The Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Tour | US Hiking

The Great Smoky Mountains

5 Days & 4 Nights

Revel in spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Savor delicious farm-to-table Appalachian cuisine
Hike through diverse ecosystems to cascading waterfalls
Learn about the fascinating natural and cultural history of the region
Enjoy a fully guided, all-inclusive adventure experience

With your private group of at least four, explore a quintessential slice of the Appalachian Mountains by way of Great Smoky National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hike through a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna en route to numerous waterfalls, and learn about the fascinating cultural and natural history of the area by visiting historical buildings and museums. Summit two prominent points in the range that offer spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forested valleys. Savor delicious local cuisine at farm-to-table restaurants, and relax as your expert guide leads the way on this fully guided adventure.

What To Expect

Travel Restrictions

A group of at least 4 is required to book this trip. If you have more than 4 in your group, please reach out for discounted pricing options. This tour is graded easy to moderate with daily hikes averaging around 7-8 miles. This tour is perfect for those who want to explore the expanse of the Blue Ridge and Great Smokey Mountains by foot and with the flexibility of their own private guide. Hikers should expect treks along dirt trails and varied terrain, and sometimes exposed heights. Trails are well-signed, maintained, and traveled frequently. There is a lot of flexibility on this trip so you can skip any hikes if you prefer or you can ask our expert guide for other various hikes to meet your needs as well. Enjoy staying each night in the charming towns of Townsend and Asheville.

Tour Style:

Private Guided | Alone or with your chosen companion(s), benefit from a private guide throughout most of your tour.

Activity:

Multi Center Walking | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking tour

This trip is suitable for:

Families, Mixed Abilities

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 5 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

National Parks & Trails
Mountains
Alpine Hiking

Inspiration:

Classic

Activity Level & Terrain

This tour is graded easy to moderate, with five days of hiking and a maximum distance of 8 miles. Many of these days have varying distances so you can make the day more challenging if you would like to add miles. Daily hikes average around 6 miles along well-signed and well-traveled trails, regularly monitored and maintained by National Park rangers and staff. The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Navigation

Each hike will be privately guided.

You will be provided with trip specific contact information in addition to 24/7 telephone support from Macs Adventure should you require assistance.

Accommodations

We specifically hand-picked your accommodations in comfortable lodges and hotels to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay while exploring the Great Smokies

All accommodations are conveniently located only a short walking distance to restaurants. Additionally, each offers individual character and welcoming hospitality.

Single Rooms & Solo Travelers

This trip is based on two people sharing a room. If you’d like separate rooms, a single supplement is required. If you would like to request a twin room (same room with two separate beds), please notify us during booking so we can request this option.

This trip is not available to solo walkers.

Meals

All meals are including for the duration of your trip. Breakfasts and dinners will be enjoyed in town in carefully selected restaurants and lodges while lunches will be made by your guide on the trail.

You will also be provided with an assortment of snacks while you are hiking such as trail mix and dried fruit.

Included

4 Nights at hand-selected mountain lodges and hotels
All meals and snacks
Detailed pre-departure information pack
Transportation each day as per itinerary
Day pack and trekking poles
Hiking and tour guide for duration of trip
24/7 telephone support
National Park entrance fees and permits

Excluded

Guide Gratuities
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Flights

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Room Upgrades (only where applicable)

When To Go

The best time to visit The Great Smoky Mountains is between March and October for clear skies, warmer weather, and drier trails. This trip is available to start on any day of the week from March to September during the peak summer and fall season. October tends to be one of the busiest times of the year due to stunning fall foliage. As these locations are year-round tourist destinations, we suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalized to ensure availability for specific dates.

Weather and Climate

The weather in the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains can vary depending on the time of year you are traveling. We include a recommended packing list in your trip info pack to ready you for any conditions.

Getting to the Start

Your trip starts and ends with an included transfer from Asheville, North Caroline at the Holiday Inn Downtown, or wherever you prefer. The nearest airport is the Asheville Regional Airport. From the airport, you can catch a taxi to the hotel.

Getting Around

For additional transportation services outside the provided itinerary, such as a taxi to a specific restaurant or location, please speak with your private guide on arrival on the trip.

General Information

There is a minimum of 4 people needed to book this trip and a group maximum of 6. Please enquire with a sales specialist about custom pricing for groups larger than 4.

Group Departures

We have limited availability for a few group departures. If you are interested in joining a group, please reach out to a sales specialist regarding custom pricing and available dates.

Equipment

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance helps protect your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly you, from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip. For more information, please visit our travel insurance page by clicking this link.

What personal equipment do I need?

How far in advance do I need to book?

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?