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 the Brochure 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. 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. 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 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: Newfound Gap Trailhead, 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 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. Limited Single Room Upgrades. Upgrade includes a Queen-sized bed with your own room inside a shared cabin with shared bathroom. 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 The Smokies are already one of the most spectacular places in the country. We just figured out how to make your long weekend there even better 😉Waterfalls, hidden trails, Appalachian history, cabin nights by the fire, and yes, a pottery wheel in the middle of it all.If you’re a woman who loves to mix crafts with nature, comment “SMOKIES” below and we’ll send you our Great Smoky Mountain travel brochure with everything you need to know about this trip! 👇🏽🥾#explorerchicksmokiesbr #greatsmokymountainsnationalpark #potteryclass #grouptravel 57 7 Open 57 7 Well, that escalated quickly…😅Explorer Chick Hannah joined us on our classic Smoky Boots & Roots trip and left a review that had us all smiling at our screens:“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 so much work, flexibility, and passion into Explorer Chick and this trip. They were incredibly helpful and supportive, and overall it was a lovely experience where I got to learn so much about myself, all while being surrounded by the beautiful Smoky Mountains.I also want to give a bonus star as we saw 6 bear friends on our adventures.”And honestly… that “no kink shaming” line is kind of the point 👀Because what our women always say is the same thing in different words:you can show up exactly as you are here, fully yourself, fully unfiltered, and still be met with encouragement, laughter, and real connection ❤️🔥Anyways, how many bonus stars would you give for bear sightings? 🤪#explorerchicksmokiesbr #smokymountains #smokymountainnationalpark #travelhumor #review 58 3 Open 58 3 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 Load More Follow on Instagram Oh, you want the details? Smart. Drop your email and we’ll send you the full Smokies BR Trip Brochure — everything you need to know before you book. EmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Email(Required) Name(Required) 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. CompanyThis 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 Cathie W.2 months agoIf you’re considering an adventure with Explorer Chick Boots and Roots in the Smoky Mountains — book it. This trip exceeded every expectation. Our guides, Kirstie and Cailyn, were absolutely phenomenal. They went out of their way every single day to make sure we were well-fed, well-guided, comfortable, and enjoying the experience. From yummy "Trader Joes" style meals to unforgettable moments, they created an experience I will remember fondly. One of the highlights was Cailyn fully committing to the fun by donning overalls for an authentic moonshine tasting experience that had all of us smiling from ear to ear. It’s those little touches that made the trip feel so personal and memorable. And then there was the hike to Charlie’s Bunion that had to replace Ramsay's Cascade due to bear activity... 8 miles round trip (uphill both ways LOL just kidding) and worth every single step. The views were simply breathtaking. Truly the view of a lifetime. Standing there in the Smokies, surrounded by those endless mountain ridges, is something I’ll never forget. If you want incredible guides, meaningful experiences, beautiful scenery, and memories you’ll be talking about long after you get home, just book the trip!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! 🏞️✨Laurie Richards - Simply M.9 months agoThis 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.9 months agoI 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! 🌲✨Laura H.1 year agoI 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!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.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.Lisa B.2 years agoIf you prefer to work really hard and spend lots of time and energy planning a trip and dealing with the headache of navigating, finding good places to eat and fun things to do all on your own then this is not for you. Now if you prefer to show up and have amazing people guide you and cover every detail so you don't have to and love every minute of it, then this is definitely for you! As a solo traveler I was warmly welcomed (with a margarita!), met some amazing women and had the adventure of a lifetime. It would not have been possible without our brilliant guides Lauren & Amanda on the Smoky Mountain Boots & Roots Hiking Trip. This being my first time I would not hesitate to book another trip. Amazing experience!!Jennifer J.3 years agoI just returned from the Smoky Mountains Boots and Roots hiking trip. The history of the area and the beauty of the fall colors were amazing! Got to hike the Appalachian trail to Charlie's Bunion and make pottery. Guides Lauren and Anna did a great job of planning the trip including the food. Even a little rain did not get in the way of having a fun time. 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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