The Mountaineers Way

An easy, historical walk to see how the early settlers lived.

Duration: ~3 hours
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Group size: Max 11
Departs: Gatlinburg, TN or Asheville, NC

Overview

A casual stroll with a local, professional guide. Hear how the first settlers entered this area while Native Americans were still using the land. This was a large mountain community, and we’ll see farm structures, cemeteries, and beautiful streams along the way.

An SMG guide talks with hikers as she leads a group down a wide forest trail on the Mountaineers Way hike — On the Mountaineers Way hike

A family walking along a gravel path through a green meadow toward a historic log cabin — Exploring a historic cabin

Highlights

Settler homesites and farm structures
Historic cemeteries
Streamside trail
Great for all ages

Pricing

$180 for 1–3 guests
+$35 per additional guest
Optional group shuttle from Gatlinburg: $20

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
Family Fun Nature Scavenger Hunt
An interactive, educational nature walk built for little adventurers.
Duration
~2 hours
Difficulty
Easy
From$165 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