Best of the Smokies and Asheville
Asheville, NC
5.0 (62 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Smoky Mountain Hikes
- Asheville Area Hikes
- Wonderful Accommodations
- Diversity, Beauty & Adventure
- Fascinating Natural & Cultural History
- Impressive Cascading Waterfalls
- Guides Choice Trip
Description
Our 5-Day Best of the Smokies and Asheville hiking tour combines the highlights of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the amazing Asheville Area Mountains into one all-inclusive, purely Appalachian outdoor hiking vacation. You’ll experience some of the best Tennessee hiking in the Smokies’ diverse forests with waterfalls, historical sites, scenic drives, sweeping vistas, and the famous Appalachian Trail. Then we’ll move on to some of Appalachia’s best hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is all in one action-packed hiking package!
Our hikes focus on 5 areas of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains and the Asheville area, giving you a comprehensive experience of Appalachia. We stay in charming accommodations that are unique and historical in their own right, including the famous Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend, TN. The meals are a combination of picnic and trail meals prepared by your guide and restaurant meals at carefully selected, award-winning establishments that reflect the local color and culture of Appalachia and the artsy scene of downtown Asheville.
$650 Single Supplement
The single supplement guarantees your own room. If you would like to forego the single supplement, you can request to be paired with a roommate of the same gender. If we are unsuccessful in pairing you with a roommate, the single supplement will apply.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip travels along maintained trails. Day 1 will be the toughest along the Appalachian Trail then moves to “rails to trails” type of routes on days 2 and 3. There is moderate elevation gain that can be rocky. Light exposure on day 1 that can be avoided if needed. Day 4 and 5 will be along rougher trails that are in designated Wildernesses that do not see a lot of maintenance.
Hiking Distances:
6-8 mi
Backpack Weight:
10-15 pounds
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
1650 ft
Heights Exposure:
Light
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-15 pound backpack for 5-7 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Great Smoky Mountains backpacking trip a solitude 2. You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time.
MINIMUM OF 2 GUESTS
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 4-6 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 2
- 4 People: Rate x 1.5
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
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Itinerary
Day 1
- Shuttle to the Smokies: 1.5-hour drive from Asheville
- Hiking Mileage: 8.1 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1640 feet
- Accommodations: Dancing Bear Cabins
This inn-based Appalachian hiking tour starts with a scenic drive from Asheville, NC to the Oconoluftee entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where we’ll stop briefly at the Mountain Farm Museum to peruse the early settler buildings and learn about the extraordinary practices of hearty 19th century Appalachian farmers. The museum also features artifacts from and information about the Park’s oldest inhabitants: the Cherokee. This stop helps set the context for the next 3 days so we can fully appreciate the history, wilderness and scenic beauty of the Smokies as we hike through its forests and along its ancient creeks.
After our enriching museum stop we will continue on to our first hike, which follows the famous Appalachian Trail from historic Newfound Gap (the site of Roosevelt’s park dedication speech in 1940) to Charlies Bunion. Endless views over the lush, timbered ridges of the Smokies abound on today’s hike. Lunch today will be a tasty and healthy picnic, prepared by your guide, at one of these amazing views. Eventually we’ll bring our first day of exploration to a close by continuing to our lodge on the “quiet side of the Smokies” in Townsend, TN. After checking in and cleaning up, we’ll head out for a wonderful Appalachian dinner.
Day 2
- Shuttle to trailhead: 30 minutes
- Hiking Mileage: 8.3 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1140 feet
- Accommodations: Dancing Bear Cabins
Today starts with a delicious Appalachian breakfast cooked by your guide at the Cades Cove Picnic area (weather depending). After breakfast, we will explore the culturally rich Cades Cove historic district while keeping an eye out for some of the Park’s many types of wildlife (black bear, deer, elk, turkeys, and more). We will explore the many historic buildings, stunning scenery, and wonderful tranquility of this rich mountain valley in Tennessee. Often this is a highlight of the trip due to the many historic buildings, stunning scenery, and wonderful tranquility of this rich mountain valley.
Today’s official hike is a forested, creek-side hike up the lush Middle Prong of the Little River to the Lynn Camp Prong Cascades and Indian Flats Falls. This stunning river valley is arguably home to the Smokies’ most scenic waterfall hike.
The hike starts in the historic logging area of Tremont. Here, the Little River Lumber Company had a large camp prior to the establishment of the Park. We’ll relax for a picnic lunch near the first cascades before heading on up to more lovely cascades and waterfalls. We’ll enjoy the falls, take photos, and eventually hike back to the trailhead. A short shuttle ride to our hotel, a tasty Southern dinner, and a cozy night’s sleep top off another rewarding day of Tennessee Smoky Mountains exploration.
Day 3
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 1.5 hours
- Hiking Mileage: appx 5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000 feet
- Accommodations: Double Tree by Hilton
Our Last day of Appalachian exploration starts at a local family owned restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast we will head to Kuwohi (formally known as Clingmans Dome) to summit the tallest mountain in the National Park and the tallest mountain on the Appalachian Trail. We will take in the massive sweeping 360 degree views, hike a small section of the Appalachian Trail and then make our way down to Andrew’s Bald. Andrew’s Bald is one of several “balds” in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which are named because they are mountaintops that are not covered by trees, but are instead covered by grass, rhododendron, and mountain laurel. From Andrew’s bald, there are panoramic views of the southern half of the park, including Fontana Lake.
Day 4
- Shuttle to trailhead: 2 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1400 feet
- Accommodations: Double Tree by Hilton
Our Appalachian exploration pivots today to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains! After a hearty breakfast, we drive from Asheville, NC to the amazing views and waterfalls near Linville Gorge, NC in the Pisgah National Forest. Our first stop will be the Linville Falls Visitor Center, where we will enjoy a 1.6 mile round trip hike to 3 different viewpoints of the outstanding area and waterfall. We will then shuttle to our next trailhead for a hike up Table Rock Mountain for stunning, sweeping views of the spectacular Linville Gorge. After a picnic lunch on the summit of Table Rock Mountain we’ll continue along the Blue Ridge Parkway for more spectacular wonderful Appalachian views.
If time allows we’ll take one last hike for the day through diverse forests to another outstanding waterfall at Crabtree Meadows. We end this spectacular first day with a return drive along Blue Ridge Parkway back to our cozy lodge, and then an award winning meal at one of our favorite downtown Asheville restaurants.
Day 5
- Shuttle to trailhead: 1 hour
- Hiking Mileage: appx 6.4 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1650 feet
- Shuttle to Asheville: 1.5-hour drive
On the final day of our Appalachian hiking adventure we’ll start by hiking to the summit of one of the most iconic landmarks in the region, Looking Glass Rock. This is one of the best and most iconic hikes in the Pisgah National Forest. After reaching the summit our efforts will be rewarded by massive, sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and a wonderful picnic lunch prepared by your guide.
After enjoying our lunch with a view, we’ll descend back to our vehicle and head to the spectacular roadside waterfall, Looking Glass Falls. Our travel back to Asheville will again be along a different stretch of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. We’ll stop along the way for fantastic views of Looking Glass Rock, the hike we just completed. As we drive back into the city of Asheville we can reflect on our unique Appalachian hiking experience and begin dreaming of the next one!
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.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- 4 nights of double occupancy lodging at local, hand-picked, Appalachian inns, hotels and/or cabins (Lodging Details) (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
- Dinners at local restaurants selected for their local color and great food
- Breakfasts, picnic lunches prepared by your guide, and trail snacks
- Use of a day pack and trekking poles
- 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.
- Transportation for the duration of the tour originating and concluding in Asheville, NC
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
- Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Great Smoky Mountains NP
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
This tour features a combination of restaurant meals and meals prepared by your guide. We provide breakfasts and lunches for the trip. For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Leki trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
You will meet your guide and group at the Holiday Inn in downtown Asheville (standard rooms are $99-$140 for our guests, 828-225-5550) 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. For Private Great Smoky Mountains Tours your guide can meet you at any hotel in Asheville at an agreed upon time.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Asheville, NC
All North Carolina trips begin and end from 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.
FROM ASHEVILLE AIRPORT
Asheville Airport Express (http://www.ashevilleairportexpress.com, 828-231-1053) and Harry’s Car Service run (828-774-8178) 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 Express also runs daily vans from Charlotte and Greenville to Asheville.
CAR RENTALS
Avis: 800-331-1212; Hertz 800-654- 3131; National: 800-227-7368; Thrifty: 800-367-2277; Alamo: 800-327-9633
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 6 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
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.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. 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.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Weather in The Smoky & Blue Ridge Mountains
The weather in the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge 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° |
Accommodations
Dancing Bears Cabins
2 NIGHTS
This unique and inviting Appalachian lodge and cabins offers relaxation and natural beauty with wonderful accommodations and 38 forested acres on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies!
DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown
2 NIGHTS
The DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown is arguably the signature hotel in Asheville. With stunning views of the surrounding mountains and situated in perfect walking distance to many iconic Appalachian restaurants, it’s a perfect location for our Blue Ridge adventure.
(pool, views)
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Patty L
Trip was Wonderful
The Best of the Smoky Mountains and Asheville – A Wonderful Experience The Best of the Smoky Mountains and Asheville trip was truly wonderful. The Great Smoky Mountains and the surrounding national forests exceeded my expectations. Each hike offered something different—from the more technical Appalachian Trail to peaceful riverside walks and serene woodland paths leading to beautiful waterfalls. It was refreshing to digitally disconnect and simply enjoy nature. I traveled with two friends and we met three other lovely people on the trip, which made for a great small group experience. Our guide, Kyle, was fantastic—knowledgeable about the region, patient, kind, and impressively strong (he carried so much gear on his back!). He also made terrific trail lunches that really hit the spot. Our dinners out in Asheville were very good overall, with two that were truly excellent. Wildland Trekking did a great job organizing everything. I’d absolutely recommend this trip to anyone looking to explore the Smokies with a great mix of challenge, beauty, and camaraderie.
William D
Enthusiastic Guide
Well chosen hikes, food and accommodations in the Smokies and Asheville. Kyle, our guide, was very enthusiastic and worked to ensure the needs of the group were met. We were very fortunate to have well matched other hikers in our group and very much enjoyed the new friendships we made.
Denise S
Fantastic Trip
This trip was amazing. The hikes and views were stunning. Our guide, Kyle, was very knowledgeable and attentive to our needs.
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