Peaks to Pools: Appalachian Trail and Fontana Lake Expedition
A rare Smokies traverse — from mountain valleys to Appalachian Trail ridgelines and down to the waters of Fontana Lake.
Peaks to Pools: Appalachian Trail & Fontana Lake Expedition
A rare Smoky Mountains traverse — from valley forests to Appalachian Trail ridgelines and down to the quiet waters of Fontana Lake.
This expedition begins near the historic valley of Cades Cove and climbs steadily into the high terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains. Over several days, participants ascend through changing forest zones to reach the crest of the range, traveling a remote section of the Appalachian Trail.
From there the journey descends through deep mountain forest toward the shoreline of Fontana Lake, where the expedition concludes with a paddle across one of the most secluded bodies of water in the southern Appalachians.
A Journey Across the Smokies
Few trips capture the full vertical experience of the Smoky Mountains.
Beginning in low-elevation hardwood forests near Cades Cove, the route climbs steadily toward the high ridgelines that form the backbone of the range. Along the way, hikers move through dramatically changing ecosystems shaped by elevation, moisture, and exposure.
The expedition eventually reaches the Appalachian Trail — the legendary footpath that follows the crest of the eastern mountains — offering sweeping ridge travel and a sense of true mountain immersion.
From these high ridgelines, the route drops gradually through deep forest toward Fontana Lake, where the mountains meet the water.
Quick Facts
Location: Great Smoky Mountains
Duration: 4 Days
Group Size: 2-6 Participants
Total Mileage: 25–35 Miles
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Terrain: Deep Forest, Forested Ridgeline, Creek Systems
Fitness Level: Active / Intermediate
Cost: From $1,599
What You Will Build During This Peaks to Pools Expedition
This expedition is structured to develop:
- Backcountry route awareness
- Efficient pack management
- Terrain-specific decision-making
- Physical resilience under load
- Confidence navigating variable mountain conditions
Peaks to Pools Expedition Overview
Day 1
Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
Our adventure begins this morning in Fontana, North Carolina, where we will meet our guides and fellow travelers. After a brief orientation, pack check, and distribution of group gear we transfer to the trailhead to begin our exploration of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. On the trail we’ll cross creeks and pass through dense forests on the way to our stop for the first night. This evening we’ll enjoy dinner, recount the days adventure, and turn in for the evening under a blanket of stars. Dinner Included.
Mileage: varies between 4 – 7 miles depending on specific route with +/- 1,500-3,000′ elevation change.
Day 2
The Appalachian Trail awaits and provides us the opportunity to experience life as a thru-hiker
Rise and Shine! We’ll start this morning with a trail breakfast and coffee to fuel a beautiful day of human powered exploration. Get ready for another day spent in awe as we hike among old growth Boreal forests and continue our journey along sections of the iconic Appalachian Trail. We’ll get a feel for the thru-hiker experience and depending on our route may even have a chance to experience the most challenging sections of the AT in Great Smoky Mountains National Park today. Breakfast and dinner included.
Mileage: varies between 6 – 13 miles depending on specific route with +/- 1,500-3,000′ elevation change.
Day 3
Today we backpack the most remote and diverse sections of trail in the Smokies
Awaken to the symphony of the forest as we ease into our first day of life on the trail. Depending on our route we may find ourselves traversing the slopes of Rocky Top, or working on our naturalist skills along some of the most remote trails in the eastern United States. Breakfast and dinner included.
Mileage: varies between 6.5 – 13 miles depending on specific route with +/- 1,500-3,000′ elevation change.
Day 4
Cherish the last few hours spent among new friends along secluded trails in America’s most visited national park
Today’s journey is bittersweet as we continue to soak in breathtaking views on our lake paddle back to Fontana Marina. We’ll cherish these last few hours spent in the remote corners of the United States’ most visited national park with passionate guides and like-minded new friends. Breakfast Included.
Mileage: 3-5 mile paddle out
Note: Depending on the route you will be following, traffic in the area, trail conditions and other factors beyond our control, your group will likely arrive back to Fontana Marina late afternoon. We’d highly recommend delaying any travel plans until the morning after your trip concludes.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.
Why Professional Guidance Matters in the Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains present:
- Rapid weather shifts
- Dense forest navigation
- Complex backcountry permitting
- Variable elevation changes
Professional structure allows:
- Terrain-informed pacing
- Risk mitigation
- Ecological literacy
- Efficient route strategy
Participant Experience
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 (tent, pack, pad, sleeping bag)
- Guide Gear (water filter, stove, fuel, 1st aid)
- Breakfasts, Dinners, Some Snacks
- Shuttle Transport to/from Trailheads
- 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?
This expedition is designed for participants who are comfortable with sustained physical activity in a backcountry environment. Guests should be able to hike for 8-10 miles per day over uneven terrain while carrying a pack weighing approximately 25 pounds. Prior hiking or backpacking experience is recommended, and a consistent fitness routine in the weeks leading up to the trip will significantly improve comfort and enjoyment.
What gear is mandatory?
Participants are required to carry essential personal gear to ensure safety and comfort in the backcountry. This includes appropriate footwear, weather layers, hydration capacity, and core safety items. A detailed packing list will be provided well in advance of departure. We can provide all necessary gear, including a backpack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and tent.
What if weather shifts?
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.
What is the cancellation policy?
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
How strenuous is each day?
Daily exertion varies based on terrain, distance, elevation change, and conditions. Most days involve [6-9] hours of hiking with regular breaks, opportunities for recovery, and time to engage with the landscape. Leaders set a sustainable pace focused on endurance and group cohesion rather than speed, allowing guests to move confidently and steadily through each day.
Do I need paddling experience for the Fontana Lake crossing?
No prior paddling experience is required. Guides provide instruction before launching and accompany the group throughout the lake crossing. The paddle route is chosen based on conditions to ensure a safe and manageable conclusion to the expedition.
How long is the paddle across Fontana Lake?
The lake crossing typically covers 3–5 miles, depending on the location of our final campsite. Most groups complete the paddle in about 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on weather conditions and pacing. It provides a distinctive finish to the expedition as participants transition from mountain travel to open water across Fontana Lake.
How much elevation gain should I expect?
This expedition involves a sustained climb from valley elevations near Cades Cove to the higher ridgelines of the Smokies before descending toward Fontana Lake. Participants should be prepared for significant elevation gain and loss spread across multiple days.
Will we actually hike on the Appalachian Trail?
Yes. A portion of the expedition follows the Appalachian Trail along the crest of the Smoky Mountains, providing a chance to experience one of the most iconic sections of the trail while traveling through high mountain terrain.
What happens if weather makes the lake crossing unsafe?
Safety always comes first. If lake conditions are unsafe due to wind or storms, guides will adjust the itinerary and arrange an alternate exit strategy from the backcountry.
Are bear precautions required on this trip?
Yes. The Smoky Mountains are active bear habitat. Guides will instruct participants on proper food storage and backcountry practices to ensure safety for both guests and wildlife.
Enrollment Is Limited
Each expedition is limited to 6 participants to preserve instructional quality and terrain integrity.