Smoky Mountains Overnight Backpacking: Guided Wilderness Experience

Embark on a stress-free, guided backpacking adventure in the Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re new to backpacking or a seasoned pro, join us for an unforgettable wilderness experience.

Duration: 1 day, 8 hours
Highlights
  • A Walk In The Woods - A Walk in the Woods Smoky Mountain guides have been helping guests make lasting memories on backpacking and camping trips, driving tours and guided hikes in the Smoky Mountains since 1998. Our local, naturalist guides are experts in all things Smokies!

Once you book your trip, you will be sent paperwork that we need filled out by you and everyone in your party within 48 hours. We will need that paperwork filled out and returned as soon as possible. You will receive a conditioning guide, a packlist upon booking and meeting location and route information closer to the time of your trip.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Everything you wanted to know but were too afraid to ask!

Turn that curiosity into knowledge with a one night guided backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains. Learn everything about the exciting and challenging sport of backpacking while meeting other people. On this trip, you will learn all the steps needed to become a proficient backpacker. Find out what to pack, how to pack and how to wear your pack for the most comfort. Learn how to use the best gear and what to do in the event that things don’t go as planned. If the weather changes or your gear doesn’t work well, you’ll be prepared. Identifying wild plants, which ones are edible, how to cure headaches and getting relief from poison ivy are all things you will learn along the way.

We’ll start with a brief class on backpacking and apply it in real life.

What's Included
  • Dinner
  • Snacks
  • Professional guide
  • All necessary gear included. This includes a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and backpack. Guides carry 1st aid kit, stove and filter for the group.
  • Breakfast
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
Additional Information

Set aside the hustle of city life and immerse yourself in a tranquil guided backpacking adventure through the Smoky Mountains.

Taking up Backpacking?
Why experience unnecessary difficulties when you can learn backpacking skills smoothly with us? Our group sizes are limited to ensure personalized attention and to promote teamwork, which builds confidence and trust. Wilderness backpacking isn’t just a trip, it’s an opportunity to explore America in its rawest form. The journey is completed at your own pace and leaves you with a strong sense of achievement that transcends into everyday life.

A seasoned backpacker?
Imagine exploring with a personal wilderness expert who enhances your knowledge about the forest you hold dear. Get to know the edible and medicinal plants on your path, learn survival techniques for when you lose your way, and receive valuable tips to stay safe during a thunderstorm. Plus, discover natural remedies for common ailments like headaches. All this and more to make your wilderness trips safer and thoroughly enjoyable.

  • This trip 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.
  • You will be asked to sign a waiver.
Location
Sugarlands Visitor Center Bus Parking
Park Headquarters Road
You will meet you guide under the flagpole at the Sugarlands Visitors Center, go through a thorough orientation, then follow your guide to the trailhead to begin your adventure.
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(95 Ratings)
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D1659ohkarenc
Aug 6, 2024
Go to shuttle for Leconte - Used this shuttle 2 years in a row. Drivers are prompt and super friendly. Also very reasonably priced. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dansix
Aug 2, 2023
Shuttle to Trillium Gap - We hired a walk-in in the woods to shuttle us to and from the trillium gap trail for an overnight trip to the lodge on Mt Leconte. They were in time for pick up at the hotel and the trail, professional, good drivers, and polite. The office staff was responsive and courteous. The pricing was reasonable. Would 100 percent recommend and would absolutely book them again on our next hike. Don’t stress about parking and driving after a long hike, best decision on our trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trosen1010
Jun 22, 2023
Best way to get to a trailhead! - Patricia in the office was so helpful (and patient) in helping us plan our shuttle. The drivers to and from the trail head were even early for our pick ups, which was wonderful as we were ready to go. Would highly recommend using A Walk in the Woods if you are overnight hiking to Mount Leconte. It takes the worry of finding a parking space now that you have to have a parking permit at the trail head. Could not have been easier.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dave
May 31, 2023
Definitely recommend! - We used a walk in the woods shuttle service for the Alum Cave trail. Picked us up on time. I don’t remember her name but she was very knowledgeable about the trail and super helpful. We had a later time the next day to be picked up but she was able to switch us to a earlier pick up which was a lot better for us. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Road403142
May 17, 2023
Beautiful Backcountry, More Confident Backpackers - We had an amazing trip guided by TJ. He taught us so many things about how to backpack safely and really enjoy it. His knowledge of the flora and fauna (especially the trees) of the Great Smokies is extensive and he taught us a lot. His commitment to Leave No Trace principles and to the preservation of this gorgeous rainforest is inspiring. We feel so much more confident now, we are going on an overnight backpacking trip on our own next week! Also a shout out to Mike, the program manager who listened carefully to what we said about our hiking abilities and planned a trip that was not overly strenuous and gave us a great backcountry experience. We will definitely use A Walk In the Woods when we visit the Smokies again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pandamaize
Apr 20, 2023
Shuttle service is awesome - Awesome private shuttle service and super friendly driver!! I would highly recommend reserving as early as possible, they book up
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E1509zxjeffa
Jul 13, 2021
Easy and fun hiking😊 super relaxin - She was very knowledgeable and super sweetie I can not wait to go back !! Great time and amazing hiking very satisfy I highly recommend it 10 🌟 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
482cjf
Jun 17, 2021
Phenomenal Tour - The patience of our tour guide was very appreciated. He was very knowledgeable and very easy going. If/when we come back, we'll definitely look to use you guys again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aleigh40
Nov 19, 2020
A Path Less Traveled - A Walk in the Woods is a great resource if you are new to hiking. Mike was knowledgeable and adaptable to different ability levels. I appreciated his tips on hiking a rocky technical path. He took us on an less-traveled trail and we got to enjoy several beautiful unnamed waterfalls in the park. Loved it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tara0927
Oct 24, 2020
Oct 2020 - A little overpriced, but considering it was our first time to the area and we didn’t know any of the trails, it was worth the experience. Our guild was very knowledgeable and nice. He educated our young children about some things along the hike which made it a memorable experience for them. He took us to a waterfall that we otherwise wouldn’t have known was there if we had hiked the trail alone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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