All Trips > Tennessee > Great Smoky Mountains Hiking & Rafting Weekend Great Smoky Mountains Hiking & Rafting Weekend View Dates & Book Your Spot AT A GLANCE Tennessee 12 Explorer Chicks Locally Unique Hiking, National Park, Smoky Mountains, Weekend, White Water Rafting 4 Days 3 - Active Physical demand level for this trip Mountains and Rivers Photos Itinerary Logistics Activity Level What's Included View Dates & Book Your Spot Download Packing List Book a Call Share Mountains and Rivers Hike the best trails by day and rest in cozy cabins with your gal pals by night on this long-weekend women’s hiking trip through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy four days of sweeping mountain vistas, forest hikes, whitewater rafting, and glamping near Gatlinburg, TN. Your hiking adventure has been carefully (okay, obsessively) curated by the Explorer Chick team after countless in-field tests. Only the top treks made the cut. Expect a challenge and serious OMFG-level payoffs. Trip Highlights Climb to one of only three remaining fire towers in the park on the strenuous Mt. Cammerer hike Stand on a bald rock outcropping at Charlie’s Bunion for panoramic views Hike to a beautiful waterfall inside the National Park Trek sections of the legendary Appalachian Trail Raft Class 3–4 rapids on the Pigeon River with your estrogen-powered crew The Vibe Stride through sweet-smelling pine forests with a girl gang you trust more than Paul Bunyan. Laugh yourself silly as you crash through whitewater waves. Collapse into Pinterest-worthy mountain cabins with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, AC, and a heated saltwater pool. This is real life with WILD women—no filters needed. Photos Itinerary Expand All Days Day 1 - Welcome to the Smokies Welcome to the Beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Plan on arriving today to our cozy cabins at 5pm to settle in before our 7pm Official Kick-off and Welcome Dinner! Tonight, we take it easy as we have a big hike up a mountain in the morning. Meals: D Day 2 - Hiking Mt. Cammerer Today is our biggest and most challenging hike! After a hearty breakfast, we’ll load up our private passenger van driving east towards the border of North Carolina. Today’s goal is the historic Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower. Not only is this tower one of only three remaining in the park, it offers stunning panoramic views of Mt. Sterling, the Pigeon River Gorge, Snowbird Mountain, and the Smokies. It was fully functional until the 1960’s and fully restored in 1995. Now it’s a great spot to chow down on a sammie and take in the views! Those views will be earned! The hike up is long and steep. You’ll gain 2,000 feet just in the first three miles. You gain some reprieve once on the Appalachian Trail where it traces a ridgeline. The final push is a rugged and rocky scramble to the tower. After our hike, we’ll return to our cabins to shower and enjoy a meal freshly prepared by your Explorer Chick guides. Elevation Gain: 3,045’ Distance: 11.1 miles Time: 7 hours hiking Elevation: 4,928’ Meals: B-L-D Day 3 - White Water Rafting and Hiking Get that home cooked brekkie in your belly and don’t be afraid of scarfing seconds. We’ll take it easy this morning, stretching our gams on a gentle hike before the feisty main event. CLASS 3 AND 4 RAPIDS! The words “Pigeon River” don’t exactly inspire an adrenaline rush but have you SEEN a pigeon throw down over a slice of pizza? This rafting adventure is fiercely frothy and full of crashing waves that we’ll work together to conquer. Tonight, we close the day at a creekside fine dining gem where the executive chef has crafted an exclusive menu just for Explorer Chick. Modern Appalachian cooking, locally sourced ingredients, the Little Pigeon River right outside your window. Your new besties. The perfect last night. Hiking: 3-6 miles. Rafting: 6.5 miles. Class 3-4 rapids. Approximately 2 hours river time. Meals: B-L-D Day 4 - Charlies Bunion Hike It’s our saddest day as we pack up our belongings and leave our cabin basecamp. Of course, we’ll squeeze in one more hike together. Everyone will take their own mode of transportation to the Newfound Gap trailhead ready to hike the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion. On our way up, we’ll be sure to pause to take in the outstanding views of Mount LeConte and Myrtle Point. Yet, the real show is from the outcropping at the summit. Stepping out onto the rocks, you’ll feel like the Queen of the Smokies with mountains in every direction! Afterwards, we’ll say our teary goodbyes, and head our separate ways. Plan to depart no earlier than 4pm EST. Elevation Gain: 1,640’ Distance: 8.1 miles Time: 5 hours hiking Elevation: 6,122’ Meals: B-L Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, availability, or other unforeseen incidents. Logistics What to Pack You’ll receive a complete packing list in your Travel Guide after booking. We’ve done ALL the thinking for you in this free packing list! Arrival Airport City: Knoxville, TN (TYS). Approximately 1 hour drive to Gatlinburg, TN. Meeting Location: Cabin Resort. Gatlinburg, TN Meeting Time: anytime between 5-7pm Departure Airport City: Knoxville, TN (TYS). Approximately 1 hour drive to Gatlinburg Depart Location: Cabin Resort. Gatlinburg, TN Day 4 Return Time: 4pm. Schedule return flight after 7pm Getting to Gatlinburg Driving? Easy! Free parking is available near our cabins. Flying? Airport shuttles are the most reliable way to get from Knoxville (TYS) to Gatlinburg—skip ride shares. Full details including our top recommendations are detailed in your Travel Guide after booking. After booking, you will receive a Travel Guide after booking with full details on airport transportation, lodging location, packing list, and all additional information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip. We require a minimum of 5 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare. Activity Level Rated 3 – ACTIVE This trip is rated Active because of the daily hiking in particular the Day 2 hike to Mt. Cammerer is strenuous. Daily Hiking: Day 2: Mt. Cammerer. 11.1 miles. 3.045′ gain. Strenuous. Day 3: Hiking 3-5 miles. Rafting: 6.5 miles. Class 3-4 rapids. Day 4: Charlie’s Bunion. 8.1 miles. 1,640′ gain. Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking. Read more about our Activity Levels. What's Included Lodging 3 Nights in a Cabin on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Shared 3 per cabin. Twin or queen beds, assigned randomly. Our cabins are tucked beneath the trees, the perfect blend of rustic charm and boutique comfort. Each cabin features its own private bathroom with spa-worthy toiletries, climate-controlled interiors, soft bedding, cozy seating, and a private porch overlooking a babbling stream – ideal for sipping morning coffee or unwinding under the stars. Heated saltwater pool, a covered picnic pavilion, coin-op laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and a resort lodge with a coffee shop and bar onsite. Limited Single Room Upgrades. Upgrade includes a Queen-sized bed with your own room inside a shared cabin with shared bathroom. Activities Entrance and commercial permit fees to all National Parks and public lands All activities as outlined in the itinerary Gratuities for all excursions Meals All meals as indicated in itinerary: B-3, L-3, D-3 Gratuities for included meals Practical Professional leadership team with 2 Explorer Chick Guides A detailed Travel Guide with everything you need to know for your trip The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander! Not Included Airfare Airport transportation Alcoholic beverages Travel insurance (Learn about our preferred insurance provider) Meals exclusive of itineraries Costs for additional activities Gratuity for your Explorer Chick Guide (read our tipping guidelines here) Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents. More from the Smokies The Appalachian Trail, Class III & IV rapids, and a charcuterie spread at 5,000 feet…just a normal Explorer Chick weekend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 🌿From the summit of Mt. Cammerer and the Smokies’ oldest fire lookout tower, to 8 miles on the Appalachian Trail to Charlie’s Bunion , this crew did not come to play.We rafted the Pigeon River, wandered past historic homesteads at Porters Creek, chased Fern Branch Falls, and caught sunrise at Newfound Gap before most people had their coffee.Somewhere between the trailside mimosas and strangers becoming friends, that’s the Explorer Chick what’s your favorite part of the Great Smoky Mountains? #explorerchicksmokies #grouptrip #smokymountainnationalpark #hikingtrip #girlstrip 46 3 Open 46 3 She said it best: “If you’ve been thinking about joining an Explorer Chick trip… the answer is YES.” 🤍Yes to showing up and feeling at home right away.Yes to big laughs, new friends, and zero logistics stress.Yes to finally putting yourself first for a few days.✨ Tag the friend you’re going to say “yes” to an adventure with!#solofemaletraveler #grouptravelforwomen #womenwhotravel #womenwhoexplore #hikingtrips #explorerchicksmokies #ECinherwords 62 2 Open 62 2 No view hit better than that last one 🙌🏽Seven Explorer Chicks just spent four days wandering the Great Smoky Mountains, and wow, these views were on another level. Lush green valleys, dreamy blue ridgelines, hidden waterfalls… it felt like stepping straight into an enchanted forest.And a HUGE shout to my ECs for playing along with my social media shenanigans! 😉Have you ever experienced the magic of the Smokies? Tell us your favorite trail or memory below! 🌿✨ #explorerchicksmokies #explorerchick #greatsmokymountains #greatsmokymountainsnationalpark #grouptravel #grouptravelforwomen #womenstravel #girlstrip #hikingtrip 58 1 Open 58 1 Packing for the Smokies? Let’s make it effortless, because you’ve got better things to do than overthink your socks 😉Here are two bonus packing tips straight from your Explorer Chick guide:✔️ Packing cubes—because digging through your bag like it’s a yard sale? No thanks.✔️ Wear your hiking shoes on the plane. They’re bulky, and trust us—you’ll want them broken in before day one.We’ve done this a time or two, so we know what makes the difference between “good trip” and “why didn’t I do this sooner?”✨ Want the full Smokies Packing Guide, with all the essentials, smart extras, and the one thing most women forget?👇 Comment SMOKIES and we’ll send it your way.#ExplorerChickSmokies #SmokyMountains #packingtips #hikinggearrecs #PackingList 23 12 Open 23 12 Headed to the Smokies? Don’t pack a thing until you hear Emily’s top 3 must-haves. 🎒She’s spilling the gear she never hikes without, because nothing ruins a trail day faster than soggy socks or sore knees.Want her full Ultimate Smokies Packing Guide, the one she still uses for every hiking trip?Comment SMOKIES and we’ll send it your way. Smart packing = happier hiking. 😉#ExplorerChickSmokies #SmokyMountains #packingtips #hikinggearrecs #packinglist 52 16 Open 52 16 You, me, and champagne in the Smokies? Don’t threaten us with a good time. 🥂⛰️This is why hiking with Explorer Chick hits different, we don’t just serve up epic views, we add a little ✨magic✨ along the way. Because why just hike when you can sip, toast, and celebrate at the top?Happy Friday! Tag your adventure bestie who owes you a cheers this weekend🍾#travelmemories #explorerchicksmokies #womenwhohike #uniquetravelexperiences #uniquetravel #solofemaletravel #traveltheworld #womenover40 101 4 Open 101 4 Load More Follow on Instagram Get Your FREE Packing List Download your copy of The Ultimate Smokies Packing List! NameThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Email(Required) Name First Last View Dates & Book Your Spot Let's Do This Starting From $1,999 Book Now You’re in Good Hands. Thoughtful planning, professional leadership, and details handled with care — so you can book with confidence. Non-Refundable Deposit: $200 due at booking to secure your spot Balance due closer to departure. Payment plans available. Questions About The Trip? Book a call with our Destination + Guest Experience Manager, Amy, or fill out the form below. CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required) First Name Last Name Email(Required) Enter Email Confirm Email Send us your Smokies questions!(Required) In Her Words Luan M.3 months agoABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!! This was my first experience: Kayla and Kaylin were incredible guides, they are fun, caring, incredibly knowledgeable, patient, helpful, kind, strong and super inviting. The itinerary is incredibly thought out! I love that all I had to do was show up!!! Thank you! I wanted to do this trip for physical and mental challenge and mission was accomplished. We had a great group of strong ladies that made the trip above and beyond! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND explorer chicks!!! Thank you for a memorable trip!!!! Let's do this!!!! This was my second experience: I rebooked with EC because I had a fabulous time going to the smokies with EC. For my second experience with EC I chose the 4 day Moab trip. I was very fortunate to have Lauren and Savannah as my guides, they are extremely experienced in all the elements, give practical directions on how to be efficient during hiking and are just plain cool women. They empowered us all, adjusted to people's needs/ wants and gently let our group know that we could do it! Again the itinerary is incredibly thought out and I love not having to think about ANY plan, it is delightful and big change from my day-to-day. Thank you Lauren, Savannah and our sweet group! Highly recommend !Response from the owner:We love this energy, Luan, thank you so much! Kayla and Kaylin are absolute powerhouses, and we’re thrilled they helped make your adventure such a meaningful and memorable experience. It’s amazing to hear you got the challenge you were looking for and an incredible group of strong women to share it with. We’re so glad you chose to just show up and trust us with the rest, can’t wait for the next adventure together! 💪✨Sierra W.7 months agoExplorer Chick was absolutely phenomenal! I recently completed their Yosemite National Park Half Dome Backpacking trip and had an incredible experience. My guide, Kirstie, was beyond amazing. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the park, its history, and the surrounding area. Her enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors were contagious, making the trip even more enjoyable. Kirstie was also very approachable, making it easy to ask questions and feel comfortable in the group. I was impressed by her attention to detail, ensuring that everything was well-planned and executed. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure, I highly recommend booking a trip with Explorer Chick! 6/2025 update: Did another trip, still incredible! All the guides are so kind - Lauren and Kara were wonderful on this trip to the Great Smoky Mountains! 12/2025 update: This time I did the Belize trip! It was absolutely wonderful! Christina did an amazing job with the group and our local guides Wilson and Siri were so knowledgeable! Would still highly recommend Explorer Chick and would recommend the Belize trip!Response from the owner:Wow, thank you for the double dose of Explorer Chick love!! We’re so glad your Yosemite Half Dome backpacking trip delivered that unforgettable adventure (shoutout to Kirstie and her passion for the outdoors!), and that your Great Smoky Mountains experience with Lauren and Kara was just as amazing. It means so much to hear how cared for and inspired you’ve felt across multiple trips. We can’t wait to see where you explore next! 🏞️✨Bernadette J.8 months agoHad a FABULOUS first trip with Explorer Chick in the Smoky Mountains in late Oct/early Nov. I'm new to hiking and was nervous about my ability to handle mountain trails and about my limited knowledge of camping/glamping. EC took care of everything, and I had an amazing experience! The pre-trip guidance was helpful because I didn't know where to start in terms of packing or preparing. Once we were on-site, our guides, Christina & Savannah, were the BEST!! Knowledgeable, supportive, energetic and great fun to be with. They handled every detail of the trip with great poise and expertise, and instilled confidence and built camaraderie in our rambunctious group of women! The hikes were spectacular (the fall foliage was a wonderful bonus), the pottery class was a blast, and learning about the history and ecology of the Smoky Mountains along the way was rewarding. Food was delicious and nourishing (TY Christina & Savannah!!) and the accommodations were clean & comfortable. Best of all, that rambunctious group of smart, funny, supportive and adventurous women are now friends. Looking forward to my next adventure with Explorer Chick!!Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your first adventure in the Smokies was such a confidence-boosting and joy-filled experience. Christina and Savannah will be over the moon to know they made such an impact — they truly pour their hearts into every trip. We love that the pre-trip guidance helped you feel prepared, and that the hikes, pottery, history, food, and glamping all came together to create something unforgettable. And nothing makes us happier than hearing that your group became friends — that’s the Explorer Chick magic. We can’t wait to adventure with you again whenever you’re ready!Jen I.1 year agoAnna & Kara- Great guides and hosts on my glamping trip to Smoky Mountains.Hannah M.2 years ago5/5 stars. Lauren honked in all of the tunnels we drove through, and everyone in the group was so respectful and encouraging to each other, there was no kink shaming to be heard of. Very demure, very classy. Our guides Lauren and Kara put forth so much work, flexibility, and passion into explorer chicks and in this trip. They were always incredibly helpful and validating, and overall it was a lovely experience where I felt I got to learn so much about myself through the entire experience, all while being surrounded by the beautiful Smoky Mountains. I also want to give a bonus star as we saw 6 bear friends while on our adventures.Denise M.2 years agoHad a great time in their Great Smoky Mountain hiking trip. The guides were fabulous, the glamping site was comfortable and the hikes and pottery making class were top notched!!!Stormy S.2 years agoIt's a week later and I still don't have words for the experience I just had. Being a mom of twins there's not a lot of time to think about just me, but Lauren and Jody took care of everything. Fantastic food, extra comforts, space for laughter, tears and reflection...and that's not even getting to the beauty of the Smokey Mountains. The women on my trip were amazing, we bonded around a fire, hauling ourselves to a mountaintop and zipping through trees at breakneck speed. If you feel even an inkling of a pull toward these trips DO IT. You won't be sorry. I'm already planning 2025.suzanne C.2 years agoExplorer Chick is an AMAZING group!! I just completed my first Explorer Chick excursion Great Smokey Mountains, Hiking, Rafting and Glamping. Our guides Lauren and Kara were Awesome! I got to meet some new friends from all over the US. The hikes were so fulfilling, Rafting was fun, the food was great. If your up for an adventure I would highly recommend Explorer Chick! I can't wait to book my next trip.Holly A.3 years agoI did the Smokey Mountains trip in Sept and I was nervous about meeting new people but it was amazing! I can’t stop browsing the website for my next trip! The women were great and so fun! Anna and Jess were awesome guides, great cooks, super considerate and really quite funny. I would do an EC trip again without hesitation.Anna R.3 years agoJust got back from a trip (in the Smokey Mountains) with Anna and Jess - the trip was outstanding!!! They were both so knowledgeable of our hikes, extremely helpful, and so fun! The glamping site was lovely! And the food was fabulous! Highly recommend Anna and Jess - they made the trip very memorable! Book with Confidence Your wanderlust doesn’t have to wait. Our payment plans make booking your dream trip easier than ever. The best part? Zero additional fees. Payment Plans We want nothing more than for you join us. 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