Great Smoky Mountains
Wildlife and Waterfalls
Adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains is calling your name! See how Great Smoky Mountain National Park got its name from the natural bluish fog that often blankets the mountains. What makes the Smokies truly extraordinary, however, is their astonishing biodiversity, the very quality that earned the park UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983. The journey begins in Asheville and ventures west to the Appalachian ridgeline straddling North Carolina and Tennessee. Walk along beautiful trails, taste moonshine, and peer over the edge of the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America! Journey through the historic Cades Cove valley looking for wildlife and admire preserved 19th-century homesteads. Experience the thrill of the winding Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, passing rushing mountain streams and lush old-growth forest. Appalachian culture is like no other and this is a slice of Americana that can't be missed.
Great Smoky Mountains
October 6 - October 11, 2026Highlights
- Scenic Drives through Smoky Mountains
- Taste Local Moonshine
- Explore Cades Cove & Roaring Fork
- Experience Dinner and a Show in Pigeon Forge
- Walk along SkyBridge
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for things to see and do
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
- 60% Easy
- 40% Moderate (driving long distances, moderate walking on uneven surfaces)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Itinerary
Tuesday, 06 October 2026: Arrive Asheville, NC; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your flight into Asheville to arrive no later than 4:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. The tour begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6:00pm in the lobby of our hotel. After our meeting we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner and get better acquainted. Overnight Asheville - 1 night
Wednesday, 07 October 2026: Driving from the Blue Ridge to the Smokies; Moonshine Tour & Tasting (B,L)
We leave Asheville this morning and begin making our way to Tennessee. We travel winding roads from the Blue Ridge Mountains to Kuwohi (formely Clingman's Dome), the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet. Kuwohi was an important lookout for the Cherokee people, and spiritual leaders visited the mountain for guidance. Pass through mountain forests and keep an eye out for black bears and elk. We will make stops along the way to admire the scenery. Our journey takes us along the Newfound Gap Road and concludes at the base of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. This afternoon we'll learn about moonshine production and wet our whistles with a taste. Overnight Gatlinburg - 3 nights
Thursday, 08 October 2026: Cades Cove; Hiking (B,L)
This will be a day of adventure. We'll drive west to explore Cades Cove. Before the early European settlers arrived in the 1820s, Cherokee Indians traversed the valleys to hunt. Settlers quickly began to farm, construct homes and other community buildings. We'll travel the 11-mile loop and dig into the area's pioneer history while admiring the beauty of the area. There are plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities along the way! We will stop for at least one hike during the day to stretch our legs and explore the area by foot.
Friday, 09 October 2026: Gaitlinburg Sky Bridge; Free Afternoon; Group Dinner (B,D)
This morning we visit the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. It is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America at 680 feet long, featuring 30 feet of glass-floor panels in the middle and standing 140 feet high at its midpoint. Located at the top of Crockett Mountain and accessible by chairlift, the bridge sits roughly 500 feet above downtown Gatlinburg and offers spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains. This afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Perhaps visit the Glades Arts and Crafts Center to shop for locally made handicrafts. If you're feeling adventurous you might book a horseback ride. Your Tour Leader can offer suggestions. We'll then gather for dinner and entertainment at Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Supper Show, featuring professional athletes competing in events such as log rolling and axe throwing, alongside a Southern comfort food buffet.
Saturday, 10 October 2026: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail; Return to Asheville; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
We bid farewell to Gatlinburg and make our way back to Asheville. Home to gristmills and waterfalls, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is where our day begins. This stunning drive is a must do and we'll take it slow with stops to stretch our legs along the way. We arrive in Asheville this afternoon. Tonight we'll gather for a Farewell Dinner together to recount our adventures of the past week. Overnight Asheville - 1 night.
Sunday, 11 October 2026: Return Home from Asheville
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
Great Smoky Mountains
October 6 - October 11, 2026Pricing
Room Share
$2,792.00Single Room
$3,617.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full and Closed
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Any gratuities for the WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Thursday, 9 Apr 2026: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Wednesday, 8 Jul 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Saturday, 22 Aug 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Saturday, 22 Aug 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Great Smoky Mountains
October 6 - October 11, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: AVL - Asheville, NC (Asheville Regional Airport)
Arrival Date: Tuesday, October 6. Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: AVL - Asheville, NC (Asheville Regional Airport)
Departure Date: Sunday, October 11th. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. WTT Tour Leader will assist in coordinating ride sharing.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Asheville: DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Asheville
Gatlinburg: The Park Vista
Asheville: Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$156.00 Roomshare pp $285.00 Single Occupancy
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Additional Reminders About This Tour
Great Smoky Mountains
October 6 - October 11, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 60% Easy
- 40% Moderate (driving long distances, moderate walking on uneven surfaces)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O=Other). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general for this time of year, the average temperature during the day in the Smoky Mountains is in the high 60s or low 70s, dropping to the 50s or 40s at night. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You May Want—
- Shoes that are comfortable for walking or hiking
- Refillable water bottle
- Hiking poles if you'd like them for stability while on trails
- Smart-casual wear if you'd like to dress up a bit for dinners
- Lightweight but warm jacket/sweater for the cool mornings and evenings, or the unusually brisk day
- Inexpensive rain poncho or travel umbrella
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
We will be using the WTT coach on this tour. The luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations and the requirement that travelers manage their belongings.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret packing too much.
- You may bring one suitcase and a day pack or shoulder bag to keep with you in the coach.
- Maximum suitcase size: 22-24 inches in height. This is the size of bag that fits into the overhead bins of aircraft. Suitcases larger than this will not fit properly in the WTT coach; don't bring them.
- The weight of your bag should not exceed 30 pounds as you will need to lift it into the coach luggage compartment.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring them back to the coach and load them on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on-hand for snacks and drinks, and your individual shopping interests and habits. More and more, restaurants are no longer allowing groups to split the bill by charging to multiple credit cards. Therefore, you might want to have cash-on-hand for meals on your own when dining with others in the group.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
You’ll find your people and make memories that last a lifetime.