All Trips > Tennessee > Women’s Smoky Mountain Boots and Roots Hiking Trip Women’s Smoky Mountain Boots and Roots Hiking Trip View Dates & Book Your Spot AT A GLANCE Tennessee 12 Explorer Chicks Locally Unique Hiking, National Park, Smoky Mountains, Weekend 4 Days 2 - Moderately Active Physical demand level for this trip Boots and Roots Photos Itinerary Logistics Activity Level What's Included View Dates & Book Your Spot Download Packing List Book a Call Share Boots and Roots Are you into endless views? Old-growth forests? Mist bouncing off a 100-foot waterfall hitting your face? Then spend a long weekend with a small group of women hiking the best trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (including parts of the Appalachian Trail). Boots = Hiking Roots = HERstory Trip Highlights Hike to TWO stunner waterfalls: Ramsey Cascade and Spruce Flat Falls Trek classic Smoky Mountain trails with creek crossings, pine forests, and ancient mountain views Throw clay and sculpt your own mug in a hands-on pottery workshop with local artists Learn the untold stories of the women who shaped the Smokies (Martha Jane Huskey Ogle, we see you!) Stay in cozy and stylish cabins complete with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, climate control, and delicious guide-cooked meals just outside Gatlinburg. The Vibe Channel your inner goat girl as you hike through iconic scenery and listen to stories of the women who helped shape the Smokies. Take a brief break from the trail living out your pottery fantasies throwing clay on the wheel and sculpting your very own mug. Then kick back like a queen in our cozy and stylish cabins that are more boutique than backcountry— where you have only one task: RELAX 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 Ramsay Cascades After a hearty breakfast, we’re headed out hike into the insanely gorgeous Ramsey Cascade. These stunning summits are located in the Greenbrier area of the Smokies aka where Dolly Parton’s family once lived before the National Park was formed. It’s also home to everything you could possibly want in a hike: old growth forests, creek crossings, foot bridges, the tallest waterfall in the Smokies, and lush rhododendron and mountain laurel. Elevation Gain: 2,185’ Distance: 8 miles Time: 6-7 hours hiking Activity Level: Challenging Meals: B-L-D *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. Day 3 - Slinging Pottery and Historical Hike We get handsy and gossipy today as we sling clay on the pottery wheel and talk about all the famous female influences in the Smokies. We’ll head to the Arts and Crafts District to learn wheel throwing 101 and some history of Appalachian crafts by a local artisan. You’ll enjoy a private class and we will 100% play Unchained Melody so we can all reenact Ghost. What are we sculpting? CUSTOM EXPLORER CHICK MUGS! (Which can also be used for moonshine.) Using your own hands, you’ll sculpt and mold your mug from a ball of clay into a fully-functional, dishwasher-safe, glazed beaut that’ll arrive directly to your home about 10 weeks later. In the afternoon, we’re off to hike along babbling Jake’s Creek. Trek through lush forests, past old stone walls, and explore abandoned structures, soaking up a perfect blend of nature and history. Our destination? A cozy, rustic log cabin that sparked the creativity of local artist Mayna Avent. We will enjoy a dinner out in town tonight and have plenty of time in the evening to stroll the streets of Gatlinburg. Enjoy your last full night with your new besties! Elevation Gain: 500′ Distance: 4.5 miles Time: 3.5 – 4 hours hiking Easy-Moderate Meals: B-L-D Day 4 - Hiking Spruce Flat Falls + Little Greenbrier We’ve got one last adrenaline rush up our bra straps as we hike to Spruce Flat Falls, a hidden gem on the “quiet side” of the Smokies. After snapping some glamour shots by the cascading falls, we’re off to school—but not for class! We’ll hike through the forest to the historic Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse, straight out of the 1800s. Next, we’ll drop by the Walker Sisters’ homeplace, where these tough mountain women lived off the land until the 1960s, holding tight to their traditional mountain life. Afterwards, we’ll say our teary goodbyes, and head our separate ways. NO, YOU HANG UP FIRST. Plan to depart no earlier than 4pm EST. Total Elevation Gain: 750′ Total Distance: 4.5 miles Time: 4 hours hiking Easy – Moderate *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 We’ve done ALL the thinking for you in this free packing list! You’ll also receive a complete packing list in your Travel Guide upon booking; note that trips may require additional specialized items. Arrival Airport City: Knoxville, TN (TYS). Approximately 1 hour drive to Gatlinburg. Meeting Location: Cabin Resort. Gatlinburg, TN Meeting Time: 5pm on Day 1 Departure Airport City: Knoxville, TN (TYS). Approximately 1 hour drive to Gatlinburg. Depart Location: Glamping Site, Gatlinburg, TN Return Time: Plan to depart by 4pm on Day 4. You will receive a Travel Guide with all the transportation, campground, packing, and other logistics you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip. NOTE: You are responsible for your transportation to and from our Glamping site on Day 1 and Day 4. Explorer Chick will provide private van transportation throughout as stated in the itinerary. We require a minimum of 5 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare. Activity Level Rated 2 – MODERATE ACTIVE This trip is rated a 2 – Moderately Active because of the length and frequency of hiking for all 3 days as detailed below. Day 2: Ramsey Cascades. 8 miles. 2,185′ gain. Challenging. Day 3: Historic Hikes. 4.5 miles. 500′ gain. Easy to Moderate Day 4: Spruce Flat Falls + Little Greenbrier. 4.5 miles. 750′ gain. Easy to Moderate Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety and enjoyment of both you and your 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. Activities Pottery class including the shipping of your finished mug that will arrive approximately 10 weeks later. 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 Transportation to Glampsite Alcoholic beverages Travel Insurance (Learn about our preferred insurance provider) Meals exclusive of itineraries Costs for additional activities Gratuity for your Explorer Chick Guides (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 Eight adventurous women, one magical mountain getaway — and enough laughter to echo through the Smokies forever! 🐻We hiked beneath fiery fall leaves, swapped stories that grew taller than the trees, and discovered that friendship really is the best trail mix. From misty morning hikes to muddy boots and spontaneous dance breaks, every day felt like a new chapter in our wild little sisterhood. We even got our hands (and hearts) into a pottery class — proof that even mountain goddesses can throw a mean clay mug! Halloween in the Smokies? Oh, you know we showed up — costumes, candy, and cackles included. Between ghost stories by the fire and the occasional “did you hear that?” in the woods, it was spooky-season perfection.👻We came for the mountains, but left with something even better: a tribe of strong, hilarious, fearless women — ready to conquer whatever adventure comes next. Here’s to friendship, wild places, and the joy of getting a little lost (and finding ourselves) in the Smokies. If you wanna join us on the next one, comment “BEAR” below! #explorerchicksmokiesbr #smokymountainnationalpark #smokymountains #hikingtrip #womenwhoexplore #girlsweekend 63 1 Open 63 1 Nine adventurous women hit the Smoky Mountains and packed in more fun than a trail mix bag on mile six! We hiked 9 glorious miles through a rainbow of spring wildflowers to soak up the beauty of Ramsey Falls (and maybe our socks, too) 🥾Then we swapped hiking boots for clay-covered hands and tried our luck at pottery with a talented local artisan—some masterpieces, some… abstract art.Our journey took us to Mayna Avent’s cozy cabin hideaway, where we learned about her life and creative spirit, then onward to the Walker Sisters’ cabin, where we paid tribute to these legendary ladies who said “no thanks” to leaving their mountain roots. We feasted like queens at a tucked-away craft brewery for our farewell dinner, complete with cheers and maybe a few misty eyes. Oh, and did we mention the two black bears we spotted? (Don’t worry, they kept a respectful distance—we think they heard about our pottery skills.)The trip wrapped up just right: all of us on our glamping tent porch, rain softly falling, laughter echoing, and stories flowing like the mountain streams. Hearts full, legs sore, and memories for miles.After reading this, what part of the trip would be your favorite? The hike, the pottery, the cabins, or the brewery? Let us know in the comments! ⤵️#explorerchicksmokiesbr #greatsmokymountainsnationalpark #greatsmokymountains #womenshiking #womenwhohike #womenwhoexplore #adventurouswomen #travelforwomen #hikingtrips 96 0 Open 96 0 Ever hiked and made your own mug in the same day? 🏔️🎨Hit the trails in the Smokies for a history-packed adventure, then switch gears to a pottery wheel and craft your very own Explorer Chick mug—perfect for coffee or moonshine. 😉It’s the ultimate combo of outdoor adventure and creative fun, and it’s PERFECT for our newer Explorer Chicks who want to try us out for the first time.This trip (and all of our others) will be on sale at their lowest price ever in just two weeks. BUT if you comment “SALE” below, I’ll help you snag early access! 🎉#blackfridaysale #smokymountains #appalachiantrail #weekendadventures #potteryclass #explorerchicksmokiesbr 49 16 Open 49 16 This was one for the books—on so many levels 🤯Eight amazing women joined us for our classic Smoky Mountains Boots & Roots trip last weekend, but this time, things went a little next-level.Not only did these gals get the rare experience of seeing the Aurora Borealis in Tennessee, but they also got to hang out with one of the most spectacular members of the Explorer Chick Dream Team, Amy (and Lauren, of course! 😉)But we have to give it up for Amy, who stepped in last minute to help out on this trip. She’s Explorer Chick royalty (our Senior Destination Manager, no big deal). Amy been with us for years, always bringing the good vibes and saving the day when needed. If you’ve met her, you know exactly what we mean. And if you haven’t, well… don’t be too jealous that these ladies now have! 🥰And oh, the plot thickens. Because this trip wasn’t just all about jaw-dropping skies and legendary company. We’re talking pottery-slinging classes, home cooked meals with banana boat s’mores, belly laughs with new friends while road-tripping to an 80s playlist, and soaking in the badass history of the women who settled in the Land of the Blue Smoke 🌄Whew! This adventure hit all the right notes, and we’ll be thinking about it for ages. Big thanks to all the amazing women who made it one for the books.P.S. There’s only one spot left on our October 24 Boots & Roots trip… does it have your name on it? 👀 Comment “Smokies” to find out! #explorerchicksmokiesbr #smokymountainsnationalpark #smokymountains #hikethesmokies #grouptrip #womenwhohike 122 3 Open 122 3 What happens when eight women step into the unknown? Spoiler: It`s unforgettable. 🌲Our Smoky Mountains weekend was pure magic. From conquering Ramseys Cascade waterfall, to painting landscapes at Mayna Avent’s cabin, every moment was filled with beauty and laughs. We soaked in the history at the Walker Sisters` cabin, spotted baby bears 🐻 (yes, it was as adorable as it sounds!), and perfected our turkey calls.To top it all off, we cruised the Gatlinburg strip in our van, Betty White 🚐, and got hands-on in a local pottery class 🏺This trip? One for the books. And we hope to see you on the next one 😉#explorerchicksmokiesbr #SmokyMountains #hikesmokymountains #hiking #womenhoadventure 45 0 Open 45 0 Load More Follow on Instagram Get Your FREE Packing List Download your copy of The Ultimate Smokies Packing List! LinkedInThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Email(Required) Name First Last View Dates & Book Your Spot Let's Do This 2026 Starting from $1,999$1,599 Book Now Act Now! Price Goes Up on December 7th! Enter code PARTY to apply discount at checkout. Snag your discounted spot at our LOWEST PRICE of the year! Non-Refundable Deposit: $200 due at booking to secure your spot Questions About The Trip? Book a call with our Destination + Guest Experience Manager, Amy, or fill out the form below. InstagramThis 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 Bernadette J.Had 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!Laurie Richards - Simply M.This was THE BEST trip. Smoky Mountain Boots and Roots with guides Kayla and Kaylin. Guides were A.MAZING. They anticipated our every need, shared a lot of great information and history about the area, and were just so fun to spend time with. Every detail was planned out - I love just showing up and having everything taken care of! What a nice break from responsibility!! Food was great, accommodations were great, camaraderie was fantastic.The hikes were just gorgeous. The first day's big hike pushed me to my physical limit, but that's partially my own damn fault. I will better prepare for my next adventure.I can't recommend Explorer Chick highly enough. 10 out of 5 stars. #explorerchick for the winResponse from the owner:10 out of 5 stars! Wow, thank you! We’re so glad your Smoky Mountains Boots & Roots adventure was everything you hoped for and more. Kayla and Kaylin are truly amazing at blending fun, knowledge, and thoughtful care into every moment, and it’s wonderful to hear how much you loved the hikes, food, and camaraderie. We’re all about that “just show up and enjoy” energy, and it sounds like you did exactly that! Here’s to pushing limits, laughing hard, and your next Explorer Chick adventure! 🌲Elaine C.I have just returned home to Florida after enjoying an awesome adventure with Explorer Chick. We hiked the Boots and Roots Tour in The Smoky Mountains with Guides Ashley Butler and Kayla Lamb. Since I am a vegetarian, I was concerned about the food being served as part of the trip - No need to worry - they have thought of everything and the meals were delicious. I was the oldest at 79 but I felt welcomed and encouraged - I honestly can't think of a thing that could have been changed. The trip was very safe, well organized and, most of all, fun. All the gals in the group were warm and interesting and our guides were delightful.Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful reflection! 💛 We’re thrilled you had such an awesome time on the Smokies Boots & Roots adventure with Ashley and Kayla. From thoughtful meals to warm community and safe, well-organized fun, it means so much to hear the trip exceeded your expectations. We especially love how welcomed and encouraged you felt—it’s what Explorer Chick is all about. Here’s to many more adventures ahead! 🌲✨Sierra W.Explorer 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!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! 🏞️✨Laura H.I had a great time on my first Explorer Chick trip! We went on the great Smokies boots and roots trip and had a blast. The hikes were fun (the first a satisfying challenge) and beautiful! Our guide, Kara, was awesome at providing us with delicious food, great guidance and leadership on our hikes and fun extra adventures throughout the weekend! I can’t wait to plan another trip 🙂Response from the owner:We’re so glad your first Explorer Chick adventure was a blast in the Great Smoky Mountains! Kara brings such heart to every trip, and we’re thrilled you loved the mix of fun hikes, scenic views, and those extra special touches. Here’s to more challenges, laughs, and unforgettable moments, can’t wait to see where you head next!Jen I.Anna & Kara-Great guides and hosts on my glamping trip to Smoky Mountains.Hannah M.5/5 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.Had 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.It'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. 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. However, we understand emergencies do occur that may cause you to cancel your reservation. Cancellation Policy To protect your travel investment and your hide, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Receive a no-hassle, online quote with our trusted insurance partner. 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