WILDFLOWERS & WATERFALLS: EXPLORING THE GREAT SMOKIES HIGHLIGHTS APRIL 14-20, 2019 TRIP SUMMARY Seeing up to 30 species of wildflowers on any hike Rafting a fun section of the Pigeon River (suitable for women with no experience) Visiting Little Greenbrier Community and learning about the people who lived here Hiking beautiful trails, and lunch everyday next to a waterfall Gazing at the view from the hot tub and luxuriating in your own private room Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Apr 14-20, 2019 Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN Cost: $1995 Activities: Hiking Arrive: Arrive at the Knoxville airport (TYS) by 12:00 pm on April 14 or, if you're driving, at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic inside the park by 2:00pm. Directions will be sent with the predeparture document. Depart: At the Knoxville airport by 12 pm on April 20. TRIP OVERVIEW 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. On this trip we extend a special invitation to women over 50 and to anyone wanting leisurely hikes. Maximum group size: 12 RATING 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 WHAT'S INCLUDED Two experienced AGC guides Six nights lodging in a private room with ensuite bathroom All meals from dinner on Sunday through breakfast Saturday Transportation to/from the Knoxville airport (TYS) and transportation during the trip White water rafting and rafting guide gratuities Not included: Airfare to/from Knoxville (TYS), alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, and optional activities.
OUR ITINERARY 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. DAY 1 APRIL 14, SUNDAY This itinerary may be modified based on weather and where the wildflowers are best. If you're flying in, we'll meet you at the Knoxville Airport at noon. After driving to the Park, we start with an introduction to the cultural history of the Smokies by visiting the area once known to early settlers as the Little Greenbrier Community. We'll visit the Little Greenbrier School (first opened in 1882), a pioneer cemetery, and the Walker Sisters cabin and home site. This slightly ascending trail is along an old roadbed. If you are driving, please plan to be at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic parking lot (south side) by 2:00 pm. Little Brier Gap Trail, 2.6 miles. Dinner tonight is at our lodge and you ll be treated to a typically southern bar-b-que dinner, complete with hush puppies and corn on the cob! (D) DAY 2 APRIL 15, MONDAY Our trail today rises at a steady, moderate grade as it passes through a forest of large Eastern Hemlocks and Fraser magnolias and then into a moist, sheltered cove hardwood forest. Well-known for its incredible display of wildflowers in April and May, the forest floor can be carpeted with up to 30 to 40 species of wildflowers. Rich in cultural history as well, Porters Creek trail passes the old Baxter Cabin, stone walls, an old cantilevered barn and the Owenby Cemetery, all remnants of the time that a thriving community lived here. We will hike to Fern Branch Falls and have lunch before turning back. Porters Creek Trail, about 4 miles. Dinner tonight will begin with appetizers and continue with the first of several home made meals by your guides, ending with (of course!) dessert! (B, L, D)
DAY 3 APRIL 16, TUESDAY Our first stop this morning will be the Sugarlands Visitors Center where we'll take the opportunity to learn more about the park, its history and its natural inhabitants through the orientation film and their natural history museum. Then - back to hiking and the search for wildflowers! Traveling off the beaten path, today's trail leads into a natural limestone sink. White Oak Sink is home to many rare plants, various caves, and a waterfall that flows into a cave, offering unique opportunities to learn about the geology, natural history, and cultural history of the area. Spring wildflowers abound in the sink, coating the trail side with a beautiful variety of colors. Our hike begins on the School House Gap trail, an old roadbed with an easy uphill grade. Shortly we'll turn off the Schoolhouse Gap trail onto the trail to White Oak Sink, an unmaintained trail with occasional steep ascents and descents. After our hike we ll head back to the lodge for some well-deserved relaxation, and - tonight is pizza night! Also well deserved! White Oak Sink, 5.0 miles (B, L, D) DAY 4 APRIL 17, WEDNESDAY Ready to give your legs a break and see a completely different part of the ecosystem? We'll enjoy breakfast out at the Log Cabin Pancake House and then onto the white water of the Pigeon River! Although the rapids are large enough to be exciting, the trip is completely appropriate for novice rafters. Returning to Gatlinburg we'll stretch our legs as we walk out to Laurel Falls (2.4 miles on a paved trail) the most visited falls in the park. Back at the lodge, perhaps the hot tub or just relaxing in rockers on the porch before another homemade dinner! (B, L, D) DAY 5 APRIL 18, THURSDAY Today our morning will take us to Grotto Falls hike - one of the more spectacular waterfalls in the park and the only one you can actually walk behind! The trail is a moderate 2.6-mile hike through a hardwood cove offering great wildflower spotting as well as views across the valley. After our hike, we will return to our condo for lunch and a few choices. The afternoon is free and there are no bad choices! Your guides will offer the opportunity journey to the highest points of the park -- New Found Gap (with a short walk on the Appalachian Trail) and Clingman's Dome, at 6,643 feet the highest point on the eastern side of the U.S., a visit to the historic Bud Ogle's farm where we ll take the 1.2-mile nature hike and explore what a typical homestead was like in this part of the country, including a plume for water and a grist mill!, enjoying downtown Gatlinburg, or, since it is vacation, you might want to just spend a relaxing afternoon back at the lodge, enjoying the porch or hot tub. Your guides will help you sort out the options and help you get where you want to go. Or, maybe ice cream is in your afternoon - just an appetizer before another meal at the Lodge. Mileage will vary depending on choices made. (B, L, D)
DAY 6 APRIL 19, FRIDAY Our trek today will take us through Eastern Hemlock and deciduous forests as we hike along the Maddron Bald Trail. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), the trail begins as an old roadbed and rises consistently, though moderately, throughout its entire length. Albright Grove, named for Horace Albright who was an advocate for the park and a director for the National Park Service, is an awesome remnant of old growth forest. Here you will experience the sights, sounds, and feel of this home to ancient trees. We'll have plenty of time to stroll among and admire the grand Eastern Hemlocks, silverbells, Fraser magnolias, tulip trees, and other tree species before returning along the Maddron Bald Trail. We ll return to the lodge with plenty of time to freshen up and head into Gatlinburg to share our last dinner together at one of the many local restaurants. Albright Grove and Maddron Bald Trail, 6.7 miles. (B, L, D) DAY 7 APRIL 20, SATURDAY It's our last morning in the Smokies but we'll continue to savor every minute! We'll take our time this morning, enjoy our last breakfast together and the view from the lodge, before making our way back. We'll fit in a visit to Sugarlands Visitors Center for one last chance for any items you may just have to have and even have time to walk the nature trail to Cataract Falls. After that, we reluctantly head to the Knoxville airport. If you're driving, you can plan to leave by 10 a.m. If you're flying, we'll return you to the Knoxville airport by 11:00 am for a flight out after 12:00 noon. (B) ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE If you are flying: The airport to fly into is the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville If you are driving: You can meet the group at either of the two places below: a. Meet at the Mcghee Tyson Airport, park your car in the long term parking facility and ride with the group to the beginning of the trip. b. Drive to Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, (south side with the outhouses) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Directions upon request. ACCOMMODATIONS 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. Rooms are assigned by lottery.
WEATHER The weather will vary based on the altitude. In town, it will be very pleasant, up to the low 70s. Inside the park and at higher elevations, the weather becomes changeable mountain weather, which could include rain, cold wind and even snow. Bringing the proper equipment will add greatly to your enjoyment and your safety. Please follow the packing list carefully. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page.
PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair of hiking boots: boots need to come over the ankle and be well broken in and comfortable. 1 pair of comfortable athletic shoes, Keens, or Teva/Chaco sandals: for sightseeing and walking 1 pair of water shoes for rafting (If you are OK with your walking shoes getting wet, these can be used for rafting) 3 pairs of hiking socks: wool or synthetic equivalent (Thorlo, Ultimax, or Smartwool) CLOTHING 1-2 pairs of synthetic/nylon long pants for hiking. Zip offs work well. 1 lightweight, light-colored, long-sleeved shirt to protect you from the sun (button up front is a good choice) 3 T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts (two should be a synthetic or lightweight wool and the third can be cotton) 1 pair lightweight long underwear top and bottoms: silk, wool or synthetic equivalent (Capilene, Thermastat, MTS, or polypropylene) 1 midweight top wool or synthetic. (A wool or fleece vest also works well for this layer) 1 fleece jacket 1 rain jacket and pants - See Notes on Packing List for details Underwear/nightwear Swimsuit (for the hot tub!) 1 lightweight pair gloves - Wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves are best 1 lightweight warm hat or buff (can be used as a hat) 1 wide-brimmed hat with a strap that will keep it on your head Comfortable, casual clothes to wear around the cabin and out to dinner. TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, and sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid kit and personal medications - See Notes on Packing List for details Personal medications, if any. Individuals allergic to insect bites must bring an anaphylactic kit. Please consult your pharmacist. Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide ESSENTIALS Sunglasses (100% UV protection) Trekking poles (recommended) Insect repellant Bandanna (for multiple uses) Croakies or other sunglasses retainer Plastic container for sandwich 1 daypack large enough to hold your supplies for the day - See Notes on Packing List for details 1 pack cover or plan to line your backpack with a large trash bag to make it waterproof Capacity to carry 2 quarts of water - See Notes on Packing List for details OPTIONAL Camera (extra battery) and film/memory card Book, notebook, journal, pencil/pen Binoculars Zip lock baggies for camera and other things 1 pair of shorts: quick-drying nylon for rafting Your favorite snack Playing cards, games Wrist watch with an alarm or travel clock Neoprene socks or water shoes (for rafting) 1 headlamp or small flashlight
NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 1 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera, etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1800 and 2400 cubic inches with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need, ESPECIALLY blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar. A small role of duct tape is always useful. The amount and kind you bring will depend on your tendency to blister but many people get blisters on hiking tours. Other suggestions: remedies for respiratory ailments? Stomach ailments? Sore muscles or joints? The guides will have a first aid kit too, but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a Hydration System, such as; CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags. These are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are recommended for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: http://blog.adventuresingoodcompany.com/blog-women-travel/bid/154714/trekking-poles-for-hiking-trips-the-4-mostcommon-questions