APPALACHIAN TRAIL

 

Appalachian Trail Experience

Have you always wanted to say you hiked the Appalachian Trail but can’t find the time?  We have developed a 2 day 1 night trek that will allow you to experience the Appalachian Trail’s unique variety of flora and fauna as if you were hiking the trails entire length from Maine to Georgia.  No place this size, can match the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s variety of plant and animals species.  Here are more tree species than in all of northern Europe, 1500 flowering plants, dozens of native fish, and more than 200 species of birds and 60 of mammals.  This short section of the Appalachian Trail offers all this and more!  This trail is intermediate to difficult, so be ready to put down some miles for this once in a life time hike. 
           
Enjoy the views as we traverse the historic Appalachian Trail along a lofty ridge top through a Red Spruce and Fraser Fir Forest to grassy balds of rhododendron, mountain laurel, and azaleas.  Then continue down into a northern hardwood forest made up of Beech, Yellow Birch, Striped Maples, White Basswood, and Yellow buckeye.  And that’s just the first day.  After enjoying a dinner from our seasonal menu, spend the evening relaxing by the fireplace in one of the newly renovated Appalachian Trail shelters.  The next morning as the sun breaks over the eastern horizon, we will descend through the morning mist while crossing the headwaters of mountain streams among maples and tuliptrees. Your hike ends among cascading mosses and ferns in a tranquil second growth Hemlock forest.

 

Depending on the season you choose to book this trek, you could be awash in dazzling wildflowers or brilliant fall colors.  This hike starts on a Saturday and finish Sunday afternoon, so you don’t even have to take a vacation day on Friday.

ap trail

 

We are limited to only the first 6 clients, so book now to assure availability.  Now go ahead and finally tell your friends and family that you are going to hike the Appalachian Trail with Highlander Expeditionary Tours, LLC.  Don’t put off hiking the Appalachian Trail any longer!  Call or email us today and speak to one of our experienced guides for upcoming dates.

 

 

 

 

 

Islands in the Smokies

Most people are unaware of the beautiful island camp sites that the Smoky Mountain National Park has to offer.  Located on the southern boundary of the park, these semi-private islands offer both mountain and lake views.

 

Come with us as we kayak across Fontana Lake behind the largest concrete dam east of the Mississippi River and make our way to one of the quietest areas of the park. Once at the island camp site let us do the work as you kick your shoes off and unplug your mind while we prepare one of our gourmet dinner options.  As the sun sets after dinner get your camera ready because you will not want to miss the spectacular sunset across the North Carolina country side.

 

Later that night as the temperatures begin to fall we’ll put more wood on the fire and warm ourselves up with hot drinks as the stars come out and light up the night sky.  Sleep nice and warm in your sleeping bag as the hustle and bustle of the work week fades away.

 

Next morning you sleep in as we prepare breakfast and serve you coffee or tea in your tent. After you get the sleep out of you eyes we’ll begin our kayak daytrip up the lake to view the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in a way that very few visitors ever do. We’ll stop for lunch and stretch our legs with a short hike before returning to camp for dinner. You’ll sleep good as you think back about the relaxing day on the water you’ve had. In the morning its back to the vehicles and then home with a refreshed mind and body thanks to the quite weekend you’ve spent in the woods and on the water.

 

 

 

islands in the smokies

 

Call or email us today and speak to one of our experienced guides. This hike is limited to only 6 clients, so book ASAP to secure a reservation. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Tell your friends and family that you are going to hike with Highlander Expeditionary Tours, LLC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FLY FISHING

Coming soon...

 

 

KAYAKING

Coming soon...