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Thundering Streams and Falls of the Smokies Guided Hiking Tour
4.9
116 Ratings
Gatlinburg
Embark on an adventurous hiking tour in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Explore pristine cascades and waterfalls on a little-known trail, with stunning views of mountains, wildflowers, and swimming holes.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - On this hike, we’ll explore a popular trail, passing several beautiful cascades and views before taking a less traveled trail to view spectacular cascades and falls. We’ll learn about this varied forest, enjoy some beautiful old growth trees and in the spring, pause in wonder at the variety of wildflowers. This adventure has some elevation gain before we explore a quieter trail. Be ready to climb over some downed trees and get your feet wet. You’ll meet your guide at NOC in downtown Gatlinburg where you will follow them in your own vehicle 10 minutes to the trailhead.
- Newfound Gap Road - Newfound Gap Road has many scenic vistas and points of interest.
What's Included
- Snacks
- All fees and/or taxes
- Professional Guide
What's Not Included
- Gratuity for your guide is not included in the cost. Industry standard recommends 15-20%.
- Bottled water
- Rain Gear - we do have extra emergency ponchos on hand if needed.
- Transportation
- Parking Tag not included.
Additional Information
With 3100 miles of streams in the Smokies, there are thousands of beautiful stretches of white water. Adventure awaits as you explore the magic of pristine cascades and waterfalls on a little-known trail. We’ll warm up on a more popular trail, pausing to enjoy smaller cascades before turning onto a less traveled section of the Park. In the winter, we’ll enjoy beautiful glimpses of the surrounding mountains, during the spring we’ll pause to enjoy our famous wildflower display, summer brings refreshing swimming holes, and in autumn the beauty of changing leaves. This hike is considered moderately adventurous as we gain elevation, climb over downed trees and get our feet wet. **Please note: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require parking tags for any vehicle stopping longer than 15 minutes.
- Must be in good physical condition, able to climb over downed trees, walk on uneven surfaces and climb in elevation
- This tour requires a 2 person minimum to operate. If you are traveling solo, you may join into an existing tour or pay the 2 person rate.
- We do not provide transportation. You will follow the guide to the trailhead in your own vehicle.
Location
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Fighting Creek Gap Road
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require parking passes for any vehicle stopping longer than 15 minutes.
**NOTE: You will follow the guide in your own vehicle to the trailhead.**
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(116 Ratings)
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Kerigan_r
Aug 3, 2024
Amazing! - China did an amazing job giving us this hike. The scenery is beautiful, and the view at the top is worth the steps!
Review provided by Viator
Valeriesx8195tg
Jul 31, 2024
Great Hike - We are beginner hikers and a family of 5. We truly enjoyed our Hike. Our tour guide was so knowledgable, pointing out edible plants, history of the area and telling us about her experiencing the whole Appalachian trail. She was very experienced and happily shared her knowledge. She was very engaging for our children and made the whole experience wonderful. I highly recommend if you are in the Smokey Mountains.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
245lbt
Jul 26, 2024
Luci will make you fall in love with the Smokey mountains! - This was completely awe-inspiring! Our wonderful tour guide, Luci, got us excited over little green leaves and millipedes because of her passionate nature. She was so excited to be there and clearly cares so much for the area. We feel she really connected us to the Smoky Mountains through history about the Cherokee, knowledge about all kinds of animals and plants, and overall appreciation for the location. Not to mention it was stunningly beautiful—And we were lucky to see various salamanders, such as the red-cheeked salamander! The river is beautiful and lives up to the name Thundering Cascades. We LOVED this and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a more relaxed but beautiful hike in the Smoky Mountains!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diana_b
Jul 26, 2024
Perfect Family Hike! - Was the perfect hike for me and my family! About 2 miles round trip with beautiful landscapes, waterfalls and bridges! Our tour guide Luci gave us some history of the mountains, lessons on the plant and animal species and even folklore! Was a wonderful experience!
Review provided by Viator
Mickey_p
Jun 2, 2024
Great time - Ken was a fantastic guide. Hike was beautiful. The river, stream, and cascade views were very amazing 🤩
Review provided by Viator
Laura_j
May 14, 2024
Enjoyable for family - Really enjoyed the pace and learning about the plants, animals, etc. our guide, Lucy was very knowledgeable and accommodating.
Review provided by Viator
850farzanac
Apr 15, 2024
Waterfalls were beautiful! - Our guide Ken was excellent! He knew the lay of the land and was able to point out so many types of flowers, herbs & birds. The waterfalls were beautiful and the hiking was easy to navigate uphill and around. Bring hiking stick and boots, your feet will thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carolhw2731xm
Apr 14, 2024
Ken was the best! - Ken was perfect! Shared stories, pointed out plants and trees, took us to great falls and even shared a snack. The weather was perfect, the company was as well. Best day of our trip! Thanks
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeff_h
Dec 30, 2023
Sam our guide was... - Sam our guide was excellent. Money well spent. Guide was knowledgeable about the area and provided lots of information that we wouldn’t have known otherwise. We wouldn’t have been able to find the trail on our own.
Review provided by Viator
Stephanie_k
Nov 26, 2023
You won’t regret this!! - Luci was the absolute best!!!! The flowers and certain plants were already gone for the winter but that did not take away from our experience at all. She shared many interesting details and historical facts with us throughout the hike and we truly admire her passion for wildlife and nature. We look forward to coming back and embarking on another great adventure with her again!
Review provided by Viator
