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Guided Smoky Mountain Hikes, Backpacking & Tours

A Walk in the Woods

Award-Winning Naturalist Guides in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Since 1998

Guide and guests atop Mt Cammerer, taking in the amazing views. Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp

Guided Hikes and Walking Tours

3 ladies jumping for joy on a Guided Backpacking Trip with A Walk in the Woods.

Guided Backpacking and Multi-sport

Save 15% off any Fall backpacking trip, now through November 16th with code FallBP15!

Camp Atagahi tent aglow at night. Illuminated from the inside by camp lanterns.

Guided Wilderness Basecamp

CUA permitted bus and school group at Newfound Gap

Guided Driving and Step On Tours

Blackburnian Warbler singing Keith Watson

Guided Specialty and Seasonal Tours

Shuttle clients hiking Mt LeConte

Shuttle Service

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Dolly Parton Tribute

A Smokies Girl, Always

For all the places Dolly Parton went in her extraordinary life, the Smokies remained home.

Dolly Parton’s life and career were deeply tied to Appalachia and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Parton left the mountains shortly after high school to pursue a music career in Nashville, but she never stopped carrying her Smoky Mountain roots with her. She often said, “I’m the only person that ever left the Smoky Mountains and took them with her”.  Many of her songs, reflected the landscapes, people, and traditions of these ancient mountains.

We will always love you.

'7 Natural Wonders of America': Appalachian Mountains

with ABC’s Diane Sawyer, Nat Geo’s Gabby Salazar and our very own Jack Lloyd!

Оксана K
Оксана K
Woodland Wander
My daughter and I did the Woodland Wander tour with Andy, which was about 6.5 miles, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. It was not only a beautiful hike, but also a great learning experience. Andy was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the tour very enjoyable. We were especially happy that it was just our family on the tour, which made the experience feel more personal and relaxed. It was absolutely worth every penny, and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a memorable outdoor experience.
Shaun Schafer
Shaun Schafer
Firefly Backpacking
This was an amazing experience. Journeying into the woods to be surrounded by synchronous fireflies was the equivalent of immersive magic. Plus, our guide Kels patiently walked and talked us through the natural world of the Great Smoky Mountains. Overall, it was well communicated and well organized. We loved it.
Mon L.
Mon L.
Thundering Cascadeds and Falls
We had the most incredible experience with A Walk in the Woods last week in the Smoky Mountains, and it was truly made unforgettable by our guide, Samantha ("Sam"). From the moment we started, Sam was warm, kind, and incredibly attentive. She made us feel completely at ease, welcomed every single question, and thoughtfully adjusted the pace to suit our group so everyone could fully enjoy the experience. Her depth of knowledge was amazing--we learned so much about the plants, trees, and wildlife of the Smoky Mountains, as well as fascinating insights into how the Cherokee people once lived in harmony with this beautiful land. The scenery itself was absolutely breathtaking, but what made it even more special was the way Sam brought it all to life with her stories and passion. As a lovely surprise, she even prepared a delicious snack for us along with homemade herbal tea, which was such a thoughtful and personal touch. We are so grateful we chose this tour and had Sam as our guide. It was meaningful, educational, and deeply enjoyable from start to finish. We would absolutely book another tour with her and this company and highly recommend it to anyone of any age looking for a truly special experience in the Smokies..
NJ
NJ
Family Smoky Mountain Basecamp
Our family had an extraordinary trip with A Walk in the Woods! Our Spring Break glamping experience started a "little" more chilly than expected, with snow and temperatures in the 20s. However, our guide, Mike, and the rest of the team from A Walk in the Woods, China and Andy, managed to make sure we had a great time. Even one of the owners, Vesna, showed up when the temperatures were still freezing to make sure we could take a hot shower and have a warm dinner. We are impressed by the amount of attention to detail and individualized planning when it was time to decide hikes and lunches. We are very happy with our four days that we spent out there in the mountains, connecting with nature, singing around the fire pit, and Mike being "bossed" around by our 5-year old . This is our second experience with them, although it was our first one glamping. We will definitely be back soon. Again, thank you for everything!
Texas1955
Texas1955
Best of the Smokies Full Day
We booked a private guide for our first look at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mike was our guide and he did a great job. His knowledge of the park and wildlife really added to our experience. Having him drive us around and share information about the area and the people was great. We viewed and hiked several areas including Cades Cove, Middle Prong Trail and Abrams Falls. Overall we hiked 6 miles that day which was perfect for us. We saw and learned about things that most people don’t because of our guide. I really wanted to see a bear and Mike promised we would and we saw 6!! Highly recommend this company. Get out on the trails!!
Olwen Claiborne
Olwen Claiborne
Stroll Back in Time
I am local to the Smoky Mountains National Park and feel like I know a lot about the flora, fauna, and history of the Park. I recently attended a guided hike with staff (Sam and Lucy) from A Walk in the Woods and learned quite a few new things! There is always more than meets the eye when hiking these trails, and the attention to detail and knowledge shared by the A Walk in the Woods staff makes a Walk in the Woods an experience much greater than a mere . . . walk. Don't ask where this Pink Lady's Slipper is. I'll never tell.
Jo0nTheGo
Jo0nTheGo
Bear Cub Adventure and Exploring Nature with Children
We ended up doing two tours with A Walk in the Woods and couldn't recommend them enough! Luci, a former elementary school teacher, led the Bear Cub tour and she was fantastic. My 4 year old was so engaged from the story-time start to craft and educational walk. Luci took us to an easy to get to waterfall and had tons of information to share about the plants, animals, and history of the area. We decided to also do Exploring Nature with Children and even though we were in almost the same space from the day before, our guide Mike was able to make it feel completely fresh. He quickly got to know our group and customized our hike to cover new ground. Again, we got excellent information about the park and the natural surroundings without repeating. Mike went at a pace that worked for our group, keeping an eye on what was interesting to my kid and letting that lead the experience. Both tours were friendly, informative, and professional. Again, would highly recommend.
Notya Cheese
Notya Cheese
Stroll Back in Time
I just enjoyed an amazing walk with my guide, China. It was just the person with me and myself, so we could go at our place, explore the woods and area while we hiked, and take in all the sights with nature. Our tour was called a "Stroll Back in Time" and its a short couple of miles with a slight elevation. Our Guide, China, was very knowledgeable, interactive, and had an amazing spirit. If I could pick her as a tour guide again, I definitely would. They can expect to see myself, along with whomever I invite, on another tour. I definitely recommend this place for walking tours, especially when they have tours that are family-friendly. China even allowed us to try parts of nature that are edible, letting us get a little experience about what it was like to live back in the day and scavenge for food.
Bilqis Rock
Bilqis Rock
Smokies Classic Backpacking
I had the absolute pleasure of joining a 4-day/3-night backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains organized by a Walk in the Woods. It was nothing short of incredible. From start to finish, I felt completely taken care of. The experience was seamless, professional, and memorable! The guide, China, was exceptional: deeply knowledgeable, endlessly patient, and a gifted storyteller who brought the forest to life with fascinating history, ecology, and humor. Her kindness and calm made the trip feel adventurous and enriching. The office staff were also fantastic--professional and responsive. Every detail felt thoughtfully planned and expertly executed. If you are looking for a meaningful, well-organized adventure, A Walk in the Woods is the way to go. I can't recommend them highly enough.

2025 Stars of the Industry Award

A Walk in the Woods was awarded Attraction of the Year by the Sevier County Hospitality and Tourism Association! We are so honored to hold this title beside past winners like Dollywood and Anakeesta!

Logo for Sevier County Hospitality and Tourism Alliance. A Walk in the Woods won Attraction of the Year for 2025!

2025 Tourism Business of the Year

A Walk in the Woods was awarded Tourism Business of the Year award at the 9th Annual Iron Awards by the Pigeon Forge Chamber! We are honored to be recognized for our dedication to the Park and our community.

9th Annual Iron Award Recipient
Our Story
Our Mission
What We Offer

Smoky Mountain Hiking Tours, Guided Backpacking, and Wilderness Basecamp Retreats

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park with award-winning naturalist guides. Whether you’re craving a day hike, an overnight backpacking adventure, or a luxury glamping experience, A Walk in the Woods delivers expert-led journeys that deepen your connection to the land.

Our Core Experiences in the Smokies | A Walk in the Woods

Guided Day Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

Discover the hidden beauty of the Smokies with half day or full day guided hikes. Choose waterfall walks, historic trails, or scenic overlooks—the perfect way to explore without camping. Knowledgeable naturalist guides lead all hikes.

Learn More About Day Hikes
A Walk in the Woods Family group posing on a rock near a stream

Guided Backpacking Trips in the Smoky Mountains

Immerse yourself in the backcountry with multi-night guided backpacking trips—like our classic 3-night, 4-day treks or longer thru hikes on the Appalachian Trail. Trips include permit logistics, meal planning, and optional gear rental. If you’ve always wanted to backpack, now is your chance. Let us handle the details; all you have to do is show up and enjoy the mountains.

Learn More About Backpacking Trips
A Walk in the Woods Basecamp Group having fun!

Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp

Camp in style just outside Gatlinburg at our off-grid eco retreat, Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp. Spacious tents are outfitted with cozy air mattresses, rugs, and rechargeable battery-powered lighting. All meals are prepared onsite in our commercial eco kitchen and served family-style. Enjoy thoughtful amenities like flushing toilets, gravity-fed outdoor showers, a forest dining deck, and daily nature programming led by experienced guides.

Learn More About Wilderness Basecamp
A Walk in the Woods Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp at night

Why Choose A Walk in the Woods

-Locally owned since 1998, with 25+ years’ experience in the Smokies
-All guides are trained naturalists skilled in ecology, cultural history, and safety
-Small group sizes ensure personalized, meaningful experiences
-Focused on sustainability: Leave No Trace, off-grid amenities, eco-camp design
-Highly rated on TripAdvisor and trusted by repeat guests

What You'll Experience

–Safety & Logistics: If you’re on a backpacking trip, we handle gear planning, permits, and campsite bookings.
–Cuisine & Comfort: At our Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp, enjoy fresh, nourishing meals prepared in a commercial eco-kitchen, communal dining, and cozy tents with cots and matress pads.
–Guided Learning: Each hike or retreat includes instruction about native plants, geology, wildlife, and Appalachian culture.
–Flexible Options: Trips are curated for all levels—from easy nature walks to challenging backpacking itineraries.

Sample Trip Styles

–Smoky Mountain Day Hikes: Waterfall walks, scenic ridge trails, and history trails like The River Remembers offer rewarding half-day adventures.
–Smoky Mountain Backpacking Tours: Options range from a 2-night Intro to Backpacking treks to longer Appalachian Trail adventures and specialty seasonal trips.
–Gatlinburg Basecamp Retreats: 3-night stays at Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp include evenings around the fire, nature programming, forest bathing, and options to hike or raft nearby.

Plan Your Visit

Let’s make your trip easy to plan—and rich in experience.
     -Choose your length, trail type, and lodging style
     -Select from scheduled tours or custom multi-day packages
     -Add gear rental, transportation, or team-building options
     -Schedule in advance to guarantee your spot, especially for backpacking and glamping weekends
Reach out anytime, and we can tailor a Smoky Mountain adventure to your timeline and goals.

Contact Us

Book Your Smoky Mountain Adventure Today with A Walk in the Woods

Ready to experience Smoky Mountain hiking tours, guided backpacking trips, or eco wilderness basecamp retreats in a new way? Spots fill quickly—don’t wait to reserve your place for a trip that inspires.

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