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Return to Women's Trips Menu
The Great Smoky Mountains
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Women's get-away!
(hike & horseback riding)
April 2009
Price: $1,295.00
Meeting and Departure point: Knoxville, TN
Hiking activity rating: Easy to
moderate
The Great Smoky Mountains presents an incredibly beautiful display of
wildflowers in the Spring time, making it one of the best seasons to
visit there. Famous for a wide variety of plant and animal species, the
Smoky Mountains boasts over 1,400 flowering plants, hundreds of
different types of trees, and over 200 species of birds.
Known as the ancestral homeland, and referred to by the Cherokee Indians as
Shaconage, meaning "blue, like smoke." The Great Smoky Mountains were
recognized as a national park in 1934 and today include over 500,000
acres of wilderness and approximately 900 miles of hiking trails.
Our trip includes hiking a section of the Appalachian trail to Charlie's
Bunion, with stunning views overlooking Porter's creek, (approx. 8 miles
round trip), horseback riding through valleys, and along a mountain ridge,
hiking along Porter's Creek trail which boasts 30 - 40 different species of
wildflowers and view the beautiful Fern Branch Falls, stretch & relaxation
classes, journal writing, hot tub, and an opportunity to meet new people.
Itinerary
Sunday (day 1): If you're flying, we'll meet you at the Knoxville
airport for pick up at 1 p.m. We'll head back to the rustic but cozy Bear
Creek Lodge where you'll have an opportunity to relax after a long days
journey. Once you've settled in there's an inviting eight person hot
tub, pool table, or game room at your disposal. Unless you choose to
just relax in the cabin's great room or on the front porch swing &
rockers while taking the time to get to know one another. After a
welcome dinner, you'll have an opportunity to join in on a stretch &
relaxation class before turning in for the night.
Monday (day 2): Choose to take an early morning stretch &
relaxation class or sleep a little longer before breakfast is served.
After breakfast we'll prepare to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail
to Charlie's Bunion, with stunning views over looking Porter's creek.
This hike is approximately 8 miles round trip and rated (Easy to
Moderate). After lunch on the trail we'll head back to the trail head
and call it a day. Returning to the lodge for dinner, leaving time to
soak in the hot tub before journal sharing (optional).
Tuesday (day 3): Rise for an for early morning stretch &
relaxation class unless you'd rather catch a few more zzz's... Breakfast
is served; then we'll prepare for an excursion of horseback riding
through peaceful valleys, across trickling brooks and along a mountain
ridge. After lunch we'll head back to the cabin and freshen up before
leaving for our evening in Gatlinburg, we'll eat dinner out and have an
opportunity to browse the shops.
Wednesday (day 4): Up for early morning stretch & relaxation class
unless you'd rather sleep, followed by breakfast. We'll then prepare for
our wildflower hike along Porters Creek trail boasting spectacular views of
wildflowers (approx. 30 - 40 different species). Along the trail there are
several creek crossings, including one at the upper end where the creek
tumbles over great boulders. Around the half way point you'll view the beautiful Fern
Branch Falls with an approx. 40 ft. drop. Returning to our cabin, leaving
plenty of time for dinner, and an opportunity to soak in the hot tub before
journal sharing (optional).
Thursday (day 5): Breakfast is served, then
we'll pack and prepare for our journey back to reality!
Changes in Itinerary
Please bear in mind that this is a
standard itinerary, and the actual hikes and places may vary due to the
season, special events or weather. We reserve the right to alter the
itinerary since trip arrangements are made up in advance.
Number of Days: 5
Trip Includes:
- Park entrance fees
- Stretch & relaxation classes
- 8 person hot tub
- Semi private rooms w/two queen, two full size beds to
a room
- Horseback riding
- Guided Appalachian Trail hike
- Guided wild flower hike
- Browsing the Gatlinburg shops
- Journal writing and sharing (optional)
- All meals (3 dinners, 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches) and beverages, (except one dinner)
- Alcoholic beverages are not included
- A cozy log cabin nestled in the peaceful valley of the Smoky Mountains
- Professional, pleasant and well informed guides
To get further information or to sign-up for this trip email us at
info@activebynature.com or
call (978) 928-3306.
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