Women’s Smoky Mountain Boots and Roots Hiking Trip

Just when we think Great Smoky Mountains National Park can’t get any more gorgeous, YOU WALTZ IN. Plan on arriving at our Glamping campsite by 5pm to settle in before our 7pm Official Kick-off and Welcome Dinner. Tonight, we take it easy to rest/carb up for our hike in the morning. Hello, pass the potatoes, and goodnight! 

Meals: D

The phrase “bald summit” sounds like a slur for your ex, but it’s actually a fantastic 360 degree viewpoint from the top of Charlies Bunion. After a hearty breakfast, we head to the Newfound Gap trailhead ready to hike the Appalachian Trail. On our way up, we’ll be sure to pause to take in the outstanding views of Mount LeConte and Myrtle Point. The real smokeshow 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! Practice your delicate waves in the mirror now.

Elevation Gain: 1,640’
Distance: 8.1 miles
Time: 5 hours hiking

Meals: B-L-D

We get handsy and gossipy today as we sling clay on the pottery wheel and talk about all the famous female influence in the Smokies.

First, learn wheel throwing 101 and some history of Appalachian crafts by a local artisan. You’ll enjoy a private class and we’ll 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. 

After, we’ll take an easy-to-moderate surprise hike with historical juiciness, leaving plenty of time in the evening to stroll the streets of Gatlinburg. Enjoy your last full night with your new besties!

Hiking: 3-6 miles. Easy-Moderate.

Meals: B-L-D

We’ve got one last adrenaline rush up our bra straps as we walk the insanely gorgeous hike into Ramsay Cascades. 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. 

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.

Elevation Gain: 2,190’
Distance: 8.0 miles
Time: 5 hours hiking

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.