Explore the Smokies with the Guides Trusted to Tell Their Story
Guided Smoky Mountain Hikes with A Walk in the Woods
We were honored to guide Diane Sawyer and the ABC News crew in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for an upcoming America 250 National Parks feature. The Smokies are one of only five national park places being highlighted — and we can’t wait for the country to see what we get to share every day.
For us, this is more than a television moment. It is a reminder of why we do this work.
The Smokies are not just a beautiful backdrop. They are ancient mountains, rushing streams, quiet forests, hidden stories, family memories, rare species, old homeplaces, and trails that invite you to slow down and notice more.
At A Walk in the Woods, our guides help you go deeper — into the ecology, history, wildlife, waterfalls, and wonder of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Want to experience the Smokies with the same guide-led depth and storytelling?
The Smokies Are About to Be Seen by the Whole Country
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has always held a special place in America’s story. Now, as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the Smokies are receiving a national spotlight.
We are proud that A Walk in the Woods was asked to help share this landscape with Diane Sawyer and the ABC News crew. Our role was simple and meaningful: to do what we do every day — help people experience the Smokies with insight, care, curiosity, and connection.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or have loved these mountains for years, a guided hike can change the way you see the park.
You may notice the tree you usually walk past.
You may hear the story behind an old stone wall.
You may understand why a stream, salamander, wildflower, or bear sign matters.
You may leave with more than photographs.
You may leave with a connection.
Update! '7 Natural Wonders of America': Appalachian Mountains
with ABC’s Diane Sawyer, Nat Geo’s Gabby Salazar and our very own Jack Lloyd!
Why Hike with A Walk in the Woods?
A Walk in the Woods has been guiding guests in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park for decades. Our guides are naturalists, educators, biologists, and former park rangers who know how to make the Smokies come alive.
We offer guided hikes and nature experiences for families, first-time visitors, experienced hikers, corporate groups, students, photographers, and travelers who want more than a quick stop at the overlook.
Our hikes can be easy, adventurous, educational, scenic, peaceful, playful, or fully customized around your group.
With the right guide, the Smokies become more than scenery.
Choose Your Smoky Mountain Experience
Three-Hour Guided Walks & Easy Smoky Mountain Tours
Short, approachable experiences for families, beginners, seniors, first-time visitors, history lovers, and guests with limited time.
These guided walks are ideal if you want a meaningful Smoky Mountain experience without committing to a full-day hike.
Great for: families, first-time hikers, seniors, short visits, and guests who want an easy introduction to the park.
Family & Kids Nature Programs
Hands-on, guide-led programs designed for children, families, homeschool groups, and curious young explorers.
Our family programs are playful, educational, and built around discovery. Children may learn about animal tracks, stream life, forest sounds, plants, insects, and the hidden details that make the Smokies feel alive.
Great for: families with children, homeschool groups, curious kids, and multi-generational travelers.
Great for: families, first-time hikers, seniors, short visits, and guests who want an easy introduction to the park.
Waterfalls, Rivers & Cool Mountain Trails
For guests who love waterfalls, rushing streams, cascades, swimming holes, cool forest trails, and the sound of moving mountain water.
These hikes are especially popular in warmer months and offer some of the most classic Smoky Mountain scenery.
Great for: summer visitors, photographers, waterfall lovers, families, and guests who want a cooler trail experience.
Half-Day Guided Hikes
More trail time, richer scenery, and a deeper Smoky Mountain experience without committing to a full day.
Half-day hikes are a great fit for guests who want to explore beyond the busiest stops while still leaving time for dinner, shopping, or other vacation plans.
Great for: couples, families, active travelers, first-time Smokies visitors, and guests who want a balanced adventure.
Full-Day Guided Hikes
Private, immersive, full-day guided experiences built around waterfalls, views, history, scenic trails, old-growth forest, and custom Smoky Mountain highlights.
A full-day hike gives your guide more room to tailor the experience to your interests and pace. These trips are ideal for guests who want to truly settle into the mountains.
Great for: private groups, experienced hikers, photographers, return visitors, and guests seeking a deeper park experience.
Adventurous Smoky Mountain Hikes
Bigger mileage, steeper climbs, iconic routes, high-elevation scenery, and more physically demanding guided hikes.
These hikes are designed for guests who want a challenge and a reward — whether that means a big view, a remote waterfall, a quieter trail, or a classic Smoky Mountain summit.
Great for: fit hikers, adventure travelers, summit seekers, and guests who want a more demanding day in the park.
Seasonal Smoky Mountain Tours
Limited-season experiences including spring wildflowers, summer fireflies, river snorkeling, twilight legends, fall foliage, and winter views.
The Smokies change dramatically throughout the year. Our seasonal tours help guests experience the park at just the right moment.
Great for: repeat visitors, nature lovers, photographers, families, and guests planning around a special season.
Want to Know When the Segment Airs?
We will share the air date as soon as we are able.
Join our list and we’ll send updates about the upcoming ABC News America 250 National Parks feature, behind-the-scenes notes when available, and our guide team’s favorite ways to experience the Smokies this year.
Stay Tuned for the Smokies
Sign up for:
Air date updates
Behind-the-scenes notes
Guide recommendations
Seasonal Smoky Mountain hiking ideas
Special trip announcements
Plan Your Own Smoky Mountain Story
The Smokies are about to be seen by the whole country.
But the best way to understand them is still the simplest: step onto a trail with someone who knows what to look for.
Whether you want a gentle walk, a family nature program, a waterfall hike, a full-day private adventure, or a custom experience, our guide team would love to help you see the Smokies in a deeper way.
Come walk the Smokies with us.