USA ADVENTURES
INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES
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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. Our annual trip is a great way to begin your hiking season. Designed to give you an overview of one of our most treasured National Parks, our trip will give your hiking legs a great spring beginning to the hiking season. We'll see wildflowers and waterfalls, hiking at a leisurely pace to enhance our enjoyment of the scenery, take time to take pictures and identify flowers, and soak those 'winter tired' feet in beautiful pools at the edge of waterfalls. 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. Maximum group size: 12
April 18 to April 24, 2021 |
$2075.00 - Limited Availability |
Book Now |
This trip is appropriate for any woman who exercises regularly at a moderate level (such as going for 45 minute brisk walks 3 to 5 days a week), and who either enjoys hiking or is new to hiking and wants to learn in a safe and fun environment. On this trip there is a special emphasis on cultural and natural history and stopping to smell the flowers (literally). Rating:1 [2]3 4 5
This trip combines hiking with learning about the natural and cultural history of the area. With lots of instruction and tips to make your hiking more enjoyable, this is an ideal trip for novice hikers. You can also learn to identify the many wildflowers found here.
On this trip we stay the entire week in a luxury lodge, perched on a mountainside just outside Gatlinburg. There are 12 private rooms (some with king beds and others with Queens) all with private bathrooms. Amenities include a pool table, a covered porch with rocking chairs and a great view, a hot tub, fireplace, and a large dining and living room. Everyone gets her own bedroom on this trip. Rooms are assigned by lottery.
If you are coming with someone with whom you would like to share a room and bed, there is a 10% discount (limited to 2 people).
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
Lodging and meals exceeded my expectations, but the hiking part was a little bit less intensive than I'd like it to be, even though it's rated 2. I would like it to be a longer in distance.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/21/2019-4/27/2019
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/21/2019-4/27/2019
leaders sarah and carrie were so on top of everything and so informative and patient waterfalls - great food before hikes and after
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/21/2019-4/27/2019
There was too much lodge time. I would have preferred to be in vehicles on way to a hike no later than 7:30 to 8:00. I would have preferred longer hikes too.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/21/2019-4/27/2019
Hiking up Clingmans Dome Peak, white water rafting, many beautiful wild flowers
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/21/2019-4/27/2019
Staying in one place all week.The lodge was wonderful. Hiking and the weather. Education (history and natural world)taught by our guides Food was awesome Ladies on trip were great.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/21/2019-4/27/2019
The quality of the lodging and food were outstanding for the price. The highlights were the hikes, with the guides in depth knowledge of the plants, animals and history of the area. The raft trip was great.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/21/2019-4/27/2019
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/14/2019-4/20/2019
This was my first trip with AGC
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/14/2019-4/20/2019
The beautiful Smokies, the hikes, the guides and the wonderful ladies
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/14/2019-4/20/2019
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/14/2019-4/20/2019
Fabulous, knowledgeable guides, Environmental and lodging venues. Better than average group cohesiveness.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/14/2019-4/20/2019
Carrie showed and described the flowers. Gina made sure we kept hydrated in a friendly manner!
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/14/2019-4/20/2019
One of the highlights was the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. The trip was timed perfectly for the blooming of wildflowers, and the dogwood was spectacular. Another highlight was the guides. They were organized, helpful, and fun. I also enjoyed the group experience, as I got lucky and the ladies in the group were very warm and friendly.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/14/2019-4/20/2019
You guys did not fail at all. The only failure was in an obligation I felt to take care of my family member
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/14/2019-4/20/2019
The guides were incredible, loved our location and private rooms!
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/14/2019-4/20/2019
The guides were exceptional
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/14/2019-4/20/2019
The highlights were the participants and the guides, the beautiful lodging, whitewater rafting.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/14/2019-4/20/2019
Really enjoyed the hikes and seeing/identifying the wildflowers. Excellent meals! Love Jan and nice meeting Alicia. Nice group of women.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/15/2018-4/21/2018
Jan's knowledge of not only wildflowers, but the history of the area. The wildflowers weren't as plentiful as I expected, but that is due to a chillier then typical Spring which isn't something you can control. The waterfalls were beyond my expectations and that probably was because of the weather. :) It was an empowering week of getting to know such a variety of women.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/15/2018-4/21/2018
Seeing all the wildflowers, White Oak Sink, meeting the other hikers, the history of the area and park...
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/15/2018-4/21/2018
The mountains were beautiful. It was fun learning about the wildflowers and some of the history of the area. Lodge was comfortable
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/15/2018-4/21/2018
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/15/2018-4/21/2018
I greatly enjoyed learning about the history of the area as well as the various wildflowers. I also needed a week to escape from "real life" and spend quality time with my Mom. This trip met and exceeded those needs.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/15/2018-4/21/2018
Loved the history of the land and its families, and the wildflowers were beyond expectations
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/15/2018-4/21/2018
Being outdoors. regardless of the weather. I really enjoy being supportive to new travelers or those who need encouragement. I want everyone to know they can do it. doesn't matter the order you finish. it never does.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/15/2018-4/21/2018
Hiking, experiencing nature, sharing the experience with new friends
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/15/2018-4/21/2018
Hiking, experiencing nature, sharing the experience with new friends
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/15/2018-4/21/2018
Highlights: the pace of the hikes, the gentleness of the long ones the daily hikes the interaction with the hikers
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/15/2018-4/21/2018
The beautiful scenery and the wonderful women.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/15/2018-4/21/2018
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/23/2017-4/29/2017
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/23/2017-4/29/2017
It was a well-planned, well thought-out trip. I enjoyed the interaction with the guides and other women. I like active vacations, and enjoyed the hiking. The area is just beautiful!
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/23/2017-4/29/2017
Jan and Carrie were without a doubt the highlight of my trip. They were knowledgable about the area, had great hiking skill tips, kind, cool under pressure, and last but not least, amazing cooks! I thoroughly enjoyed every meal. I appreciated the healthy and great taste of every single meal. outstanding!
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/23/2017-4/29/2017
Each hike was special. Not just for the flowers and scenery but also for the history lessons that went along with the place we hiked.. I was so glad I did the artist circle because I got to talk to some of the real locals and appreciate the area even more
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/23/2017-4/29/2017
Hilights were all of the wildflowers that we saw and identified. Eating lunch by a waterfall or creek was lovely!
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/23/2017-4/29/2017
I loved the park and the wildflowers.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/23/2017-4/29/2017
Grotto falls ogle farms nature walk the sinks
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/23/2017-4/29/2017
All expectations were beyond met. I have a whole new appreciation for the Smokey Mountains and their beauty.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/23/2017-4/29/2017
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/23/2017-4/29/2017
Loved being challenged daily and was inspired by all the women
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/23/2017-4/29/2017
The highlight of the trip was meeting all the adventurous women. They were fantastic and inspirational because they had traveled all over the world.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/17/2016-4/23/2016
Hiking in the Smokies and meeting new women.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/17/2016-4/23/2016
Great scenery, wildflowers, waterfalls and weather.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/17/2016-4/23/2016
I loved the smoky mountains and getting to know other women and having some relaxation and I tried some new things!
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/17/2016-4/23/2016
Impressive guides- knowledge, organization, patience, accommodating to my needs (Diet Dr Peppers) Beauty of the plants, rocks, and waterfalls on the hikes We saw bears Food was great I learned so much about hiking and about this part of the country
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/17/2016-4/23/2016
Staying at one place, private room, spacious lodge was great. Super excellent guides, beautiful place, just-right variety of daily activities. Liked the activity level--challenging enough to be doing something out of the ordinary, but no anxious anticipation. Lovely group of women. Lots of outdoor time, in a place warmer than home.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/17/2016-4/23/2016
Certainly the Smokey Mts. were spectacular providing us with gorgeous wildflowers and waterfalls and wonderful weather. Along with this, the knowledge, warmth, and passion of our guides enhanced the experience by educating us about the wildflowers. the history of the Smokies, and backpacking. So fu!
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies 4/17/2016-4/23/2016