Smoky Mountains Trek 2021
Great Smoky Mountains, United States
Description
18 – 24 September 2021
The Smokies, as they are known for short, is one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern United States. During this trek you will get to experience part of the famous Appalachian Trail, a trek that claims to be the longest hiking only trail in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart UK
This is when your adventure begins, meeting the group at the airport and flying to Atlanta, before transferring to Gatlinburg where we stay in a hotel for the night.
Day 2
Mount Cammerer’s Fire Tower
16km
After breakfast we transfer to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a stunning, but tough first day as we hike up Low Gap trail to join the legendary Appalachian Trail. This quintessential section of the infamous trail will give us a taste of the experience many backpackers spend their lives preparing for. We’ll hike to the 1930’s era Mt. Cammerer’s Fire Tower and up to Davenport Gap, the terminus of the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies. We camp tonight at Cosby Campground, which will be our basecamp for the duration of the trek.
Day 3
Porter’s Creek Trail
12km
Today we will take a short transfer to the quiet Greenbrier section of the park. We will trek by a pristine, clear stream surrounded by beautiful forest, and learn about the rich Southern Appalachian and Cherokee history. We will end the day at a beautiful backcountry campsite and gaze at the ridge which will be our vantage point tomorrow.
Day 4
The Appalachian Trail
12km
After breakfast we make our way into the heart of the park for a beautiful trek on the famous Appalachian Trail. We will trek through Boreal forest and explore the classic features of Charlie’s Bunion gazing down into the valley we explored yesterday. As we trek we will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the trail and the amazing legends who have hiked all 2200 miles. We camp once again tonight at Cosby Campground.
Day 5
Ramsey Cascade
12km
Today we will spend the day hiking and exploring Ramsey’s Cascade, a beautiful waterfall located in a gorgeous section of old woodland. We will get to enjoy beautiful views and small waterfalls during this trail. The afternoon will be spent exploring other iconic Smokies trails before we finish our epic challenge. Late afternoon we transfer back to our hotel in Gatlinburg to freshen up before heading to Pigeon Forge to enjoy Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner attraction!
Day 6
Depart Atlanta
This morning you will have some leisure time before transferring for our overnight flight back to the UK.
Day 7
Arrive UK