A Walk in thE WOODS

Premier Smoky Mountain Guide Service

Spring is right around the corner... Come see the Smokies come to life!

2025 Stars of the Industry Award

A Walk in the Woods was awarded Attraction of the Year by the Sevier County Hospitality and Tourism Association! We are so honored to hold this title beside past winners like Dollywood and Anakeesta!

2025 Tourism Business of the Year

A Walk in the Woods was awarded Tourism Business of the Year award at the 9th Annual Iron Awards by the Pigeon Forge Chamber! We are honored to be recognized for our dedication to the Park and our community.

Smoky Mountain Hiking Tours, Guided Backpacking, and Wilderness Basecamp Retreats

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park with award-winning naturalist guides. Whether you’re craving a day hike, an overnight backpacking adventure, or a luxury glamping experience, A Walk in the Woods delivers expert-led journeys that deepen your connection to the land.

Our Core Experiences in the Smokies

Guided Day Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

Discover the hidden beauty of the Smokies with half day or full day guided hikes. Choose waterfall walks, historic trails, or scenic overlooks—the perfect way to explore without camping. Knowledgeable naturalist guides lead all hikes.

Guided Backpacking Trips in the Smoky Mountains

Immerse yourself in the backcountry with multi-night guided backpacking trips—like our classic 3-night, 4-day treks or longer thru hikes on the Appalachian Trail. Trips include permit logistics, meal planning, and optional gear rental. If you’ve always wanted to backpack, now is your chance. Let us handle the details; all you have to do is show up and enjoy the mountains.

Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp

Camp in style just outside Gatlinburg at our off-grid eco retreat, Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp. Spacious tents are outfitted with cozy air mattresses, rugs, and rechargeable battery-powered lighting. All meals are prepared onsite in our commercial eco kitchen and served family-style. Enjoy thoughtful amenities like flushing toilets, gravity-fed outdoor showers, a forest dining deck, and daily nature programming led by experienced guides.

Why Choose A Walk in the Woods

-Locally owned since 1998, with 25+ years’ experience in the Smokies
-All guides are trained naturalists skilled in ecology, cultural history, and safety
-Small group sizes ensure personalized, meaningful experiences
-Focused on sustainability: Leave No Trace, off-grid amenities, eco-camp design
-Highly rated on TripAdvisor and trusted by repeat guests

What You'll Experience

–Safety & Logistics: If you’re on a backpacking trip, we handle gear planning, permits, and campsite bookings.
–Cuisine & Comfort: At our Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp, enjoy fresh, nourishing meals prepared in a commercial eco-kitchen, communal dining, and cozy tents with real mattresses.
–Guided Learning: Each hike or retreat includes instruction about native plants, geology, wildlife, and Appalachian culture.
–Flexible Options: Trips are curated for all levels—from easy nature walks to challenging backpacking itineraries.

Sample Trip Styles

–Smoky Mountain Day Hikes: Waterfall walks, scenic ridge trails, and history trails like Stroll Back in Time offer rewarding half-day adventures.
–Smoky Mountain Backpacking Tours: Options range from a 3-night Classic Backpacking trek to longer Appalachian Trail adventures and specialty seasonal trips.
–Gatlinburg Basecamp Retreats: 3-night stays at Smoky Mountains Wilderness Basecamp include evenings around the fire, nature programming, forest bathing, and options to hike or raft nearby.

Plan Your Visit

Let’s make your trip easy to plan—and rich in experience.
-Choose your length, trail type, and lodging style
-Select from scheduled tours or custom multi-day packages
-Add gear rental, transportation, or team-building options
-Schedule in advance to guarantee your spot, especially for backpacking and glamping weekends
Reach out anytime, and we can tailor a Smoky Mountain adventure to your timeline and goals.

Book Your Smoky Mountain Adventure Today

Ready to experience Smoky Mountain hiking tours, guided backpacking trips, or eco wilderness basecamp retreats in a new way? Spots fill quickly—don’t wait to reserve your place for a trip that inspires.

A Walk in the Woods had been REI’s East Coast Vendor since 2007. Over that time we curated and ran 11 different itineraries for REI Adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Everglades National Park.

We have had four guides win REI’s coveted REI Top Guide Award in that time!

Everything from backpacking to our wilderness basecamp and lodge-based trips. If you are looking for a multi-day excursion, you’ve come to the right place!