Our Story
It started with a thru-hike of the Smokies in 1996, and turned into the proverbial labor of love...
Although Erik and Vesna have always been avid naturalists, they both had successful careers. Erik has a BBA in Accounting and worked as a Controller for a video post-production house for ten years. Vesna has a BS in Communications and was working towards her Masters in Education. She worked in television as both a reporter and a producer for ten years.
Their careers became less satisfying and they struggled to find meaning on this path. As a result, their trips to the mountains became more frequent and important. During this time, they saw how quickly their daughter, Tara, was growing up. They became more desperate to do something as a family.
Lightbulb Moment
Erik and Vesna began discussing an alternative.. Raising people’s environmental awareness, while spending more quality time with their daughter, seemed like a win, win. They were drawn to the Appalachian Mountains and loved being outdoors, but were unclear how to make this their life’s work, instead of just a passion.
In the summer of 1996, Erik took a 10 day solo backpacking trip through the Smokies. During this vision quest, he found the answer. Why not share this magic with others? Hence, A Walk in the Woods was born.
As children, Erik and Vesna had both wanted to become naturalists, but for various reasons had gotten off of that path. In 1998, it all came full circle. They invite you to share the wonders that this beautiful park has to offer. Although the company has grown from their little family to a larger group of talented and passionate guides, they work hard to maintain the small family atmosphere they started with. We work to ensure that your trip to the Smokies will be the best part of your vacation!
Meet the Owners
A Walk in the Woods is locally owned and operated by the husband and wife team Erik and Vesna Plakanis.
Between them, they have over 70 years experience in hiking the Appalachian Mountains, covering thousands of miles of trails.
Both have been full time trail guides in the Great Smoky Mountains since 1998. Therefore, they are experts in leave no trace, medicinal and edible uses of plants, animal tracking, wilderness survival and primitive arts.
Additionally, Erik and Vesna are accomplished storytellers, specializing in Cherokee legends and Settler tall tales. Similarly, they love teaching classes on wild edibles, fungi and primitive skills. They are also certified by the Humane Society in non-Lethal Bear Aversion techniques. Techniques taught by the famed Bear Whisperer, Steven Searle.
Fighting For Our Environment
In 2012, Erik was given the coveted REI Top Guide Award! Erik was proud to take part in a winning lawsuit in 2009 that forced the TVA to clean up their power plants. This forced TVA to take 16 of the worst ones off line. As a result, the win measurably improved air quality in and around the Smokies from 2010 on. On a side note, Erik, a confirmed descendent of Daniel Boone, is a real fun guy and loves his mushroom puns!