Blue Ridge & Great Smoky Mountains National Park Walking & Hiking Tour
North Carolina & Tennessee's Appalachian Mountains
From $2,899 - $2,999 pp dbl. occ. | 5 days / 4 nights
(+$810 for sgl. occ.)
Witnessing the dark-blue tint of the Blue Ridge Mountains from a distance and smoke-like fog rolling over the Great Smoky Mountains in the wee morning hours—just two reasons this is one of our favorite hiking destinations. Once you've explored the rhododendron-shaded trails, felt the mist of waterfalls on your face and witnessed the rolling valleys and majestic peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, we're willing to bet you'll add them to your favorites list.
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North Carolina
Start/End Asheville
Highlights
- Explore the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains with spectacular waterfalls, oak and pine trees, and endless vistas
- Follow wooded trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to elk, black bears and over 200 bird species
- Immerse yourself in nature as you kick up your feet and relax on porch swings at charming cabins tucked into forest settings
- Hike through high-country meadowlands, along pristine streams and rivers, and amid natural beauty along the Appalachian Trail
North Carolina
Start/End Asheville
Itinerary
Days 1-2 Meet in Asheville—a town with an appealing blend of Jazz Age sophistication and bohemian eccentricity | Our walk through pine and hemlock woodland in DuPont State Forest is all about waterfalls—four postcard-perfect cascades that range from 8 to 120 feet | Trek to Bridal Veil Falls to witness its waters rushing down exposed granite | Soak up the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with stretch-forever vistas of valleys, mountains, woodland, waterfalls and historic sites | In the Great Balsam Mountains, keep an eye out for migratory birds as you scan alpine views | Take in the forest surroundings from the private porch of your cabin in Pisgah Forest.
Day 3 Step into Tennessee for our first hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an International Biosphere Reserve with over 800 miles of breathtaking backcountry | Climb the famous Appalachian Trail for views of the Smokies, including peaks of Mount Le Conte and Myrtle Point | Passing by Fraser fir and red spruce woods, and keeping an eye out for wildlife from deer to bears, arrive at the rugged rock outcrop of Charles Bunion to take in the impressive panorama.
Days 4-5 Hike through old-growth forest along Alum Cave Creek to a formation of black slate dubbed Arch Rock | Make your way under the arch and up stairs carved into the stone | You're treated to incredible mountain scenery including the Eye of the Needle—a hole in the top of the rock at Little Duck Hawk Ridge | Gaze above for passing peregrine falcons | Admire Alum Cave, a massive concave overhang towering 80 feet high | Climb along trails that show off their seasons—blooming dogwoods and azaleas in spring, bright mountain laurel and rhododendron tangles in summer and spectacular foliage displays in fall | Discover incredible geologic formations at the top of Mount Le Conte, one of the highest Smoky Mountains | Enjoy Appalachian-inspired dishes and handcrafted cocktails at Dancing Bear Lodge | Salute the sun with an optional outdoor yoga class | Enjoy 360-degree views of the Smokies from the observation tower at Clingmans Dome—the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park—before we journey back to Asheville.
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
C Classic Dates
2019 October
Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities. You can pick from the selection of dates below for your group; some dates are only available for 16 or more guests while other dates are available for 8 or more guests. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.
2019 Private Trip Pricing
- 10 or more guests: from $2,899 pp dbl occ
- 8 - 9 guests: from $3,399 pp dbl occ
Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date
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2+
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 2 or more guests -
8+
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests -
12+
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 12 or more guests -
16+
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests - Reserved
C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours
2019 June
2019 September
The sky’s the limit! Tell us what your dream trip would be and we'll make it happen! Whether you're looking for a honeymoon trip for 2, a 30-person family reunion or a 100-person corporate trip, we can do it all. A dedicated Custom Trip Consultant will work closely with you to bring your dreams to reality. Call us at 800-462-2848 to speak with your Custom Trip Consultant or click on the button below.
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