Itinerary
- Day 1
Clingman's Dome to Forney Creek
Start at Clingman's Dome, the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you'll climb the observation tower for views across the ridges. After getting your pack sorted, hike 8.5 miles down to Andrews Bald, one of the park's well-known backcountry viewpoints. The descent takes you through changing forest types and past a nice cascade. You'll ford Forney Creek several times before reaching your first camp on the banks of a mountain creek.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit observation tower at Clingman's Dome
- Hike to Andrews Bald backcountry viewpoint
- Hike down Forney Creek headwaters with creek crossings
Landmarks Clingman's Dome Andrews Bald Forney Creek 
- Day 2
Forney Creek to Noland Creek
Your guide prepares a hearty Appalachian backcountry breakfast to start the day. Then you'll continue down Forney Creek with more crossings, passing the historic Bee Gum Civilian Conservation Corps Camp site dating from the early-mid 20th century. The trail climbs up to a forested ridgeline, and you'll take a break at the crest for lunch. From there, hike another 2.8 miles to your second night's camp along Noland Creek.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hearty Appalachian backcountry breakfast prepared by guide), Lunch (Picnic lunch prepared by guide), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike down Forney Creek with multiple creek crossings
- Visit historic Bee Gum Civilian Conservation Corps Camp site
Landmarks Bee Gum Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Noland Creek 
- Day 3
Noland Creek to Deep Creek
After breaking camp, continue up Noland Creek with frequent crossings using log footpaths, rock hopping, and wading. The hike passes multiple historical sites like fish hatchery ruins, the Mill Creek School site, the historical park boundary from the 1940s, and old logging areas. You'll climb to Noland Divide at Upper Sassafras Gap for lunch, then hike another 3.5 miles past rock outcroppings and waterfalls to your third and final camp in the Deep Creek valley.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Upper Sassafras Gap), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike up Noland Creek with multiple crossings
- Visit fish hatchery ruins
- Visit Mill Creek School site
- Hike through historical park boundary area
- Hike through abandoned logging areas
- Hike to Noland Divide at Upper Sassafras Gap
Landmarks Noland Creek Upper Sassafras Gap Deep Creek - Day 4
Deep Creek to Asheville
On the final day, hike 6.5 miles down one of the first trails built after the park's formation, designed by engineer R.P. White. The forest here is intensely diverse with stream valley scenery, waterfalls, and moderate hiking throughout. Once you finish the trek, a 1.5-hour shuttle drive takes you back to Asheville.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Hike down historic Deep Creek trail with stream valley scenery and waterfalls
Landmarks Deep Creek
