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Cascades & Canopies: Lodge-based Expedition

Waterfalls, ridgelines, and canopy adventure — explore the Smokies from trail to treetop.

Schedule a 15-Minute Expedition Fit Call

Cascades & Canopies: Lodge-based Expedition

Explore the waterfalls, ridgelines, and forests of the Smoky Mountains — returning each night to comfortable mountain lodging.

This lodge-based expedition is designed for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains through guided hikes and outdoor adventure while enjoying the comfort of a cozy cabin each evening.

Over four days, participants explore some of the most scenic trails in the Smokies, including cascading waterfalls, old-growth forest, and sections of the famous Appalachian Trail. The journey concludes with a thrilling zipline adventure through the forest canopy.

Each evening the group returns to comfortable mountain cabins to relax, share meals, and reflect on the day’s adventures.

A Landscape of Cascades and Forest Canopies

The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most biologically diverse landscapes in the temperate world, known for their misty ridgelines, ancient hardwood forests, and thousands of plant and animal species.

Many trails wind through deep forests and along mountain streams where waterfalls and cascades spill down moss-covered rock.

During this expedition we explore several of the park’s most scenic landscapes, including:

    • forest trails along rushing mountain streams
    • waterfall hikes through old-growth forest
    • high ridgelines with sweeping mountain views
    • sections of the legendary Appalachian Trail

These environments showcase the extraordinary variety that makes the Smokies one of the most remarkable mountain ecosystems in North America.

The Lodge-Based Experience

Unlike traditional backpacking expeditions, this trip is designed around comfortable lodging with daily guided hikes.

Each morning the group heads into the Smoky Mountains with light daypacks to explore different trails and landscapes within the park.

The experience includes:

  • guided day hikes to waterfalls and scenic overlooks
  • exploration of forest ecosystems and mountain streams
  • hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail
  • a canopy zipline adventure through the forest
  • evenings relaxing at cozy mountain cabins

This format allows participants to experience the Smokies deeply while enjoying the comfort and camaraderie of shared lodging.

Guides enhance your Appalachian Trail experience.

Quick Facts

Location: Great Smoky Mountains

Duration: 4 Days

Group Size: 4-12 Participants

Total Mileage: 25-30 Miles

Elevation Gain: Moderate

Terrain: Deep Forest, Forested Ridgeline, Creek Systems

Fitness Level: Active / Intermediate

Cost: From $2,699

Cascades & Canopies Lodge-based Expedition Overview

Day 1

Waterfalls & Welcome to the Smokies

After meeting your guides and fellow travelers for a brief orientation, we’ll head into Great Smoky Mountains National Park to begin our adventure.

Our first hike leads us along a forested trail to one of the Smokies’ beautiful hidden waterfalls. The path winds through lush hardwood forest, past mossy boulders and lively mountain streams — a perfect introduction to the rich biodiversity of the Smokies.

We’ll pause along the trail to enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch beside the sounds of rushing water before completing our hike.

Later in the afternoon we return to Roamstead, where cozy mountain cabins await. After settling in, the evening kicks off with a classic Southern BBQ dinner, giving everyone a chance to relax, share stories, and enjoy the start of our Smoky Mountain adventure.

Hiking: 4.2 miles
Elevation gain/loss: ±1,000 ft

Rivers, Giant Trees & the Park’s Largest Cascade

After a hearty breakfast, we set out for a spectacular hike to one of the largest cascades in the Smoky Mountains.

The journey begins on a historic roadbed that follows a rushing mountain river, where enormous moss-covered boulders line the banks and the sound of water fills the forest.

As the trail climbs deeper into the mountains, we enter a remarkable section of forest home to some of the largest trees in the park, towering high above the trail.

Our destination is the dramatic cascade itself — a powerful waterfall plunging through a rocky mountain gorge. After taking time to enjoy the view and eat lunch nearby, we return along the river trail.

Back at Roamstead, the evening continues with a relaxed cookout dinner and time to unwind at our mountain base.

Hiking: 8 miles
Elevation gain/loss: ±2,200 ft

Appalachian Trail Views

Today we step onto one of the most famous footpaths in the world — the Appalachian Trail.

Following the iconic white blazes, we hike along scenic ridgelines that reveal sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains stretching across the horizon. Along the way, your guides share stories of the countless hikers who have traveled this legendary trail from Georgia to Maine.

We’ll stop for lunch at a beautiful clearing along the ridge — the perfect place to relax and take in the mountain panorama.

After completing our hike, we return to Roamstead to freshen up before heading into town for a well-earned dinner out and another evening enjoying the Smokies.

Hiking: 8 miles
Elevation gain/loss: ±2,000 ft

History, Hidden Corners & a Canopy Finale

After one final mountain breakfast, we head out for our last hike in the Smokies.

Today’s trail explores a fascinating section of the park rich with the visual history of early Appalachian life. Along the way we’ll pass old stone walls, remnants of historic structures, and traces of communities that once called these mountains home.

We’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch beside the water before leaving the park behind.

But the adventure isn’t quite over yet.

To cap off the trip, we head to one of the region’s premier zipline courses. Here we’ll soar high above the forest canopy, taking in sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains from an entirely new perspective.

It’s the perfect finale to four days of waterfalls, mountain trails, and Smoky Mountain adventure.

Hiking: 4 miles
Elevation gain/loss: ±700 ft

Why Cascades and Canopies

Few places in the eastern United States offer such a rich combination of waterfall trails, ancient forests, and mountain vistas.

This expedition brings together some of the most memorable elements of the Smoky Mountains:

waterfalls, ridgelines, forest ecosystems, and adventure.

For travelers who want a multi-day Smokies experience without carrying overnight gear, this lodge-based journey provides the perfect balance of exploration and comfort.

Participant Experience

Great Time In the Great Smoky Mountains Just returned from this hiking trip in May 2024 and very glad I selected this adventure. The group was small, the accommodations were outstanding, the guide was extraordinary with excellent knowledge of the flora/fauna as well as history/culture of the region. The hikes were challenging but very doable with adequate advanced training, hiking poles and a good pair of waterproof hikers. Be prepared for wet trails and humidity! Be forewarned - you will not be hungry on this trip. Food portions are large!
Lauren
LaurenSatisfied Client
Great hiking trip! I just came back from this trip and it was a great one. I have been on 4 trips and each has been excellent. Our guides Megan Clapp and Raechelle Landers were outstanding. Each had such a love for the location and the flora and fauna. Raechelle, in particular, was so excited about the mushrooms and other plants and animals she spotted. The hiking was rated 3 and I think that's about right. It was strenuous but the fact that the trees form a canopy over the trails gave us shade almost all of the time and that was super helpful. The nights were especially wonderful. Great food and just a good vibe. Drinks were on the high end, however, so you might want to bring your own. The food overall on the trip was very good, with lots of choices. I definitely recommend this trip.
GG
GGSatisfied Client
An in the forest education and beauty. Just returned from the Smoky Mountain tour. Incredible guides, fun venues, great hikes with seeing diverse trails and indigenous flora and fauna. Incredible guides so knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate. For a lifelong learner I love the education I got in this aesthetic forest and beyond. The tour was well organized and the guides could not have been more precious and professional.
L Brown
L BrownSatisfied Client
Great Trip; great Guides Just returned from the Smoky Mountains two days ago; what a great time we had. Ben and Beth were great guides. They were both knowledgeable, attentive and great fun to be with. The hikes were wonderful; the guides did a great job of pacing us to our abilities. We lucked out with great weather, great views and great times. Accommodations were wonderful and food plentiful. Highly recommended adventure!
Tim L
Tim LSatisfied Client

Your Expedition Leadership

Every expedition is led by professionals with decades of combined field experience across the Southern Appalachians and beyond. Our leaders know these landscapes intimately—from seasonal weather patterns and trail conditions to water sources and emergency exit routes—and plan each trip accordingly. All guides are trained in wilderness risk management, decision-making under changing conditions, and group safety protocols, ensuring trips that are thoughtful, well-paced, and grounded in professional judgment rather than improvisation.

Inclusions

  • Professional Guide Leadership
  • Permits & Logistics
  • Pre-Trip Planning Support
  • Expedition Briefing Materials
  • Gear Rental as Needed
  • Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, Snacks
  • Transportation Throughout Trip
  • Small Group Format

Exclusions

  • Personal Items (toiletries, clothing)
  • Prefered Comfort Food / Snacks
  • Gratuity for Your Guide
  • Airport Transfer
  • Lodging before/after Trip

Frequently Asked Questions

What fitness level is required?

Trip members should be capable of hiking 5-8 hours each day (up to 11 miles) with as much as 2,700′ elevation gain and loss. Zip-lining is suitable for beginners. Weight ranges for zip-lining are 60 pounds minimum and 250 pounds maximum. 

Weather is an inherent part of wilderness travel, and itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind. Trip leaders monitor forecasts closely and make real-time adjustments to routes, pacing, or daily objectives as needed. In the event of severe conditions, alternative plans or modified activities may be implemented to maintain safety without compromising the overall experience.

Due to the planning involved in these trips, we require a 60 day cancellation. A refund will be provided for cancellations up to 60 days prior to arrival. Cancellations between 59 and 30 days of your trip will be refunded half of the full trip charge. No refunds for cancellations with less than a 30 day notice. If the guide cancels your trip due to hazardous weather conditions prior to starting the trip, you will be refunded the full trip price. If the guide or a member of another group on the trip ends the trip early, you will be refunded a prorated portion of the cost. If we begin the trip and you or anyone in your group decides to end the trip early for any reason, there will be no refund. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to our cancellation policy. We are not responsible for medical or family emergencies. If you need to be evacuated for any reason, you will be responsible for the cost. Transportation costs can range from $75 to $300 depending on where you are at the time of the evacuation. If staff needs to hike in to hike you out or assist in an evacuation, you will be responsible for the cost.

We encourage you to research travel insurance services to best meet your needs if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Trip Assure offers insurance for our overnight trips. Trip Assure provides plans with benefits to protect the cost of your travel arrangements; your belongings; and most importantly, you, in case your trip gets disrupted. Please see the following link for more information: Trip Insurance with Trip Assure

Hikes range between 4–11 miles, depending on the route and conditions. Trails may include moderate elevation gain, rocky sections, and uneven terrain typical of the Smoky Mountains. Guides set a supportive pace and adjust routes to match the group’s abilities.

No. This trip is designed as a  lodge-based experience, meaning we return to the same lodging each night. All hiking is done with light daypacks, making it accessible to guests who may be new to multi-day outdoor adventures.

Participants typically carry a small daypack with water, snacks, rain gear, extra layers, and personal items. A detailed packing list will be provided before the trip.

This activity are included in the itinerary and are highlights of the final day. However, if a participant prefers not to participate, alternative options may be available depending on group logistics.

No prior experience is necessary. Professional guides provide safety briefings and instruction before the activity.

Unlike backpacking trips where you carry all your gear between campsites, this adventure allows you to sleep in comfortable lodging each night while exploring different areas of the Smokies during the day.

Guests stay in comfortable private cabins at Roamstead, located near the Smoky Mountains. The cabins provide a cozy base for the trip, allowing participants to relax and recharge after each day’s hike.

The Smoky Mountains are known for their abundance of streams and cascades. While water levels vary with weather and season, the itinerary includes hikes to several beautiful waterfalls and cascading river sections.

Join the Expedition

Cascades & Canopies Lodge-Based Expedition

Chase waterfalls.
Climb to Smoky Mountain views.
Soar through the forest canopy.

Then return each night to a welcoming mountain lodge.

Schedule a 15-Minute Expedition Fit Call