This 4-day adventure brings you face to face with the many facets and hidden wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Your experience begins amidst misty valleys dotted with homesteads. Trees tower above the forest floor and waterfalls cascade down lush hillsides. We hike the park’s most beloved paths–including the iconic Appalachian Trail–and explore moonshine caves and old Civil War roads. For thrills, we raft down the rollicking Class II and III rapids of the Nantahala River and soar high above the forest floor on a mountaintop zip line tour.
Each night our private deluxe REI Signature Camp awaits. Scrumptious meals next to cozy campfires and stories shared under a starlit sky create memories to last a lifetime. Finally, the warmth of a cozy sleeping bag beckons and we fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.
This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Great Smoky Mountains Family Adventure.
Meet Our Guide
Rosa
Lorum ipsum is doler site
Trip Highlights
- Hike through an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage site
- Raft down Class II and III rapids on the Nantahala river
- Soar above the trees on a two mile mountain-to-mountain zipline course
- Enjoy stargazing and comfortable accommodations at our exclusive Signature Camp
What's Included
Any park or other admission fees or permits, Guides and Camp Host; Round trip transportation from Gatlinburg, TN to all destinations visited during the trip; all meals and snacks from lunch on day 1 through lunch on day 4.
Activities
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should be capable of hiking 5-8 hours each day (up to 11 miles) with as much as 3,000' elevation gain and loss. Zip-lining is suitable for beginners. Weight ranges for zip-lining are 60 pounds minimum and 250 pounds maximum. Rafting is suitable for beginners although comfort in/around water is recommended. Rafting is on rapids classified II-IV whitewater. All rafting gear, including wetsuits, is provided.
- Hiking
- Rafting
- Zip-lining
Accommodations
REI Signature Camping, 3 nights
Departure Details
Details
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should be capable of hiking 5-8 hours each day (up to 11 miles) with as much as 3,000' elevation gain and loss. Zip-lining is suitable for beginners. Weight ranges for zip-lining are 60 pounds minimum and 250 pounds maximum. Rafting is suitable for beginners although comfort in/around water is recommended. Rafting is on rapids classified II-IV whitewater. All rafting gear, including wetsuits, is provided.
- Hiking
- Rafting
- Zip-lining
Itenerary
DAY 1
Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Meet your guides and fellow traveling companions this the enjoy a barbecue dinner around a roaring campfire. All meals included.
Hiking: 5.4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +800'/-800'; Transfers: 1.5 hours
DAY 2
Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Meet your guides and fellow traveling companions this morning in Gatlinburg, place and a roaring campfire. All meals included.
Hiking: 5.4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +800'/-800'; Transfers: 1.5 hours
Gear List
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose the proper equipment. Try to bring only what is necessary; this will help you and the field staff.
REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.
Provided by you (Required)
- Camp Towel
- Day Pack (21L-35L)
- Flashlight or Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Hiking Shoes
- Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
You might also consider
- Camera and Accessories
- Day Pack (21L-35L)
- Flashlight or Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Hiking Shoes
- Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)