"Just had a wonderful time on the Great Smokies Hiking and Rafting Trip. I met a really great group of women and had a wonderful time! Hats off to our guide, not only was she a good leader but also a good person to share the experience with." BD, St. Petersburg, FL
Highlights:
- seeing 30 species of wildflowers on any hike
- rafting a fun section of the Pigeon River (suitable for women with no experience)
- visiting Little Greenbrier Community and learning about the people who lived here
- hiking beautiful trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail
- gazing at the view from the hot tub and luxuriating in your own private room
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is world famous for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and many excellent hiking trails. Whether you are intrigued by salamanders or birds, wildflowers or trees, waterfalls or mountain vistas, learning about the fascinating cultural history, or just seeking less traveled paths, you will quickly understand why the Great Smokies have been designated both an International Biosphere reserve and a World Heritage Site.
This trip is for: any woman who exercises regularly at a moderate level, and who either enjoys hiking or is new to hiking and wants to learn in a safe and fun environment. On this trip there is a special emphasis on natural history and stopping to smell the flowers (literally)
Accommodations:
- a luxury cabin at Gatlinburg Falls resort, perched on a mountainside just outside Gatlinburg. There are 9 private rooms (7 with private baths), a pool table, a covered porch with rocking chairs and a great view and hot tub, and a large dining and living room. Everyone gets her own room on this trip.
Maximum group size: 10
Trip price: $1474-$1570* (There is a $50 deduction for registration prior to 12/26/08 and 3% of the entire trip fee if you pay the balance by check). $300 deposit. *If you are coming with someone with whom you would like to share a room (most rooms have king-sized beds and one room has queen bunkbeds), you can each deduct $200 from the trip price.
Trip price includes:
- experienced guides
- six nights lodging in a private room
- all meals and snacks from dinner on Sunday through our farewell lunch Saturday
- transportation from the Knoxville airport and within Tennessee
- white water rafting
Trip starts: arrive at the Knoxville airport by 12:30 pm on April 26 or, if you're driving, at the Reception Center (we'll send directions) at Gatlinburg Falls Resort at 3 pm
Trip ends: at the Knoxville airport at 3 pm on May 2
More information: These have not been updated for 2009 so check back for the most recent versions; we do not anticipate significant changes daily itinerary, suggested packing list, notes on the list and general information sheet (must have Adobe Acrobat Reader)
For pictures from previous trips, click here.
Register for this trip or Contact us for more information
Itinerary
This itinerary may be modified based on weather and where the wildflowers are best.
Sunday: If you're flying in, we'll meet you at the Knoxville Airport at 12:30. We’ll drive to the Park and enjoy a nice introduction to the cultural history of the Smokies by visiting the area once known to early settlers as the Little Greenbrier Community. We'll visit the Little Greenbrier School (first opened in 1882), a pioneer cemetery, and the Walker Sisters cabin and home site. This slightly ascending trail is along an old roadbed. Little Brier Gap Trail, 2.6 miles.
Monday: Our trail today rises at a steady, moderate grade as it passes through a forest of large Eastern Hemlocks and Fraser magnolias and then into a moist, sheltered cove hardwood forest. Well-known for its incredible display of wildflowers in April and May, the forest floor can be carpeted with up to 30 – 40 species of wildflowers. Rich in cultural history as well, Porter’s Creek trail passes the old Baxter Cabin, stone walls, an old cantilevered barn and the Owenby Cemetery, all remnants of the time that a thriving community lived here. We will hike to Fern Branch Falls and have lunch before turning back. Porter’s Creek Trail, about 4 miles.
Tuesday: Today we will travel off the beaten path and into a natural limestone sink. Home to many rare plants, various caves, and a waterfall that flows into a cave, White Oak Sink offers unique opportunities to learn about the geology, natural history, and cultural history of the area. Spring wildflowers abound in the sink, coating the trail side with a beautiful variety of colors. We'll begin our hike on an old roadbed with an easy uphill grade. The trail into the sink is an unmaintained trail with occasional steep ascents and descents. White Oak Sink, 5.0 miles
Wednesday: Today we'll see a different part of the ecosystem as we experience the white water of the Pigeon River. Although the rapids are large enough to be exciting, the trip is completely appropriate for novice rafters. We won't be doing it all day, though, so this is a good day to visit Gatlinburg and also Laurel Falls.The path to the Falls is paved and quite moderate, and the Falls are absolutely beautiful and well worth a visit.
Thursday: Today we’ll hike along the famed Appalachian Trail. This section, built in the early 1930s, was the first trail created for public use in the Park and provides spectacular views of the area. Always hiking above 5000 feet, we will experience the flora and fauna of the higher elevations of the Smokies. The craggy, rock face of Charlie’s Bunion provides outstanding views of the Porter’s Creek Valley and the main spine of the Smokies. The trail includes steady, easy climbs along with steeper, rocky sections and some declines. Those who choose not to hike the entire way can relax and wait at one of the AT Shelters.
If there is time and energy, this would also be a good day to go to Clingman’s Dome. Rising 6,643 feet above the Great Smoky Mountains, Clingman's Dome is the highest point along the Appalachian Trail and provides a 360º view of the surrounding mountains. From its 54 foot observation tower the average viewing distance is about 22 miles; but on a clear pollution free day, views can amplify as far as 100 miles into 7 states. The ascent, however, is easy - about a half-mile walk along a paved path from the parking lot. Appalachian Trail to Charlie’s Bunion, 8 miles.
Friday: Our trek today will take us through Eastern Hemlock and deciduous forests as we hike along the Maddron Bald Trail. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), the trail begins as an old roadbed and rises consistently, though moderately, throughout its entire length. Albright Grove, named for Horace Albright who was an advocate for the park and a director for the National Park Service, is an awesome remnant of old growth forest. Here you will experience the sights, sounds, and feel of this home to ancient trees. We'll have plenty of time to stroll among and admire the grand Eastern Hemlocks, silverbells, Fraser magnolias, tulip trees, and other tree species before returning along the Maddron Bald Trail. Albright Grove and Maddron Bald Trail, 6.7 miles.
Saturday: This short paved trail leads to Laurel Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the Park. The trail passes through a forest of pine and oak trees before reaching this 80 foot falls, named for mountain laurel which won't be blooming yet, You will have plenty of time to photograph the falls or to relax, enjoy, and absorb the beauty and sounds of the waterfall before heading back to our vehicles and a final lunch. If you're driving, you can plan to leave by 1 p.m. If you're flying we'll return you to the Knoxville airport by 3 PM. Laurel Falls. 2.5 miles.
