Appalachian Trail – 4 Day

“4 day Appalachian Trail Adventure!”

What it’s all about:

Hike the longest continuous section of the Appalachian Trail that is continuously over 5000 feet!

From high peaks to low valleys, the Appalachian Trail (AT) brings promised adventure and amazing stories. On this trip, we will hike through many parts of the AT including the longest stretch of trail consistently over 5,000ft! Each night we will stay in back country shelters and experience just a small portion of what through hikers experience in the first month of their 2,168-mile journey to Katahdin, Maine. We will average about 6 to 12 miles per day.

Route Summary:

(Route and statistics may very due to availability of backcountry sites and weather.)

Total distance on trail approximately = 23.8 miles
Total Elevation gain (loss) = 1,040ft (-5,610ft)
Max elevation = 6,643ft
Min elevation = 2077ft

Backpacking Overview

Time: 3 nights 4 days
Rated: Moderate / Strenuous
Limit: 6 in a group (+up to 2 guides)

2024 Dates:
June 6-9
July 18-21
Aug 15-18
Oct 8-11
Oct 15-18

Private trips available

Price: $935 per person

ASK ABOUT OUR GIFT CARDS!

Highlights

Highest Point on The Appalachian Trail
High Elevation Camping
Stars
Fun

Detailed daily route plan:

Day 1

Hike the Appalachian Trail, mostly downhill to Double Springs shelter
Total miles = 3.1 (additional mileage possible to points of interests)
Trail names: Appalachian Trail
Elevation gain (loss) 296ft (-1,085ft)
Extras! The short hike on the first day usually means some fun relaxing time at camp!

ADDITIONAL INFO

Approximately 5 miles
This multi day backpacking trip begins in Gatlinburg, TN with a pre trip orientation and pack up. We are shuttled to the highest point we can access by road in the GSMNP before setting foot on the renowned AT. Our start begins by climbing to 6643’ of elevation, which is the highest point on the entire AT. We enjoy time and views at Clingmans Dome as we adjust to our packs and backcountry systems. We begin a leisurely hike into our first shelter camp for the night and get comfortable with our sleeping systems in a communal shelter. Dinner is a highlight on all of our trips and ends the day the right way.
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Day 2

Hike the AT 7.1 miles to Derrick knob shelter
Total miles = (7.1)
Trail names: Appalachian Trail
Elevation gain (loss) = 924ft (-1,552ft)

ADDITIONAL INFO

Approximately 8-12 miles
Traversing the AT for the entire day, we have the challenge of ascending and descending multiple peaks with great views. This day will begin to allow our team to get comfortable with the rhythm of the AT hiking and enjoy vast diverse vegetation all while hearing the stories of Native Americans, European settlers and white settlers that utilized this area previously. We will arrive at shelter 2 and enjoy a meal before star gazing in some of the darkest sky in the South East.
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Day 3

Hike the Appalachian Trail to either Spence or Russell Field shelter^
Total miles = 6.1-8.9
Trail names: Appalachian Trail
Elevation gain (loss) = 1,449ft (-1,388ft) or 1,586ft (-2,120ft)

ADDITIONAL INFO

Approximately 6-10miles
Day 3 is a big day as we climb a rocky and steep section but only to be rewarded with a spectacular sense of accomplishment and view of Fontana Lake. This section will challenge each individual physically and mentally and is a testament to the ruggedness of the AT. We spend time atop Thunderhead Mountain if the weather cooperates and enjoy the vistas from the ridge.
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Day 4

Depending on where we stayed that night we will hike 11.3 from Spence Field shelter via Bote Mountain trail and Anthony Creek Trail or 5.3 miles down Russell Field trail Anthony Creek trail to the end point.
Total miles = 5.3-11.3
Trail names: Appalachian Trail and possibly Bote Mountain trail, Russell Field trail and Anthony Creek trail
Elevation gain (loss) = 7ft (-2,300ft) to 22ft (-2,838ft)

ADDITIONAL INFO

Approximately 6-10 miles
Today we descend the ridges and find our self, entering a fertile valley once utilized for farming and settled with multiple families. The valley is a welcomed environment with pristine rivers and vegetation. We will be met with fresh fruit and sandwiches as we are shuttled back to Gatlinburg, TN.
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Note:
Advisory or cautions: As with any high elevation hiking the weather can change quickly and mental\physical preparedness is necessary for your enjoyment.

Okay!!!

So are you ready to join on us on an adventure?!!!

GREAT!!!!

Here is a list of stuff you should bring with you and what is provided by your guide!

Printable Packing List and Info

For a suggested packing list, see the link below:

Summer Packing List for Participants

Fall Packing List for Participants

(Keep in mind that this will be a heavy pack, and over loading can make for a less than comfy trip for you. The same goes for bringing too little! So read this carefully and please feel free to ask your guide for advice!)

Oh and about the food! I know your thinking about the food!

All meals are prepared by your guide!
Our dinners will be a yummy mix of filling and tasty dehydrated meals with added fresh veggies and we try to have a different meal each night! We pick high quality meals and fruits and veggies for us and our guests so we are all fully energized and feel great for our adventures!
For breakfasts we like to have a breakfast bar and or yummy hot oatmeal!
Lunches are usually peanut butter and jelly or tuna packets and crackers!
We also provide a few good snack bars for each day.
And of course there has to be a desert!
[Please inform your guide upon reservation of any dietary restrictions or needs.]

Lastly Hugely Important Info! PLEASE CLICK ME!!!

These trips are very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and mind as well as willing and adventurous attitude! These are the wilds of the Smoky Mountains! A relatively unpredictable and remote environment! You will be carrying about a 30 lb. pack over hilly, rocky, and sometimes wet and slick terrain. The weather can and will change quickly.

If you have had any recent surgeries or pain or trouble with knees, feet, back, hips shoulders, neck, eyes, balance or any health issues that could effect your safety and enjoyment of the trip, then a less strenuous route would be strongly advised.
As always if you have any concerns please talk with your guide. They will be able to help either encourage you to try it or advise you to try a better suited trip.

All of this to say, we want you to have a wonderful time with us and part of our job to accomplish that is to determine who is and who is not suited properly for each adventure. We understand some folks don’t quite know what to expect out here but that is whats so wonderful about a guide service! We are here to eliminate the guesswork. So lets work together and all have a great time enjoying our beautiful GSMNP!