Compare 3 Day Smoky Mountains Hiking Experience by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 3 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 1,310 | $ 2,060 |
| Price Per Day | $ 437 | $ 385 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
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| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Our 3-Day Smoky Mountains Hiking Experience combines the highlights of the Smokies into one relatively short, purely Appalachian outdoor vacation. You'll intimately experience the Smokies' diverse forests, waterfalls, historical sites, scenic drives and the famous Appalachian Trail all in one action-packed hiking package. We've also meticulously handpicked the inns/hotels, and the restaurants to make your week as comfortable and enriching as possible! |
Deserts, canyons, lakes and valleys await on a five-day adventure through western USA’s most spectacular national parks. Hike through the diverse scenery of Zion National Park, marvel at sandstone spires in Bryce Canyon National Park, join a Navajo guide to learn about the history of Monument Valley and take in one of the natural wonders of the world at Grand Canyon National Park. Let an expert local guide share stories of the landscape and discover there’s more to each destination than what meets the eye. |
Day 1
Shuttle to the Smokies: 1.5-hour drive from Asheville
Hiking Mileage: 8.1 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1640 feet
Accommodations: Dancing Bear Cabins
This inn-based Great Smoky Mountains hiking tour starts with a scenic drive from Asheville, NC to the Oconoluftee entrance to the park, where we'll stop briefly at the Mountain Farm Museum to peruse the early settler buildings and the extraordinary practices of hearty 19th century Appalachian farmers. The museum also features artifacts from and information about the Park's oldest inhabitants: the Cherokee. This stop helps set the context for the next 3 days so we can fully appreciate the history, wilderness and scenic beauty of the Smokies as we hike through its forests and along its ancient creeks.
After this enriching stop we will continue on to our first hike, which follows the famous Appalachian Trail from historic Newfound Gap (the site of Roosevelt's park dedication speech in 1940) to Charlies Bunion. Endless views over the lush, timbered ridges of the Smokies abound on today's hike. After this rewarding hike we will drive up to the Park's highest peak, Clingman's Dome at 6,643', to take in more sweeping views. Eventually we'll bring our first day of exploration to a close by continuing to our lodge at the "quiet side of the Smokies", Townsend, TN, checking in, cleaning up, and heading out for a wonderful Appalachian dinner.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 8.3 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1140 feet
Accommodations: Dancing Bear Cabins
Today starts with a hearty Appalachian breakfast cooked by your guide at the Cades Cove Picnic area (weather depending). After breakfast we will explore the culturally rich Cades Cove historic district, while keeping an eye out for some of the Park's many types of wildlife (black bear, deer, elk, turkey, and more). Often this is a highlight of the trip due to the many historic buildings, stunning scenery, and wonderful tranquility of this rich mountain valley.
Today's official hike is a forested creek-side hike up the lush Middle Prong of the Little River to the Lynn Camp Prong Cascades and Indian Flats Falls. This stunning river valley is arguably home to the Smokies' most scenic waterfall hike. The hike starts in the historic logging area of Tremont. Here the Little River Lumber Company had a large camp prior to the establishment of the Park. We'll relax for a picnic lunch near the first cascades before heading on up to more lovely cascades and waterfalls. We'll enjoy the falls, take photos, and eventually hike back to the trailhead. A short shuttle ride to our hotel, a tasty Southern dinner and a cozy night's sleep top off another rewarding day of Smoky Mountains exploration.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 7 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1200 feet
Shuttle to Asheville: 2-hour drive to Asheville
Our Last day of Appalachian exploration starts at a local family owned restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast we will head to the Roaring Fork Motor trail and our day's first of 2 hikes! The overarching theme of today is historic buildings and waterfalls. Our first hike is to one of the Smokie's most unique waterfalls, Grotto Falls. Our trail literally travels behind this torrent of water, making for fantastic photos. Once back at our vehicle we will continue through this historic loop road stopping at historic cabins and structures along the way. Lunch today will be a picnic along the rushing waters of the Little Pigeon River on our way to our second hike in the Big Creek area. This hike takes us past more amazing waterfalls: Midnight Hole Falls and Mouse Creek Falls. This will bring our daily waterfall count to 3! A short shuttle from here brings us back to Asheville, ending this action-packed, 3-day exploration of some of the Great Smokey Mountains' finest sights and trails!
Day 1 Las Vegas / Zion National Park
Welcome to Las Vegas! The real wild west is home to some of the USA’s most incredible scenery. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am. Then, you’ll hop aboard a private van. Get to know each other over a picnic lunch, then venture into the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. Join your leader for a guided hike, then spend the night in Springdale – known as the gateway to the park.
Day 2 Bryce Canyon National Park / Page
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to make tracks for Bryce Canyon National Park – make sure your camera is ready to go, as some of the views you’ll come across today are truly out of this world! Take a short drive in your private vehicle, then spend the morning hiking through the epic landscapes of the park. Walk along the canyon rim and marvel at hundreds of unique sandstone towers, known as hoodoos, that jut out from the natural amphitheatre. Relax while you enjoy a picnic lunch and take in your magnificent surroundings, then hike down into the canyon for a closer look at the fascinating hoodoos. Then, drive on to the town of Page, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3 Lake Powell / Horseshoe Bend
Journey south this morning, driving through more spectacular scenery before arriving at Lake Powell. This gorgeous reservoir is certainly a sight to behold from the shore but to really appreciate it, you’ve got to get on the water. Jump in a kayak and paddle across the water’s surface, weaving your way through remarkable rock formations while your leader regales you with stories of the lake’s history. Back on dry land, set out for a gentle walk along Horseshoe Bend, taking in beautiful views with every step. This afternoon there is an option to visit Antelope Canyon before returning to Page for the evening.
Day 4 Monument Valley / Grand Canyon
Start the day with a drive to Monument Valley – one of the world’s most iconic sights. If this landscape dotted with towering sandstone buttes looks familiar to you, it’s no surprise – Monument Valley has been the filming location for many famous Western films. More importantly, this is the native land of the Navajo. When you arrive, you’ll transfer from your vehicle to a 4WD and enjoy a Navajo-guided tour of Monument Valley, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about their rich culture and history in the area before sitting down to a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch. Continue your journey onto the iconic Grand Canyon for some awe-inspiring walks along the rim.
Day 5 Route 66 / Las Vegas
This morning it's time to return to Las Vegas, but first we'll make a stop along Historic Route 66. You’ll arrive back in Las Vegas at approximately 4 pm where your adventure will come to an end.
