountains. There are so many well documented examples of their culture, examples of a second growth forest and well marked trails. Also, a popular swimming hole in the area, a 6 foot waterfall cascades into this pristine pool between two boulders.
Hikers will delight in the picturesque 45 foot waterfall that pours over ancient mossy rocks.
This community had a post office, hotel, a general store, maintenance sheds, and a community center that also served as a church, school, and movie theater. While many people might think this was a former road, it was in fact an old railroad bed for the Little River Lumber Company.
As hikers trek on they will next come upon Lynn Camp Falls, another superb multi-tiered waterfall. And finally when you pass over the footbridge, at a bit over 4 miles from the trailhead hikers should be on the look out for an unmarked side trail, branching off to the right.
Though rugged and steep in parts, this hike is still popular due to the reward that lies at its destination, the gorgeous falls. Some of the oldest and largest trees in the park can be found in this area and hikers can enjoy walking among large tuliptrees, eastern hemlock, basswoods, silverbells, and yellow birches. However, adventurers seeking an incredible view will find the 11.3 mile (roundtrip) hike well worth their efforts. Hikers are advised to be in good physical shape as hand over foot climbing is necessary in some portions. After turning right from Newfound Gap Road onto Clingmans Dome Road you will a bit over three and half miles until you reach the parking area for the Fork Ridge Trail on your left.
After hiking on the Sugarland Mountain Trail for more than half a mile you will pass the Mt. Described by some as the "Quintessential" Smokies hike, this hike includes the best the Smokies has to offer: Appalachian history, old growth forests, free flowing creeks, wildflowers, and more.
Just past Cataloochee campground hikers will look for the Caldwell Fork trailhead on the left which leads to the Boogerman Trail. From here you can decide to turn left or right, as it is a loop but read more on the website's below to choose your route. Hikers will cross several footbridges along the way, and have the chance to view a historic cemetery at .08 miles, be sure to watch out for the sign. It is well known for it's rugged climbs and famous summit where the famous LeConte Lodge stands as the highest guest Lodge in the Eastern United States. Two miles into this hike, hikers will enjoy inspiration point with excellent views and just a bit further up hikers will enjoy Alum Cave, or actually a concave bluff. LeConte Lodge, but to reach the true summit hikers must soldier on another half a mile to reach the true summit known as High Top. From this point hikers will experience a vigorous uphill climb before reaching the Appalachian Trail after 3 miles. The round-trip distance to the waterfall is approximately 2.6 miles and takes most visitors about two hours to complete. We are consistently in the top 5 attractions from Trip Advisor." In addition, A Walk in the Woods has been featured on Samantha Brown's Travel Channel Program, on National Geographic Globe Trekkers, NBC Nightly News, Backpacker Magazine, Endless Vacation, USA Today, AAA magazine Home and Away, National Geographic Adventurer, Outside Magazine, in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Shape Magazine, Women's Health, Southern Living, and more. We have also devoted 1000 square-feet of the store to The North Face called The North Face Summit Shop. They gladly work with each guest to help select the gear, clothing, apparel that will help them maximize their outdoor experience. Using brown kraft paper reusable gift bags since opening 18 years ago is just one of the ways in which they do this. In addition River Sports Outfitters has two seasonal locations open in Knoxville at Ijams Nature Center and at The Cove. Serving Sylva, Cullowhee, Waynesville, Franklin, Cherokee, Whittier and more, we are the premier Native American owned guide service in WNC.The Local ScoopThese guys know their stuff!
Pack weights vary between 25 and 45 pounds, depending on the area, the duration of the trip, the time of year, and your height and weight. All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch the last day, and your guide will prepare all meals. Trips include local transportation, lodging, meals, park entrance fees and a professional hiking guide. Here's where the locals, longtime Smokies connoisseurs, and naturalists hike, escape and find their Zen. The backpacking is made easy with well distinguished campgrounds, cable for hanging your food and pack, and an abundance water source. This section of the park was logged until 1918, when its owner finally agreed to sell its land to the park. As it's name would suggest the summit-Gregory Bald-features a 10-acre meadow, where you can frolic and gape at the stunning views, and have your own "Sound of Music" moment. Directly across the road from this parking area will be a sign that reads "Appalachian Trail". This hike ends at the junction with Deeplow Gap Trail at 2.9 miles where hikers will turn around to begin their descent back towards the mill. This endurance hike is 11 miles round trip trail and offers both spectacular mountain views and geological marvels, such as Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluffs. This is the spot where Epsom salts were mined during the 1800s and sold to homesteaders who would use it for dying homespun cloth. Just over a mile from the trailhead hikers will cross a footbridge and find a fork in the road.
We also sell pottery and gifts made right here in the Smokies."" In addition to outdoor gear, apparel, and equipment NOC-Gatlinburg carries vacation necessities such as like shoes, sandals, swimsuits, sunglasses, hats, jackets, coats, gloves, or even headphones on a seasonal basis. Please give us a call at 800-715-HIKE (4453) for clarification on any part of this process.
This hike includes stream crossing, old growth forest wildflowersrs in the spring, and of course the amazing bald on top with scenic views of Fontana Lake, Cades Cove and more. This is the access trail that will lead you to the Appalachian Trail, which in a short distance will put you on the Sugarland Mountain Trail. If they choose they can follow the trail to the right that leads to the historic John Messer farm site, which includes a cantilevered barn built in 1875.
