A WALK IN THE WOODS

A Walk in the Woods has been a family-owned, locally operating guide service in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1998. We’ve guided hundreds of thousands of clients over every inch of the Smokies and beyond. Our services cover all potential aspects of your trip, so your mountain adventure is completely customizable, down to the pack on your back! We offer interpretive guided nature walks and hikes, guided backpacking trips, birding treks, hiker shuttle service in and around the Great Smoky Mountains, Mount LeConte adventures, Appalachian Trail support and camping and backpacking gear rentals. Click on the image to book your next adventure.

We love this place....

Thunder Rock Campground is located 1.8 miles northwest of the Ocoee Whitewater Center, just behind TVA Ocoee Powerhouse Number 3. Nestled alongside the Ocoee River, this facility provides 37 regular campsites for popups and RVs less than 20 feet with no elctricity , ONLY site 9 is an electric site for less than 20 feet at 30 amp, and one group campsite. Thunder Rock is a popular destination for both whitewater and trail enthusiasts.

Max Patch

Max Patch sits next to the Tennessee state line in the Harmon Den area of Hot Springs, NC. At 4,629 feet this bald offers 360-degree vistas of Mount Mitchell to the east and Great Smoky Mountains to the southwest. An abundance of ferns and grasses blanket the bald, making it perfect for picnics. Fishing is offered at the pond past the main parking lot. Recreationists are required to have a NC Fishing license and to follow all state policies regarding fishing.

Rich Mountain Road

This unique road was built in the 1920s and is great for photo opportunities and nature enthusiasts! Do you love wildlife? You might be able to see all types of wildlife including black bears, turkeys, deer, and more along the drive! The scenic road winds up Rich Mountain and passes by gorgeous waterfalls, cliffs, and streams. One fun place to stop along the drive is the scenic overlook. Once you get to the scenic overlook, you’ll be able to see into the Cades Cove valley and spot the Primitive Baptist Church below. The road ends in the charming town of Townsend. Stretch your legs and explore this town before getting back on the road.

Laurel Falls

Is a two-tiered, 80-foot waterfall in the Smoky Mountains. The upper and lower section is divided by a walkway that crosses the stream at the base of the upper falls. This is actually one of the most popular hikes for people of all skill levels! The trail is considered moderate in difficulty and one that families love to hike together. The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 2.6 miles, and it takes about 2-3 hours to complete. On your way to the waterfall, you’ll be able to see mountain laurel, which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May.