Step into one of the rarest and most awe-inspiring landscapes in the eastern United States. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to nearly 200,000 acres of old-growth forest — ancient woodlands that have stood for centuries, sheltering some of the biggest and most majestic trees in the East.

Ancient Giants is a guided half-day specialty hike through a forest of towering trunks, mossy logs, rushing streams, seasonal wildflowers, and quiet mountain beauty. Along the way, your guide will help bring the forest to life, sharing stories of old-growth ecology, Appalachian natural history, native plants, wildlife habitat, and the remarkable resilience of these ancient woods.

This is more than a walk among big trees. It is a chance to slow down, look up, listen closely, and experience the Smokies as they once were — wild, shaded, deeply rooted, and full of wonder.

Caution: This hike is known to cause spontaneous tree hugging, sudden fascination with moss, and a lasting appreciation for forests that have been growing since long before our time.

Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, photographers, wildflower enthusiasts, tree lovers, repeat Smokies visitors, and guests looking for a deeper, quieter Smoky Mountain experience.

Duration: 5 Hours | Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous | Mileage: 5 | Elevation Change: 1200′ | Ages: 8+

Cost: $149 Per Person 1-2 | Each Additional Person $75 | 2 Participant Minimum

Meeting Location: Greenbrier Entrance | Greenbrier Parking Area 1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738