Women’s Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp Adventure
Hike the Smokies by day, share stories by the fire at night — a women’s wilderness basecamp adventure.
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains with a community of women from a private wilderness basecamp.
This four-day adventure is designed for women who want to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains while enjoying the comfort and camaraderie of a shared basecamp. Each day we venture into the surrounding mountains on guided hikes, exploring forests, ridgelines, waterfalls, and quiet backcountry trails.
The final day adds a burst of adventure with ziplining through the forest canopy and whitewater rafting on a mountain river, creating a well-rounded Smoky Mountain experience. Activities like rafting and ziplining are common outdoor adventures in the Smokies region and offer a thrilling way to experience the landscape from new perspectives.
Evenings are spent back at our Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp — sharing meals, relaxing by the fire, and connecting with fellow adventurers.
A Landscape of Ancient Forest
The Great Smoky Mountains protect more than 520,000 acres of rugged Appalachian terrain, making it one of the largest protected landscapes in the eastern United States.
These mountains are known for their mist-covered ridges, deep hardwood forests, and extraordinary biodiversity. Scientists have identified over 19,000 species within the park, making it the most biologically diverse national park in the United States.
Our basecamp sits within easy reach of this incredible landscape, allowing us to explore different corners of the Smokies each day without moving camp.
The Basecamp Experience
Unlike traditional backpacking trips, this adventure uses a central wilderness basecamp as our home for the duration of the trip.
Each day we venture into the mountains with light daypacks, allowing participants to focus on the experience rather than carrying full backpacking gear.
The trip includes:
- guided day hikes through Smoky Mountain forests and ridgelines
- exploration of scenic mountain trails and hidden valleys
- a whitewater rafting adventure on a mountain river
- a zipline experience through the Smoky Mountain canopy
- evenings at a private wilderness basecamp
This format provides a balance of outdoor adventure, comfort, and connection.
Quick Facts
Location: Great Smoky Mountains
Duration: 4 Days
Group Size: 4-12 Participants (Women Only)
Total Mileage: 20-25 Miles
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Terrain: Deep Forest, Forested Ridgeline, Creek Systems
Fitness Level: Active / Intermediate
Cost: From $2,099
Women's Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp Expedition Overview
Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
Hike along a pristine mountain stream before visiting a local distillery for a moonshine tasting
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. After enjoying lunch and an afternoon on the trail we’re then off to a local distillery for a tasting of delicious local moonshine. Finally, with our first day of amazing adventure behind us we’ll arrive at our exclusive REI Signature Camp where we are greeted by our friendly camp host.
Hiking: 5.4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +800’/-800′; Transfers: 1.5 hours
Summit 6,594′ Mt. LeConte
After a delicious breakfast in camp we’re off on our unique adventure up Mt. LeConte. At 6,594′, bagging Mt. LeConte is an accomplishment in and of itself. Yet one of the most unique characteristics of Mt. LeConte is that it’s home to the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States, which can only be reached via a hearty hike to the summit. Once at the summit we’ll have a chance to explore the lodge and pick up a souvenir at the high-mountain gift shop. Later in the day we’ll return to our REI Signature Camp where we’ll enjoy a relaxing and meditative post hike yoga practice and a delicious meal prepared by our camp host.
Hiking: 10.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +2,700’/-2,700′; Transfers: 2.5 hours
Hike Big Creek Trail with waterfalls and swimming holes
Hike along the turquoise waters of Big Creek and slow down as we explore frequent waterfalls and swimming holes. Midnight Hole is one of the most beautiful natural swimming holes in the Blue Ridge Mountains with its crystal green waters, massive boulders and 6′ waterfall. Part of this hike is along an old logging road and we will learn about the history of the Smokies logging era and how the forest has rebounded. Once back at camp we get to kick off our boots, enjoy another great meal together and recount the day’s adventures. All meals included.
Hiking 4.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +750’/-750′; Transfers: 1.5 hours
Zip-line above the trees and raft the Nantahala River
After another delicious breakfast we pack up our things and say a final goodbye to Signature Camp as we load up the van. We take a two hour journey to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, a mecca for outdoor adventure located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River. After another delicious breakfast we pack up our things and say a final goodbye to Signature Camp as we load up the van. We take a two hour journey to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, a mecca for outdoor adventure located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River. After three days of exploring by foot, we take to the air to see the park from above the trees while soaring mountaintop to mountaintop along two miles of zip-lines. With adrenaline pumping, we enjoy 360-degree views of the Smokies and Nantahala Gorge. We then load into whitewater rafts to enjoy a fun Class II and III ride down the scenic Nantahala River, a popular stretch of water for fans of paddling sports, renowned for both its beauty and accessibility. Inspired and rejuvenated, we make our way back to Gatlinburg arriving midevening. Here we bid farewell to new friends. Breakfast and lunch included.
Inclement weather may impact the accessibility of the zip-lining course. If this is the case, we may substitute the NOC’s adventure rope course for the zip-lining activity. In the event of lightening all aerial courses will be closed.
Zip-lining: 2 miles, Time: 2-3 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 a Women’s Expedition
Women’s adventures often create a unique dynamic in the outdoors.
Many participants find that traveling with a group of women encourages collaboration, shared learning, and a welcoming environment for trying new experiences.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or simply excited to explore the Smokies, this trip provides an opportunity to connect with nature — and with each other.
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 5-8 hours each day (up to 11 miles) with as much as 2,700′ elevation gain and loss. 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 4–11 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
Hike the Smokies.
Paddle the river.
Fly through the forest.
Then return each night to a welcoming wilderness basecamp.