Smoky Mountains Hiking & Camping
Hike through old-growth forests and experience backcountry camping and glamping in one of America’s most picturesque national parks — the Great Smoky Mountains!
Trip Length
5 Days
Intensity
Strenuous
Group Size
6 Persons
Trip Dates
Custom Departures Available Year-Round
Activities
Camping
Hiking
Included
Medically-trained, naturalist guide
Round trip transportation
All meals
Park entry fees & permits
Tent & sleeping pad
Not Included
Gratuity for your guide
Sleeping bag (available to rent for $50)
Personal camping gear (see packing list)
$1850
Trip Info
You’ll spend four days hiking secluded trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and three nights camping under a starry night sky. Hike a spectacular section of the historic Appalachian Trail and keep an eye out for black bears, salamanders, coyotes, deer, and bobcats while on the trail!
Weather
October can vary, often getting cold in the mornings and evenings but comfortable during the day. Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures!
Group
Good Trippers can be any age but most of our travelers are in their 30s – 50s.
We get families, couples and friends, but most of our travelers come solo! We have hiking trips for all abilities, just make sure to review the Intensity section for information about what to expect on your trip.
All public trips are 18+. If you’re traveling with kids, we’d be happy to make any itinerary private! Email info@goodtripadventures.com.
Intensity – Strenuous
Expect to spend up to 8 hours per day walking or hiking (up to 10 miles and 2500ft elevation change) while carrying heavy packs! Suitable for people with hiking experience.
Accommodations
- Three nights camping in Great Smoky Mountain National Park
- One night glamping near Great Smoky Mountain National Park
- Prices are based on double occupancy accommodation
- Single supplement is available for an additional $300 per person
Smoky Mountains Hiking & Camping Guided Tour
Flights
Your guide will meet you at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee at 12 pm on Day 1 so please book a flight that arrives before 11:30 am. Alternatively, you can be collected at your accommodation in Knoxville at 10:30 am if you are already in town.
Your trip ends back at McGhee Tyson Airport on Day 5. We recommend booking a flight that leaves after 5:30 pm to ensure you have enough time. Alternatively you can be dropped at your accommodation in Knoxville if you are staying on.
Smoky Mountains Hiking & Camping Guided Tour
Smoky Mountains Hiking & Camping Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Knoxville and meet your guide by noon. After arrival, you’ll stop for a lunch break in Knoxville (lunch not included) before continuing on to the beautiful Smokies. We’ll warm up with a short, 2 mile hike to our first backcountry campsite.
Meals: D
Day 2
This morning, we’ll head out bright and early to the summit of Gregory Bald, with scenic views of the surrounding hills. The rest of the day, we’ll will make our way down to our riverside campsite to enjoy another serene night in the Smokies.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3
Today, we will drop our heavy packs and make our way approximately 7 miles to Shuckstack Lookout. This fire tower has amazing views of Fontana Lake as well as the surrounding hills. We”ll finish the day with another hearty meal back at camp.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4
Our last day of hiking with be one of our most strenuous. Today, we make our way out of the backcountry the way we came in, moving over Long Hungry Ridge and back to our van. After this 8 mile hike, we will drive to our glampsite for a much needed shower and sleep.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5
After a final breakfast, we will drive to Knoxville for goodbyes before you fly home!
Meals: B
Smoky Mountains Hiking & Camping Pack List
- Required Gear
- Day pack (15-30 liters recommended)
- Luggage (can be left in the vehicle, 1 small suitcase per person)
- Sleeping bag (also available to rent), rated to 15 degrees
- Pack cover
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles
- Recommended Gear and Personal Items
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional, recommended if renting)
- Travel pillow
- Sunscreen
- Earplugs
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items)
- Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment)
- Small, quick dry towel
- Required Clothing
- Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece)
- Rain jacket or shell
- Breathable wicking base layers
- Lightweight hiking pants
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Warm hat
- Sun hat with a brim
- Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip)
- Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
- Recommended Clothing
- Rain pants
- Buff or neck scarf
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Sandals or camp shoes