Smoky Mountains Classic
Guided Backpacking Trips
3-4 Day, 2-3 Night 4-7 mi
Description
Our Smoky Mountains Classic – Guides Choice backpacking trip in the Smokies – takes you past waterfalls, along mountain ridges, near the shores of pristine creeks, to incredible views from high mountain meadows, and on a stunning section of the famous Appalachian Trail to a historic fire tower (on the 4-day tour only). We’ll stop to explore the flora and fauna of Appalachia’s amazing forests while we hike and explore on this trip, and we often see deer, elk and black bears as they all rely on the resources provided by the meadows of this area. One night’s camp is close to one of these meadows, so we’ll enjoy a sunset dinner in one of the most magnificent settings imaginable, overlooking the drama of the Appalachian Mountains.
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
3-4 Day, 2-3 Night -
Hiking Distance
4-7 mi -
Group Size
1-6 Guests
What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack -
High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Asheville, North Carolina to the trailhead and back
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Entrance fees and national park permits
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
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Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Great Smoky Mountains NP
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Day 1
Shuttle to the trailhead: 2-hour drive from Asheville
Hiking Mileage: 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1200 feet
On this multi-day Great Smoky Mountains backpacking trip we begin hiking on a graded road that the Civilian Conservation Corps improved during the Great Depression. Rock cuts done by the CCC reveal the amazing geology of this ancient mountain range, which your guide will explain as you hike. We will soon come to Twenty Mile Cascade, a beautiful waterfall tucked in a dense, vibrant forest. We’ll eat lunch by the cascade, then continue our journey down a mountain creek to our campsite. The last part of today’s hike takes us past historic stone walls and foundations, the remnants of early settlers who briefly lived in this area. After getting settled in camp you can relax by the creek or enjoy an afternoon hike along one of the stunning creeks flowing near camp. Our day ends with a fantastic Appalachian dinner and relaxing evening.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1550 feet
After a hot breakfast, we will leave our camp set up and head to the Appalachian Trail (AT) to visit a historic fire tower that sits just off the AT. Towering over the tree tops at 60 feet in height, we will enjoy lunch at the old tower-keepers chimney and cistern remains that sit at the base of the steel tower. If you dare to climb the 6 flights of stairs to the top you will be overlooking Fontana Lake and the Dam with 360-degree views! Fontana Dam is the tallest dam east of the Mississippi River that rises over 480 feet in height! After a nice relaxing lunch we will head back the way we camp to enjoy a nice evening back at camp.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2120 feet
Today is the highlight of the trip and a day you’re not likely to forget! After a hearty breakfast we’ll continue hiking up our mountain creek to Long Hungry Ridge, which got it’s name from a group of bear hunters marooned for days by bad weather and flooding in the early 20th century. We’ll pass Rye Patch, a historic area planted with rye before the civil war by an early settler of the region. Since then, the area has regrown a mixed hardwood forest with a lush, grassy ground cover. After another mile along our trail we come to the famous Gregory Bald, where we’ll absorb the amazing views of Cades Cove far below and the surrounding Mountains in all directions. Gregory Bald is known for its amazing views and its abundance of the beautiful Flame Azalea, which usually blooms in early summer, turning this bald into a natural work of art. We’ll enjoy lunch in the tall grass of the bald, surrounded by wildflowers and views, before continuing on to our campsite. We’ll set up camp and return to Gregory Bald for an unforgettable sunset dinner (weather permitting). Often at dusk we spot wildlife migrating from the forests to the meadows to feed. Our hike back to camp in the near dark completes this amazing day of Smoky Mountains wonder.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 6.8 miles
Elevation Loss: 3320 feet
Shuttle to Asheville: 2-hour drive to Asheville
Our last day starts with a relaxing breakfast, after which we’ll begin our long downhill trek. Initially we pass hoards of blueberry bushes, where we have good chances of seeing a black bear. The Smoky Mountains are home to one of the densest bear populations on the continent. We’ll pass another bald, then continue down a ridge on an old road, built by a 1920’s logging operation, to a beautiful mountain creek. After several creek crossings, we will arrive back at the remote Twenty Mile Ranger Station and our vehicle. We’ll contemplate our Smoky Mountains experience as we pass back through the Park on our return trip to Asheville. Our drive back will allow for contemplation of our last 3 days in the Appalachian wilderness and time to plan our next adventure!
3-Day Variation
On the 3-day variation of this trip, we skip the Day 2 hike on the Appalachian Trail to a historic fire tower, and go straight to Day 3 of the itinerary.
Important: this trip is operated as either a 3-day or 4-day itinerary, and is confirmed as such in advance. Variation of trip length does not mean guests can choose to leave a trip or early or extend it a day.
Itinerary Note
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Packing List
STANDARD CLOTHING CHECKLIST
(GG) Gear Guide: see for more info and links to product options
mid-weight, lug-soled, waterproof, and ideally well broken in ( Boots GG – Shoes GG )
( Note: buy your boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than your street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks )
supportive, lightweight, well-drained shoe or sport sandal for creek crossings and/or for comfort (Camp Shoes GG)
one pair for every day or two days of your trip, plus an extra pair to sleep in. Hiking specific padded socks, no cotton please! (Socks GG) ( Note: wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks can help prevent blisters )
wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo (Sun Hat GG)
1-2 non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Hiking Shirts GG – Sun Hoodies GG) ( Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection )
nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings ( Hiking Pants GG – Hiking Shorts GG )
waterproof jacket and pants, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will allow you to pull them over your boots. ( Rain Jackets GG – Rain Pants GG )
mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material – merino wool, fleece or polypropylene (Mid Layers GG)
Important Note
Important Note : Please, no cotton hiking clothes and please feel free to call us if you have any questions or you can reference the Gear Guide .
ADDITIONAL CLOTHING (OCTOBER TO APRIL)
lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves (Hats/Gloves GG)
down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket (Mid Layers GG)
1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool…etc. (Base Layers GG)
mid weight fleece pants or leggings for warmth (GG)
GEAR CHECKLIST
2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle (Hydration Bladders GG) ( Note: We recommend always having a bottle with 1 liter of capacity as a back-up in case of a hydration system failure and to use while in camp )
preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Headlamps GG) ( Note: always test your headlamp before trips, travel/pack without batteries in device, and for longer trips (4+ days) consider a spare bulb and 1 set of spare batteries )
if you wear contact lenses, please also bring a pair of glasses – your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
preferably a product containing at least 25% “DEET” (Repellent GG) ( Note: some people are sensitive to this product )
please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking
small amounts, travel sizes and/or just what you need for the trip (important that they are small!)
for any shopping you would like to do and for consideration of tipping your guide
( Note: industry tipping recommendation is 10-20% of the trip cost based on your level of satisfaction )
Important Note
Important Note : We need to be “bear aware” on our trip. All food, toiletries, and scented items must be secured each night and never left in tents or backpacks overnight. Please keep scented items to a minimum and bring the smallest amount necessary for your trip (travel size items are perfect) in order to best fit into bear canisters or into bear bags to be hung away from camp each night.
OPTIONAL ITEMS
please see information about bringing your own below (Sleeping Bags GG)
as a Wildland guest, you can enjoy a 20% discount off Leki trekking poles (reservation number required.) Click here for discount. Trekking poles are provided for guests who do not bring their own. (Trekking Poles GG)
only if swimming is an option on your trip, some guests prefer to swim in quick drying hiking clothes, sports bra, etc…
recommended for wet or snowy conditions (Gaiters GG)
lightweight, compressible and packable. (Camp Pillow GG) ( Note: many guests use their extra clothing in a stuff sack with a bandana as a pillowcase, and it works well )
various sizes for better organization of clothing & gear, and/or to help create a camp pillow, etc.
( Note: A lightweight waterproof stuff sack can be extremely useful in wet conditions )
consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc…)
lightweight paperback book, magazine or small notebook/pen for journaling
for camera, headlamp or other electronics
small, lightweight devices to recharge electronics. (Power Bank GG)
lightweight, compressible and packable – bandanas also work. (Camp Towel GG)
optional, lightweight and packable equipment for fly-fishing or reel-casting. A license may be required. Check with your guide about fishing opportunities and requirements for your trip.
DO NOT Bring
– per our terms and conditions no firearms or other weapons are permitted, including knives with blades longer than 4 inches
– including marijuana, which is illegal on federal lands and in national parks
Training
Training is extremely important for you to maximize your enjoyment! The more physically prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have! Click below to read our training recommendations.
Travel, Transportation, Meeting & Lodging
MEETING TIME & PLACE
You will meet your guide and group at the Holiday Inn in downtown Asheville (info below) for an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. We’re happy to give you a ride to this meeting if you’re not staying at the Holiday Inn. Your guide will then pick you up the next morning for transport to the trailhead.
TRIP CONCLUSION
This trip will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM on the last day.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DATES
Travel to and from the trip starting point is not included in the cost of our trips. Please plan on arriving in time for the orientation meeting the day before the trip leaves and departing the day after getting back from the field.
GATEWAY CITIES:
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has an airport served by Allegiant Air, Delta, United, and US Airways. One can also fly into Greenville, South Carolina or Charlotte, North Carolina and drive to Asheville. It is a 1.5-hour drive from Greenville to Asheville and a 2-hour drive from Charlotte on good roads.
SHUTTLE & GROUND TRANSPORTATION
From Asheville Airport…Asheville Airport Express (1-828-231-1053) and Harry’s Car Service (828-774-8178) run shuttles to and from downtown. Also a number of taxis are usually available on the curb in the Arrivals area.
From Greenville/Charlotte…Asheville Airport Shuttle also runs daily vans from Charlotte and Greenville to Asheville.
TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM THE TRAILHEAD
We will pick you up at your hotel room in Asheville between 6 and 8 A.M. (depending on the time of year and weather conditions) on the first day of the trip, and provide transportation back to your room in Asheville on the last day of the trip by approximately 5 P.M. (not guaranteed).
STORAGE OF PERSONAL ITEMS & VEHICLES
Many guests choose to store their luggage with the hotel they’ll be using before and after the trip. You are also welcome to leave your luggage with us for secure storage while you’re on your trip – just inform your guide. We recommend parking your vehicle at your hotel as our facility has limited parking. You can park your vehicle at your hotel or move it to the Asheville Visitor Center on the first morning of your trip. These logistics can be planned at your orientation meeting with your guide.
PRE & POST-TRIP RECOMMENDED LODGING
Lodging options in Asheville are numerous. Below are some recommended options based on convenience, location, and our experience. We recommend making your reservation early as Asheville is a tourist community and rooms book early.
Holiday Inn and Suites Asheville (location of orientation)
Website / 828-225-5550
Four Points by Sheraton Asheville Downtown
Website / 828-253-1851
The Hyatt Place Downtown Asheville
Website / 828-505-8500
Sweet Peas Hostel
Website / 828-285-8488
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. We designed our terms and conditions with trip insurance in mind. When you register for a trip, your spot is no longer available to other guests. Therefore, if you discover that you are unable to travel, no refund is available past a certain point. With trip insurance, your payment to Wildland may be covered, but also your flights, hotels and other travel costs can also be insured.
Read more about our trip insurance recommendations.
Pack Weight & Contents
You will be hiking with a multi-day backpack that we provide. You’re also welcome to bring your own. The contents will be what you need for the trip – tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothing, rain gear, water, personal items, and a share of group food/gear.
ESTIMATED PACK WEIGHT: 25-35 POUNDS
Check The Weather Forecast For Your Trip
The weather in the Great Smoky Mountains varies greatly by time of year. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). Read below for average high and low temperatures in for low elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||
| Month | Low Elev | High Elev | ||
| hi | low | hi | low | |
| January | 51° | 28° | 35° | 19° |
| February | 54° | 29° | 35° | 18° |
| March | 61° | 34° | 39° | 24° |
| April | 71° | 42° | 49° | 34° |
| May | 79° | 50° | 57° | 43° |
| June | 86° | 58° | 63° | 49° |
| July | 88° | 59° | 65° | 53° |
| August | 87° | 60° | 64° | 52° |
| September | 83° | 55° | 60° | 47° |
| October | 73° | 43° | 53° | 38° |
| November | 61° | 33° | 42° | 28° |
| December | 52° | 28° | 37° | 21° |
Guide Shifts
Guides are required to take 10-12 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal time, take rest breaks…etc. and be uninterrupted for a minimum of 8 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Tipping Your Guide
Tipping your guide is greatly appreciated! Wildland guides, and outdoor/backcountry guides in general, do much more than lead guests down the trail. Although supported by amazing in-town staff, they often work independently in the field due to permit and logistical constraints. The guide is responsible for the group’s safety, menu planning (including dietary restrictions), cooking for the group, prepping and taking care of the gear, handling livestock (on stock-supported trips), driving, complying with government regulations, ensuring guest satisfaction, and generally making sure the tour runs smoothly. They wear many hats and are extraordinary at what they do!
The industry standard tip amount for hiking and backpacking guides is between 10% and 20% of the tour cost per person, depending on your level of satisfaction. If you have any questions about tipping, feel free to call us 7 days a week at 800-715-HIKE (4453)!
Group Travel
Please take the time to clearly understand the trip you’re registering for, and select a tour that matches your ability level.
It is possible there will be a discrepancy in fitness levels on your trip. Consider that the trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your fellow travelers and it is important to respect each guest’s individual condition, needs and desires.
Finally, guided groups are required by land management agencies to stay together on the trail. Hiking together can require patience and flexibility. If hiking at a very specific pace is extremely important to you, you may want to consider booking a private trip.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.