Appalachian Trail Smoky Mountains Section Hike

The Great Smoky Mountains are a hiker’s paradise—where misty peaks, ancient forests, and untamed wildlife collide to create one of America’s most breathtaking wilderness escapes. This challenging 8-day adventure on the Appalachian Trail (AT) covers approximately 74 miles from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of the legendary AT: an epic journey that captures its highest summit, breath-taking vistas, and toughest terrain—all without committing to the full 2,190 miles. Kick off with a day of prep and camaraderie, then conquer a piece of hiking history with expert guidance. 

Trip Highlights:

• Appalachian Trail Experience: Learn about the iconic Appalachian Trail, which stretches almost 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine as you traverse through the Great Smoky Mountains section.  Get a taste of the thru-hiker culture and experience all of the rugged beauty the AT has to offer.

• Challenging and Rewarding Hiking: Take on the physical challenge of backpacking for 7 days and 6 nights, covering over 74 miles of diverse terrain with a total of 18,675 feet of ascent!

• Rich Ecosystems: Explore the park's unique biodiversity, home to ancient forests, cascading streams, and wildlife like black bears, deer, and salamanders.

• Epic Views: Start the hike with a climb up the Shuckstack Fire Tower for 360 degree views of the beautiful Appalachians.  Then, summit the AT's highest peak, Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingman's Dome) at 6,643' for panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.  And finally, soak in the peaceful mountain scenery at Charlie's Bunion, and learn how the Smokies got their name.

Cost:

The cost for this trip is $1700 per person.

What's Included:

• Pre-Hike Virtual Orientation and planning with your guide
• Backcountry camping permits and National Park fees
• Shuttle service to/from meeting location to trailhead
  
• Resupply car at the midway point (Newfound Gap)
• Expect advice, tips, and planning from an experienced backpacking guide
  

What's Not Included:

• Guide gratuity (suggested 15-20%)
  
• Backpacking Gear (rentals available for additional fee)
• Meals
• Lodging before/after trip
  
• Transportation from airports or hotels
  

Group Size:

This trip is limited to 5 hikers plus your guide.  A minimum of 2 hikers is required for this trip to run.  If the minimum is not met, your guide will contact you with an option for a refund or booking credit.

Trip Difficulty: 

This is an advanced level backpacking trip with many steep ascents, descents, rocky and rooty terrain, and creek crossings.  You will be expected to carry your own backpacking gear (between 25-30 pounds) for 7-9 hours each day as we hike to our campsites. Daily mileage depends on campsite availability, but will generally be between 9 - 14 miles and up to 4,500' of elevation gain per day.  This trip is best suited to those who have previous backpacking experience, are in good physical shape, and are prepared to spend 7 days in the backcountry.  We recommend training for this hike ahead of time to condition your body to carrying extra weight (see FAQs for training ideas).

Summer is a beautiful time to hike in the Smokies! As most of the hike is at high elevations, temperatures are 10-20 degrees cooler than the nearby town of Gatlinburg, TN.  You can expect daytime highs in the 60s-70s and overnight lows in the 40s-50s.  Rain is common during all months and the weather can change very quickly in the mountains, so we'll be prepared for varying temperatures and precipitation.

Itinerary: 

Due to permitting restrictions in the national park, we cannot make reservations for backcountry campsites and shelters until 25 days before the start of the trip.  Exact locations, routes, and mileage are dependent on campsite availability.  Your guide will send a detailed itinerary with the planned route and mileage approximately 2 weeks before the start of the trip.

We will meet around 4 pm on the first day at the Fontana Village Resort, where you will meet your guide and for a trip briefing, thorough pack shakedown, and a overview of safety, weather, and trail conditions.  We will begin hiking early the next morning on Day 2.

Midway through the hike, we will meet a resupply vehicle at Newfound Gap, where you will be able to restock your meals for the 2nd half of the trip and get a change of clothes if you'd like. 

On the final day, we'll end at Davenport Gap and then take a shuttle back to Fontana Dam.  The shuttle ride is about 2.5 hours long.  We will aim to finish our trip by 4 pm, but it may be earlier or later depending on the itinerary, weather, and trail conditions.  Please give yourself some wiggle-room when planning your return travels, and let your guide know if you have any hard deadlines.

What to Bring:

Your guide will send you a detailed packing list prior to the trip, but you should expect to bring your own backpacking gear and personal items such as meals, clothing, toiletries, and water bottles.  For gear, you will need a 50-65 L backpack, trekking poles, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, head lamp, water filtration system, backpacking stove, food storage bag, and cook kit.  Your guide will carry first aid and navigation for the group, but you are welcome to carry your own as well.  During your pre-hike virtual orientation, your guide will be available to answer any questions you have about the packing list. 

Getting There:

If you are flying, the closest major airport is the McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS) in Alcoa, TN, just south of Knoxville. From there, you can rent a car to get to Fontana Dam, NC, which is about a 1.5 hour drive.  We will meet at the Fontana Village Resort in the afternoon on the first day, and hike out from there in the morning.  We recommend that you book a stay at the Fontana Village Resort or another nearby accommodation the night before the trip so you can start your hike well rested.

Travel Insurance:

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance with appropriate coverage.  Travel insurance may be used to reimburse the cost of an unexpected trip cancellation, for reasons such as illness, injury, a death in the family, or travel delays.  Wildwood Hiking Company does not offer travel insurance, but you can search online for a provider that fits your needs.