Family Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp Adventure
Trade screens for campfires, mountain streams, and unforgettable family adventures in the heart of the Smokies.
Unplug. Explore. Reconnect.
Some of the best family memories happen when everyone slows down.
Nestled on our private 90-acre wilderness property bordering the Great Smoky Mountains, this four-day family adventure blends comfortable camping with guided exploration, outdoor fun, and quality time together.
Each day brings a new adventure—from hiking to waterfalls and mountain vistas to discovering wildlife, historic cabins, and hidden corners of the Smokies. Evenings are spent back at camp sharing meals, roasting marshmallows, playing games, and relaxing beneath some of the darkest skies in the Southeast.
Designed for families with children ages 8 and older, this trip creates opportunities to unplug from technology and reconnect with nature—and each other.
A Basecamp Designed for Families
Forget packing and unpacking every day.
Our private Wilderness Basecamp serves as your home throughout the adventure.
Families enjoy:
- Spacious platform tents
- Comfortable beds
- Hot showers
- Modern bathhouse
- Covered dining pavilion
- Campfire gathering area
- Open spaces for games and exploration
You’ll spend your days exploring the national park and your evenings enjoying everything that makes camp such a special place.
Every Day Brings a New Adventure
Each day features a different guided experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Depending on the season, your family may experience:
- Mountain waterfalls
- Old-growth forests
- Panoramic overlooks
- Historic cabins
- Wildflower-filled meadows
- Mountain streams perfect for exploring
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
Our naturalist guides make every hike engaging with stories, games, wildlife discoveries, and hands-on learning that keep both kids and adults involved.
Quick Facts
Location: Great Smoky Mountains
Duration: 4 Days
Group Size: 4-12 Participants
Total Mileage: 15-20 Miles
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Terrain: Deep Forest, Forested Ridgeline, Creek Systems
Fitness Level: Active / Intermediate
Cost: Adults $2,099 | Children 17 and Under $1,999
Adventure Beyond the Trail
The fun doesn’t stop when the hike ends.
Your adventure also includes:
- Whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River
- Aerial challenge course or zipline adventure
- Campfire evenings
- S’mores
- Camp games
- Stargazing
- Creek exploration
- Plenty of time to simply be together
It’s the kind of vacation where kids come home talking about campfires instead of Wi-Fi.
Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp Expedition Overview
Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Meet your guides and fellow traveling companions this morning in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. After introductions and a trip orientation we’ll hop aboard our provided shuttle for a quick transfer to our first trailhead. The Cucumber Gap Loop is a perfect introduction to the rich biodiversity, beauty, and history of the Great Smoky Mountains. This hike takes place along an old logging railroad that passes old homesteads and small waterfalls. Plenty of small stream crossings enliven our walk. At the end of the day, our friendly camp host welcomes us to Signature Camp where we enjoy a barbecue dinner around a roaring campfire. All meals included.
Hiking: 5.4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +800’/-800′; Transfers: 1.5 hours
The forest becomes a classroom on a day full of discovery
Today’s journey takes us past settler’s homesteads and the remains of gigantic Chestnut trees before reaching picturesque Hen Wallow Falls. Surrounded by a lush forest of rhododendron, fern and towering hemlock our naturalist guides teach us about the unique characteristics which make this amazing area an International Biosphere Reserve. Using the forest as our classroom we’ll take time to learn which plants are edible and which are valued for their medicinal properties. Back at camp, we’ll play games, enjoy great food and end the day roasting s’mores on the campfire. All meals included.
Hiking: 5 miles; 1,000′ elevation gain and loss; Transfers: 1 hours
Explore historical artifacts and climb to a mountain vista
Our mission today is to explore a unique section of trails; home to the largest collection of human artifacts in the National Park system. Walk along a beautiful mountain stream through an old growth forest. Climb to one of the most picturesque mountain vistas with expansive views of breathtaking rock formations. Our celebration of this spectacular region continues as we head back for a tasty meal around a roaring campfire. We’ll spend our final evening together sharing stories and reflecting on our last few days of adventure. All meals included.
Hiking: 4.5-6 miles; 1,000-1,500′ elevation gain and loss; Transfers: 2 hours
Experience a multi-level aerial challenge course with zip lines and float down the beautiful Nantahala River
Today our adventure takes us south through Great Smoky Mountain National park to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. The NOC is a mecca for outdoor adventure and located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River. After three days of exploring on foot, we take to the air to experience the park from above. We race along dual zip lines and test our skills navigating the aerial challenge course before loading into whitewater rafts to enjoy a family friendly ride down the scenic Nantahala River. After rounding out our exploration of the Great Smoky Mountains by land, sky and water we make our way back to Gatlinburg. We expect to arrive back in Gatlinburg in the early evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
Multi-level aerial challenge course with 550-foot long zipline, Time: 2 hours; Whitewater Rafting: 8 miles, Time: 3 hours; Transfers: 4 hours
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.
Why Families Love Basecamp
Unlike traditional camping trips, there’s no need to pack up camp every morning.
Our Basecamp allows families to:
Sleep comfortably
Explore with only daypacks
Return to hot showers
Enjoy freshly prepared meals
Relax around the fire each evening
It’s outdoor adventure with just the right amount of comfort.
Participant Experience
Your Expedition Leadership
Every expedition is led by professionals with decades of combined field experience across the Southern Appalachians and beyond. Our leaders know these landscapes intimately—from seasonal weather patterns and trail conditions to water sources and emergency exit routes—and plan each trip accordingly. All guides are trained in wilderness risk management, decision-making under changing conditions, and group safety protocols, ensuring trips that are thoughtful, well-paced, and grounded in professional judgment rather than improvisation.
Inclusions
- Professional Guide Leadership
- Permits & Logistics
- Pre-Trip Planning Support
- Expedition Briefing Materials
- Gear Rental as Needed
- Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, Snacks
- Transportation Throughout Trip
- Small Group Format
Exclusions
- Personal Items (toiletries, clothing)
- Prefered Comfort Food / Snacks
- Gratuity for Your Guide
- Airport Transfer
- Lodging before/after Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip members should be capable of hiking 4-7 hours each day (up to 6 miles) with as much as 1,500′ elevation gain and loss. The aerial challenge course and zip-lining is suitable for beginners. Weight ranges for zip-lining are 60 pounds minimum and 250 pounds maximum. Rafting is suitable for beginners although comfort in/around water is recommended. Rafting is on rapids classified II-III whitewater.
Weather is an inherent part of wilderness travel, and itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind. Trip leaders monitor forecasts closely and make real-time adjustments to routes, pacing, or daily objectives as needed. In the event of severe conditions, alternative plans or modified activities may be implemented to maintain safety without compromising the overall experience.
$100 per person of trip total amount is a non-refundable deposit. Due to the planning involved in backpacking trips, we require a 45 day cancellation. A refund will be provided for cancellations up to 45 days prior to arrival, less the $100 deposit. Cancellations between 44 and 30 days of your trip will be refunded half of the full trip charge. No refunds for cancellations with less than a 30 day notice, however, we will extend a 25% discount on a future trip to be taken within a one year period. If the guide cancels your trip due to hazardous weather conditions prior to starting the trip, you will be refunded the full trip price excluding the deposit. If the guide or a member of another group on the trip ends the trip early, you will be refunded a prorated portion of the cost. If we begin the trip and you or anyone in your group decides to end the trip early for any reason, there will be no refund. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to our cancellation policy. We are not responsible for medical or family emergencies. If you need to be evacuated for any reason, you will be responsible for the cost. Transportation costs can range from $75 to $300 depending on where you are at the time of the evacuation. If staff needs to hike in to hike you out or assist in an evacuation, you will be responsible for the cost.
We encourage you to research travel insurance services to best meet your needs if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Trip Assure offers insurance for our overnight trips. Trip Assure provides plans with benefits to protect the cost of your travel arrangements; your belongings; and most importantly, you, in case your trip gets disrupted. Please see the following link for more information: Trip Insurance with Trip Assure **Note: This cancellation policy excludes Cascades and Canopies | Smoky Mountain Experience, Peaks to Pools | Backpacking and Paddling Multisport and Smokies Lake Paddle and Basecamp
Hikes range between 4–7 miles, depending on the route and conditions. Trails may include moderate elevation gain, rocky sections, and uneven terrain typical of the Smoky Mountains. Guides set a supportive pace and adjust routes to match the group’s abilities.
No. This trip is designed as a basecamp experience, meaning we return to the same campsite each night. All hiking is done with light daypacks, making it accessible to guests who may be new to multi-day outdoor adventures.
Our basecamp is located on a private 90-acre mountain property, offering a quiet setting surrounded by forest. Evenings are spent relaxing around the fire, sharing meals, and enjoying time together after a day of exploring the mountains.
Participants typically carry a small daypack with water, snacks, rain gear, extra layers, and personal items. A detailed packing list will be provided before the trip.
These activities are included in the itinerary and are highlights of the final day. However, if a participant prefers not to participate, alternative options may be available depending on group logistics.
No prior experience is necessary. Professional guides provide safety briefings and instruction before both activities.
Yes. The Smoky Mountains are active bear habitat. Guides will instruct participants on proper food storage and backcountry practices to ensure safety for both guests and wildlife.
Unlike backpacking trips where you carry all your gear between campsites, this adventure allows you to sleep at the same basecamp each night while exploring different areas of the Smokies during the day.
Join the Adventure
Family Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp
Explore waterfalls.
Splash in mountain streams.
Gather around the campfire.
Create memories your family will talk about for years.