Share Save

Array
(
    [0] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 1
            [HighlightText] => Learn wilderness survival techniques and backpacking tips from expert guides
            [Description] => Learn wilderness survival techniques and backpacking tips from expert guides
            [Image] => 
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [1] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 2
            [HighlightText] => Get exposure to the thru-hiker lifestyle while backpacking adjacent to the historic Appalachian Trail
            [Description] => Get exposure to the thru-hiker lifestyle while backpacking adjacent to the historic Appalachian Trail
            [Image] => 
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [2] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 3
            [HighlightText] => Reconnect with Mother Nature on this challenging backpacking adventure
            [Description] => Reconnect with Mother Nature on this challenging backpacking adventure
            [Image] => 
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [3] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 4
            [HighlightText] => 
            [Description] => female hiker
            [Image] => https://mts-wp-uploads.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/trips/5GW_2473711883.jpg
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [4] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 5
            [HighlightText] => 
            [Description] => mountains
            [Image] => https://mts-wp-uploads.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/trips/5GM_gallery1.jpg
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [5] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 6
            [HighlightText] => 
            [Description] => greenery 
            [Image] => https://mts-wp-uploads.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/trips/5GW_1335023963.jpg
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [6] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 7
            [HighlightText] => 
            [Description] => flowers
            [Image] => https://mts-wp-uploads.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/trips/5GM_2481201371.jpg
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

)

Your Guides

---

The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Ben W.

Ben knew from an early age that he would count on the natural world to guide him throughout his journey. Ben received a B.S. in Geology and Environmental Studies from the University of Tennessee with a minor in Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Science. He has worked as a Research Technician with the Department of Plant Sciences since 2013. Ben has Outdoor Guide Certifications from the University of Wyoming and is a Certified Interpretive Guide .

Beth W.

Beth has always enjoyed staying active outdoors as she grew up in East Tennessee. She has a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Tennessee where she gained research experience in the hybridization of minnows in the Clinch River Valley. While the mountains are home, Beth loves to travel and explore new places as much as possible. She enjoys running, cooking, and spending time on the water.

China W.

China Whitmire, a Chattanooga native, spent 15 years in Chicago working in non-profit theater and higher education upon completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago. In 2021, China returned to her Appalachian roots by thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Now, leveraging her skills, China brings a unique blend of creativity and expertise to her role as a guide. Her love of storytelling and connection with the southern Appalachian region ultimately led her to A Walk in the Woods.

Array
(
    [itinerary] => Array
        (
            [0] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 1
                    [DayTo] => 1
                    [Headline] => Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 - 5.5 miles depending on specific route with 1,500-3,000\' elevation gain and loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => Our adventure begins this morning in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where we will meet out guides and fellow travelers. After a brief orientation, pack check, and distribution of group gear we transfer to the trailhead to begin our exploration of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. On the trail we\'ll pass through stunning meadows and magical old growth forests on the way to our stop for the first night. This evening we\'ll enjoy dinner, recount the days adventure, and turn in for the evening under a blanket of stars. 
                    [Breakfast] => 0
                    [Lunch] => 0
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 35.722
                    [Longitude] => -83.496
                )

            [1] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 2
                    [DayTo] => 2
                    [Headline] => Today we backpack the most remote and diverse sections of trail in the Smokies
                    [ActivityOverview] => 6.5 - 13 miles depending on specific route with 1,500-3,000\' elevation gain and loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => Awaken to the symphony of the forest as we ease into our first day of life on the trail. Depending on our route we may find ourselves traversing the slopes of ancient Mount Guyot, the second highest peak in the Smokies, soaking in the spectacular views at Charlie\'s Bunion or working on our naturalist skills along some of the most remote trails in the eastern United States. 
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 0
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 35.703
                    [Longitude] => -83.256
                )

            [2] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 3
                    [DayTo] => 3
                    [Headline] => The Appalachian Trail awaits and provides us the opportunity to experience life as a thru-hiker
                    [ActivityOverview] => 6 - 13 miles depending on specific route with 1,500-3,000\' elevation gain and loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => Rise and Shine! We\'ll start this morning with a trail breakfast and coffee to fuel a beautiful day of human powered exploration. Get ready for another day spent in awe as we hike among old growth Boreal forests and continue our journey along sections of the iconic Appalachian Trail. We\'ll get a feel for the thru-hiker experience and depending on our route may even have a chance to experience the most challenging sections of the AT in Great Smoky Mountains National Park today. 
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 0
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 35.664
                    [Longitude] => -83.33
                )

            [3] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 4
                    [DayTo] => 4
                    [Headline] => Cherish the last few hours spent among new friends along secluded trails in America\'s most visited national park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3-11 miles depending on specific route with 1,500-3,000\' elevation gain and loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => Today\'s journey is bittersweet as we continue to soak in breathtaking views and panoramas along our last miles back to the trailhead. Regardless of our route, we\'ll cherish these last few hours spent in the remote corners of the United States\' most visited national park with passionate guides and like-minded new friends. 
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 0
                    [Dinner] => 0
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 35.722
                    [Longitude] => -83.496
                )

        )

    [ActivityHighlight] => We plan to hike for 6-10 hours per day most days on steep, rocky, rooty, wet, uneven and sometimes exposed terrain. Depending on permitted routing, one or more days of this itinerary may trend towards the high end of the level 3-4 activity rating: including backpacking up to 13 miles, with up to 3,000 feet of elevation gain/loss. Participants will be carrying their own packs weighing 30-35 pounds throughout the trip. 
    [Trip_Level] => 4
)

Accommodations

---

Spend three nights camping in the backcountry.

MT Sobek Camp – Great Smoky Mountains Backcountry

Adventure Camping

Backcountry camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a serene escape into nature, with star-filled skies, lush forests, and the peaceful sounds of mountain streams all around you. Depending on our permitted routes and the season, accommodations will include primitive shelters without running water, established backcountry tent sites, or a combination of both. For nights at tent sites, we provide 1-2 person backpacking tents. Guests are responsible for bringing or renting their own sleeping bags and sleeping pads.