Family Fun Nature Scavenger Hunt

An interactive, educational nature walk built for little adventurers.

Duration: ~2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Under 2 miles
Group size: Max 11
Departs: Gatlinburg, TN or Asheville, NC

Overview

Kids notice the little things we miss. This trip is tailored to them: we search for and learn about special plants and animals of the Smoky Mountains as a scavenger hunt, with each child getting their own clipboard and picture checklist.

Suitable for all ages, though kids 5 to 12 will likely find it the most fun.

Kids walking together down a wide forest trail on a family nature scavenger hunt hike — Family fun on the scavenger hunt hike

A boy checks off salamanders, birds, and butterflies on his scavenger hunt clipboard beside a rushing mountain stream — Checking off the scavenger hunt list by the creek

A smiling young girl beside a mountain creek, holding the salamander she found in cupped hands — A creek-side discovery

A child gently holding a small dark salamander in an open palm — Meeting a salamander up close

Highlights

Kid-sized adventure
Picture checklist & clipboard
Plants, critters, and tracks
Best for ages 5–12

Pricing

$165 for 1–3 guests
+$30 per additional guest

Included

Professional, certified local guide

Before you go

After booking you’ll receive preparation guidance, a packing list, and meeting instructions. All participants sign a waiver, and multi-day guests complete a short registration and health form.

Read our trip-planning guide

More day hikes

View all

Day Hikes
Appalachian Waterfalls
A gentle introduction to the Smokies, ending at a quiet waterfall.
Duration
~4 hours
Difficulty
Easy
From$180 for 1–3 guests
View & book
Day Hikes
The Mountaineers Way
An easy, historical walk to see how the early settlers lived.
Duration
~3 hours
Difficulty
Easy–Moderate
From$180 for 1–3 guests
View & book
Day Hikes
Alum Cave Bluffs & Arch Rock
Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and the bluffs on the lower slopes of Mt. LeConte.
Duration
~6 hours
Difficulty
Moderate–Strenuous
From$280 for 1–3 guests
View & book