Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hike and Explore
Visit one of the most iconic places in any mountain range in North America—part of the oldest mountain range in the world. America’s most-visited national park takes its name from the Cherokee word “Shaconage,” which translates to “place of the blue smoke.” Straddling the Tennessee–North Carolina border and covering more than 500,000 acres, the park is home to cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and hundreds of miles of trails. Join us as we explore the Tennessee side of this beautiful park.
This is a hiking trip consisting of physical activities on uneven ground.
December 14–18, 2026
TERRAIN / ROUTE CHOICES Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a wide range of hiking options from moderate to difficult. Come prepared for varied terrain; the group will select trails that account for everyone’s abilities.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY You will be hiking in varied terrain and weather conditions. No previous experience is required, but participants should be able to hike several miles on uneven, potentially slippery ground. Trails will be chosen with the group’s abilities in mind. Please note any mobility or medical considerations on your registration form so we can plan accordingly.
WEATHER Due to different elevations and the time of year, temperatures can vary and change quickly throughout the day. Expect anything from the 50s in the lower elevations to the 30s and possible snow in the higher elevations. Layered clothing, waterproof boots with good tread, and traction devices (such as microspikes) are strongly recommended.
WHERE YOU WILL SLEEP At night we will stay in a cabin/home in the Sevierville area, just outside Gatlinburg and the park, offering amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
MEDICATIONS Please list all of your medications on your registration form.
ITINERARY
Day 1 You will be flown to Knoxville and picked up by DAV of MN staff. You will then be transported to the lodging in Sevierville, TN. You’ll have time to get settled, meet your fellow travelers, and discuss the hike options for the trip.
Day 2 We head into the park for the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail—a 4.6-mile round-trip hike through deciduous forest with stunning views of the Smokies, passing through Arch Rock and ending at the impressive bluffs.
Day 3 We drive to Hen Wallow Falls, a 4.3-mile round-trip hike. This trail includes some steep sections and switchbacks. Hen Wallow Creek, only two feet wide at the top of the falls, separates into two streams and fans out to about 30 feet as it tumbles to the base.
Day 4 We’ll drive about an hour west to the West Prong Trail, a 5.4-mile round-trip hike with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. We’ll follow the West Prong of the Little River with chances to see wildlife such as deer, black bears, and wild hogs. At mile 0.3, hikers interested in settlement history can take a short spur (about 100 yards) to Walker Valley Cemetery.
Day 5 We return to Knoxville for the flight home.
Application Information Application closes October 4, 2026. Notifications will be made on or before October 9, 2026 by the email address entered on the application. Failure to provide a valid email will result in your application being removed from the lottery. If you have not received notification by October 9, 2026, please check your spam folder before calling.