Our Mission
At A Walk in the Woods, our mission is simple yet powerful: to raise environmental awareness through direct, positive experiences with nature. Since 1998, we’ve helped guests explore the beauty, history, and ecology of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
We believe that when people experience the Smokies firsthand—when they feel the mist of a waterfall, hear the song of a warbler, or walk beneath centuries-old trees—they form a personal connection that inspires stewardship and care for all wild places. Every guided hike, backpacking trip, or educational program we offer is designed to ignite curiosity, build understanding, and encourage conservation.
Our mission allows us to plant the seeds for future change by helping people fall in love with the Smokies so they will, in turn, work to protect it and all wild spaces for generations to come.
A Walk in the Woods Core Values
Our mission allows us to plant the seeds for future change by helping people fall in love with the Smokies so they will in turn work to protect it and all wild spaces.
A Passion for Curiosity and Sharing Knowledge
We strive to make every experience in the Smokies meaningful and memorable through engaging interpretation and storytelling that connects people to nature and history.
Exemplary Customer Service
From first contact to the final farewell, we’re committed to creating safe, inclusive, and unforgettable experiences for every guest.
Supporting Our Team
We believe that taking care of people starts from within. Our guides and staff earn a living wage so they can thrive while doing work they love—protecting nature and sharing its wonders.
A Spirit of Cooperation and Gratitude
We foster teamwork, mutual respect, and appreciation among our staff and partners, knowing that collaboration strengthens our mission.
Leaving Wild Spaces Better Than We Found Them
Through Leave No Trace ethics, trail stewardship, and environmental education, we actively reduce our impact and help protect fragile ecosystems.
Leading by Example
We walk our talk—literally. Our eco-friendly operations, off-grid base camp, and sustainability initiatives reflect our deep respect for the land and our responsibility to future generations.
Our Commitment to the Smokies and Beyond
Every journey with A Walk in the Woods is more than a hike—it’s a step toward a more sustainable future. By connecting people with the natural world, we hope to inspire advocacy, conservation, and a lifelong love for the outdoors. Together, we can protect the Great Smoky Mountains and all the wild places that make our planet extraordinary.
