Overview

 

A Walk in the Woods is owned and operated by the husband and wife team Erik and Vesna Plakanis. Between them, they have over 45 years experience in hiking the Appalachian Mountains, covering hundreds of miles of trails. These two naturalists have taken courses on medicinal and edible uses of plants, and animal tracking, as well as years spent studying the natural world from within.

Both Erik and Vesna are certified in Wilderness First Aid, and Non-lethal Aversive Bear Conditioning.

Walks Backpacking Shuttle Service

 

Company History

 

It started with a through-hike of the Smokies, and turned into the proverbial labor of love...

Although we have always been avid naturalists, we both had very successful careers. Erik has a BBA in Accounting and worked as a Controller for a video post-production house for ten years. Vesna has a BS in Communications and was working towards her Masters in Education. She worked in television as both a reporter and a producer for nine years.

However, our careers became less satisfying and as we struggled to find meaning on this path, our trips to the mountains became more frequent and important.

As we became more dissatisfied with this life, we began discussing an alternative in which we would be doing something we believed in. We were drawn to the Appalachian Mountains and loved being outdoors, but were unclear of how to make this our life's work, instead of just a passion.

Then in late August of 1996, Erik took a backpacking trip through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone. During this vision quest, he found the answer. Why not share this magic with others? We were experienced hikers and backpackers, with years of studying the natural world. And, so, A Walk in the Woods was born.

As children, we had both wanted to become naturalists, but for various reasons had gotten off of that path. We now have come full circle, and invite you to share the wonders that this beautiful park has to offer.

 

 

Strategic Partners

 

Corporate Sponsorship:

We would like to offer special thanks to the crew of The Happy Hiker, and Marcus Johnson.


 

Corporate Information

 

A Walk in the Woods
4413 Scenic Drive East
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-8283
email: Erik@awalkinthewoods.com

***Note : A Walk in the Woods is not a store, and does not have regular office hours. Programs are booked by phone and internet. Visits to the office are by appointment only. ***


Walks     Hikes    Backpacking    Hiker Shuttle     Trip Planning    Equipment Rental    
 Classes & Seminars     Mt. LeConte     Appalachian Trail     Groups
Contact Us

Copyright ©1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 A Walk In The Woods.  May be reproduced  for  non-commercial  purposes as long as attribution is given.

Services We Offer