Appalachian Trail – 3 Day

“3 day Appalachian Adventure!”

What it’s all about:

See and experience the world renowned Appalachian Trail

From high peaks to low valleys, the Appalachian Trail (AT) brings promised adventure and amazing stories. On this trip, we will hike through amazing and beautiful parts of the AT within the National Park. Each night we will stay in backcountry shelters and experience just a small portion of what through-hikers experience in the first month of their 2,168 mile journey to Katahdin, Maine. Average of about 6 to 10 miles per day.

Route Summary:

(Route and statistics may very due to availability of backcountry sites and weather.)

Total distance on trail = 24.72 miles
Total Elevation gain (loss) = 6,047ft (-8,817) ft.
Max elevation = 6,344ft
Min elevation = 2,254ft

Backpacking Overview

Time: 2 nights 3 days
Rated: Moderate / Strenuous
Limit 6 in a group (+up to 2 guides)

2025 dates:
June 27-29, July 11-13, Aug 8-10, Oct 6-8, Oct 20-22

Private trips available

Price: $655 per person

ASK ABOUT OUR GIFT CARDS!

Highlights:

The Appalachian Trail
New Found Gap
Charles Bunion
Mount Guyot
Ole Black
High elevation camping
Amazing views
Stars

Detailed daily route plan:

Day 1

Hike 3 miles to Ice-Water Springs shelter or 11 miles to Pecks Corner shelter via the AT.
Total miles = (3-11)
Trail names: The Appalachian Trail.
Elevation gain (loss) 1,132ft (-245ft) or 2,064ft (-1,728)
Extras! (Fun Extra activity and underlined places for additional links)

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Approximately 5 miles
Our trip begins in Gatlinburg, TN with a pre-trip orientation and pack up. We are then shuttled to New Found Gap where we step on the renowned Appalachian Trail and begin our journey. We travel North and have a scenic and leisure start to our trip where we get comfortable with our gear and the rugged terrain. As we traverse at 5000’, our views are incredible. We will continue with breathtaking views and vegetation as we travel to our first nights shelter. This communal shelter allows for a unique gathering of hikers sharing a space and stories as we enjoy the incredible skies in this remote area of wilderness.
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Day 2

Hike to Tri-Corner Knob shelter via the AT
Total miles = 5.9-12.4 [up to 12.4 miles?]
(12.4 from Ice-water Springs shelter or 5.9 from Pecks-Corner shelter.)
Trail names: The Appalachian Trail.
Elevation gain (loss) = 2,077ft (-2,077) or 1,304ft (-751ft) DAY 2 approximately 8-12 miles

ADDITIONAL INFO

After a filling breakfast, we set out into a remote section of the AT to catch our stride and start setting into the rhythm of Appalachian trail traveling. We will get a taste of the ascending and descending these mountains are known for with great reward in views, wildlife, diverse vegetation and stories of the mountain culture that has shaped this area for years. As we arrive at shelter number 2, we enjoy a well deserved dinner and solitude in some of the most remote sections of the GSMNP.
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Day 3

Hike from Tri-Corner Knob shelter to Cosby campground

Total miles = 9.4
Trail names: The Appalachian Trail, Snake Den Trail.
Elevation gain (loss) = 505ft (-4,178ft)

ADDITIONAL INFO

Day 3 approximately 6-10miles
Our last day on the trail will continue along remote sections of the AT before we descend into the valleys with streams that are crystal clear. We experience what the Smokies are known for as we learn about the diverse ecosystems at a variety of elevation zones. We will end our hiking as we encounter our shuttle van that will bring us back to Gatlinburg, TNAfter a filling breakfast, we set out into a remote section of the AT to catch our stride and start setting into the rhythm of Appalachian trail traveling. We will get a taste of the ascending and descending these mountains are known for with great reward in views, wildlife, diverse vegetation and stories of the mountain culture that has shaped this area for years. As we arrive at shelter number 2, we enjoy a well deserved dinner and solitude in some of the most remote sections of the GSMNP.
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Note:
Advisory or cautions: As with any high elevation hiking the weather can change quickly and mental\physical preparedness is necessary for your enjoyment.

Okay!!!

So are you ready to join on us on an adventure?!!!

GREAT!!!!

Here is a list of stuff you should bring with you and what is provided by your guide!

Printable Packing List and Info

For a suggested packing list, see the link below:

Summer Packing List for Participants

Fall Packing List for Participants

(Keep in mind that this will be a heavy pack, and over loading can make for a less than comfy trip for you. The same goes for bringing too little! So read this carefully and please feel free to ask your guide for advice!)

Oh and about the food! I know your thinking about the food!

All meals are prepared by your guide!
Our dinners will be a yummy mix of filling and tasty dehydrated meals with added fresh veggies and we try to have a different meal each night! We pick high quality meals and fruits and veggies for us and our guests so we are all fully energized and feel great for our adventures!
For breakfasts we like to have a breakfast bar and or yummy hot oatmeal!
Lunches are usually peanut butter and jelly or tuna packets and crackers!
We also provide a few good snack bars for each day.
And of course there has to be a desert!
[Please inform your guide upon reservation of any dietary restrictions or needs.]

Lastly Hugely Important Info! PLEASE CLICK ME!!!

These trips are very strenuous and require FIT and SOUND body and mind as well as willing and adventurous attitude! These are the wilds of the Smoky Mountains! A relatively unpredictable and remote environment! You will be carrying about a 30 lb. pack over hilly, rocky, and sometimes wet and slick terrain. The weather can and will change quickly.

If you have had any recent surgeries or pain or trouble with knees, feet, back, hips shoulders, neck, eyes, balance or any health issues that could effect your safety and enjoyment of the trip, then a less strenuous route would be strongly advised.
As always if you have any concerns please talk with your guide. They will be able to help either encourage you to try it or advise you to try a better suited trip.

All of this to say, we want you to have a wonderful time with us and part of our job to accomplish that is to determine who is and who is not suited properly for each adventure. We understand some folks don’t quite know what to expect out here but that is whats so wonderful about a guide service! We are here to eliminate the guesswork. So lets work together and all have a great time enjoying our beautiful GSMNP!