Wildflowers and Waterfalls
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
April 26 - May 2, 2009 (Sunday-Saturday)

"Just had a wonderful time on the Great Smokies Hiking and Rafting Trip. I met a really great group of women and had a wonderful time! Hats off to our guide, not only was she a good leader but also a good person to share the experience with." BD, St. Petersburg, FL

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is world famous for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and many excellent hiking trails. Whether you are intrigued by salamanders or birds, wildflowers or trees, waterfalls or mountain vistas, learning about the fascinating cultural history, or just seeking less traveled paths, you will quickly understand why the Great Smokies have been designated both an International Biosphere reserve and a World Heritage Site.

This itinerary may be modified based on weather and where the wildflowers are best.

Sunday: If you're flying in, we'll meet you at the Knoxville Airport at 12:30. We’ll drive to the Park and enjoy a nice introduction to the cultural history of the Smokies by visiting the area once known to early settlers as the Little Greenbrier Community. We'll visit the Little Greenbrier School (first opened in 1882), a pioneer cemetery, and the Walker Sisters cabin and home site. This slightly ascending trail is along an old roadbed. Little Brier Gap Trail, 2.6 miles.

Monday: Our trail today rises at a steady, moderate grade as it passes through a forest of large Eastern Hemlocks and Fraser magnolias and then into a moist, sheltered cove hardwood forest. Well-known for its incredible display of wildflowers in April and May, the forest floor can be carpeted with up to 30 – 40 species of wildflowers. Rich in cultural history as well, Porter’s Creek trail passes the old Baxter Cabin, stone walls, an old cantilevered barn and the Owenby Cemetery, all remnants of the time that a thriving community lived here. We will hike to Fern Branch Falls and have lunch before turning back. Porter’s Creek Trail, about 4 miles.

Tuesday: Today we will travel off the beaten path and into a natural limestone sink. Home to many rare plants, various caves, and a waterfall that flows into a cave, White Oak Sink offers unique opportunities to learn about the geology, natural history, and cultural history of the area. Spring wildflowers abound in the sink, coating the trail side with a beautiful variety of colors. We'll begin our hike on an old roadbed with an easy uphill grade. The trail into the sink is an unmaintained trail with occasional steep ascents and descents. White Oak Sink, 5.0 miles

Wednesday: Today we'll see a different part of the ecosystem as we experience the white water of the Pigeon River. Although the rapids are large enough to be exciting, the trip is completely appropriate for novice rafters. We won't be doing it all day, though, so this is a good day to visit Gatlinburg and also Laurel Falls.The path to the Falls is paved and quite moderate, and the Falls are absolutely beautiful and well worth a visit.

Thursday: Today we’ll hike along the famed Appalachian Trail. This section, built in the early 1930s, was the first trail created for public use in the Park and provides spectacular views of the area. Always hiking above 5000 feet, we will experience the flora and fauna of the higher elevations of the Smokies. The craggy, rock face of Charlie’s Bunion provides outstanding views of the Porter’s Creek Valley and the main spine of the Smokies. The trail includes steady, easy climbs along with steeper, rocky sections and some declines. Those who choose not to hike the entire way can relax and wait at one of the AT Shelters.

If there is time and energy, this would also be a good day to go to Clingman’s Dome. Rising 6,643 feet above the Great Smoky Mountains, Clingman's Dome is the highest point along the Appalachian Trail and provides a 360º view of the surrounding mountains. From its 54 foot observation tower the average viewing distance is about 22 miles; but on a clear pollution free day, views can amplify as far as 100 miles into 7 states. The ascent, however, is easy - about a half-mile walk along a paved path from the parking lot. Appalachian Trail to Charlie’s Bunion, 8 miles.

Friday: Our trek today will take us through Eastern Hemlock and deciduous forests as we hike along the Maddron Bald Trail. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), the trail begins as an old roadbed and rises consistently, though moderately, throughout its entire length. Albright Grove, named for Horace Albright who was an advocate for the park and a director for the National Park Service, is an awesome remnant of old growth forest. Here you will experience the sights, sounds, and feel of this home to ancient trees. We'll have plenty of time to stroll among and admire the grand Eastern Hemlocks, silverbells, Fraser magnolias, tulip trees, and other tree species before returning along the Maddron Bald Trail. Albright Grove and Maddron Bald Trail, 6.7 miles.

Saturday: This short paved trail leads to Laurel Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the Park. The trail passes through a forest of pine and oak trees before reaching this 80 foot falls, named for mountain laurel which won't be blooming yet, You will have plenty of time to photograph the falls or to relax, enjoy, and absorb the beauty and sounds of the waterfall before heading back to our vehicles and a final lunch. If you're driving, you can plan to leave by 1 p.m. If you're flying we'll return you to the Knoxville airport by 3 PM. Laurel Falls. 2.5 miles.

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