Great Smoky Mountains Family Adventure
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
Wake up to birdsong in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and spend five days hiking, riding, and exploring one of Americaโs most beloved landscapes together as a family. This basecamp-style adventure at Smokemont Campground lets you settle into a single, scenic homebase along the Oconaluftee River while you discover the best of the park and the surrounding Cherokee community.
Youโll start by setting up camp and getting to know your group before heading to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and historic farm. Wander past log cabins and the blacksmith shop, and watch for elk grazing the meadow at dusk. Over the next two days, youโll hike to open balds and sweeping vistas on beginnerโfriendly and moderate trails, enjoy a guided horseback ride (or horseโdrawn wagon) from right near camp, and relax with camp games, sโmores, and stargazing at night.
A full day is devoted to Cherokee history and culture: experience the Oconaluftee Indian Village, an immersive living history site, then cap the evening with โUnto These Hills,โ a powerful outdoor drama that brings the story of the Cherokee people to life through music, dance, and storytelling. On your final full day, youโll tackle a signature Smokies hikeโeither the iconic Charlieโs Bunion section of the Appalachian Trail or a more relaxed alternative, depending on the groupโcelebrating with a picnic lunch at a panoramic overlook.
Throughout the trip, Wilderness Inquiry staff handle logistics, safety, and group support so families can focus on being together outdoors. With flowing rivers, wildflowers, elk, starry skies, and rich cultural experiences, this fiveโday Smokies adventure is designed to be accessible, memorable, and deeply connecting for families.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Delicious, healthy meals & snacks
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
Location Map
Day 1 โ Arrival, Camp Setup & Oconaluftee Visitor Center Exploration
Arrive around 3 PM and dive straight into adventure. Set up tents, assign a fun cooking/chore rotation, get oriented to the campground, and set shared expectations for the trip. Then take a short drive down the road to explore the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Wander through historic cabins, the blacksmith shop, barn, and other preserved buildings, keeping an eye out for elk moving through the Oconaluftee meadow. Head back for a hearty dinner at camp, then wind down with fireflies, stories around the campfire, and sโmores under the stars.
Day 2 โ Andrewโs Bald Hike and Smokemont Horseback Ride
Day 2 starts with breakfast at camp before heading into the high country for a relaxed, scenic hike to an open bald with sweeping mountain viewsโan ideal, lowโkey way to see how everyoneโs feeling on the trail before the bigger hike later in the trip. After lunch and a stop at a nearby visitor center, youโll return to Smokemont for an afternoon horseback ride or wagon experience right from the campground. The day wraps up with unstructured downtime, dinner, and easygoing camp games around your basecamp.
Day 3 โ Highlight on Cherokee Culture (Oconaluftee Indian Village and Unto These Hills Drama)
Day 3 centers on Cherokee history and culture. After breakfast, youโll head into town for a guided visit to an immersive living history village, where you can walk through traditional dwellings, learn from cultural interpreters, and see daily life and craft demonstrations up close. Youโll return to camp for lunch by the river and a relaxed afternoon, with the option of a gentle walk on a nearby riverside trail that often features wildflowers and elk. In the evening, youโll drive to an outdoor mountainside theater for โUnto These Hills,โ a powerful open-air drama with music, dance, and storytelling that brings the story of the Cherokee people to life under the stars.
Day 4 โ Hiking Excursion
Day 4 is devoted to a signature Smokies hike. After breakfast, youโll head up to Newfound Gap and set out on a moderate, all-day hike along the Appalachian Trail to a dramatic rock outcropping with sweeping, panoramic views. Youโll enjoy a picnic lunch on the overlook before returning to camp, where the evening is reserved for a final shared dinner, stargazing, and time around the fire to swap stories and favorite moments from the trip.
Day 5 โ Farewell Walk and Departure
Day 5 is a simple, slow wrap-up to the adventure. After breakfast, youโll break down tents, pack up gear, and do a final sweep of camp together, leaving the site as you found it. Thereโs time for last conversations and goodbyes before departing late morning for the journey home.
Accessibility & Support
Wilderness Inquiry is committed to making the outdoors more welcoming and inclusive. This Great Smoky Mountains trip is ideal for adults and youth who enjoy walking, hiking, and learning in nature but do not necessarily identify as expert backpackers or mountaineers. The focus is on steady, scenic exploration rather than speed or technical terrain. Our Outdoor Leaders are experienced in supporting softโadventure travelers and firstโtime visitors to national parks, and they work with you to make the trip feel both rewarding and manageable. Accessibility considerations include:
- Pace and Distance: Daily hikes typically range from a few miles to moderate distances, with breaks built in for water, photos, and interpretation. The pace is set so that adults with a basic level of fitness can participate comfortably, and there is room to slow down when needed. Guides regularly check in about how you are feeling and offer options when available.
- Terrain: Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains can include packed dirt, roots, rocks, and occasional uneven footing. Some walks are relatively gentle, while others involve moderate elevation changes to reach overlooks or waterfalls. We aim to choose routes that offer rewarding views without requiring technical skills, making this a strong fit within the broader world of outdoor adventure tourism.
- Support and Gear: We provide guidance on what to bring, how to layer for changing mountain weather, and how to stay comfortable throughout the day. Basic group gear is providedโincluding requested hiking polesโand you are welcome to bring your own personal items that help you feel steady on the trail. Our team is available before the trip to talk through what to pack and how to prepare.
- Medical and Individual Needs: We encourage you to share any medical considerations, mobility questions, or access needs with us ahead of time. Our staff will discuss how daily activities are structured, what options exist for modifying participation, and what support we can responsibly provide. Together weโll decide if this guided national park trip is a good match for you and explore alternatives if needed.
Visit our Traveling with a Disability page to learn more. If you have questions about whether this trip is a good fit, please reach out. A short call or email exchange with our team is often the best way to talk through details and decide together.
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us โ including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information, or call us with questions. There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.ย
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
Can I travel solo on this trip?
Yes. Many Wilderness Inquiry participants choose to travel solo, and this adventure is very welcoming to individual travelers. Youโll be part of a small group led by experienced guides, so youโll never feel like youโre on your own once the trip begins.
If youโre new to traveling solo, this kind of guided trip can be an ideal fit. Your guides handle the logistics, help break the ice with other participants, and create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere where itโs easy to connect at your own pace. Many solo travelers appreciate having their own room option when a paid single supplement is available, while others are comfortable with a shared roomโdetails about rooming arrangements are provided in your trip information. If you have questions about what solo travel on this adventure trip will look like for you, our team is happy to talk through options before you book.
What if Iโm not sure this trip is right for my ability level?
Weโre happy to talk through your needs and expectations. In some cases, another accessible vacation or different season may be a better match. Our goal is to help you choose a trip where youโll feel supported, safe, and able to enjoy the experience. If you have additional questions, please reach outโour team is ready to help you plan your Boundary Waters winter adventure.
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