Discovering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Overview
Highlights
- Walk or hike along sections of the Kephart Prong and Appalachian Trails with our naturalist as we learn about the importance and formation of the park and its ecosystems
- Visit a historic Civilian Conservation Corp camp site which had been in use during the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and learn the history of logging in the forest where portions of cables and rails remain
- Observe protected elk in Cataloochee Valley and search for salamanders at Purchase Knob on a Citizen Science Research Program
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Activity note: Hotel check-in is from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Bethea Welcome Center which is on your left as you enter the conference center at the main entrance on N. Lakeshore Drive. If arriving after 5:00 p.m., you will need to check in at the Lambuth Inn fro...
Activity note: Light exercise before breakfast. Walking about half a mile, approximately 30 minutes to Clingmans Dome (weather permitting); paved, steep trail with 332' elevation gain. Sweater or jacket recommended. Short hike of approximately two miles or less on the...
Activity note: Light exercise before breakfast. Getting on/off a van; driving about 35 miles, approximately 1 hour to Kephart Prong Trail. Hiking up to 4 miles, approximately 3 hours throughout the day depending on ability; stream crossings on narrow footbridges; very...
Activity note: Light morning exercise before breakfast. Getting on/off a van; driving about 20 miles, approximately one hour, to Purchase Knob. Walking over 2 miles throughout the day; grassy and forested mountain trails; uneven floors and steps in historic buildings....
Activity note: Light exercise before breakfast. Getting on/off a van; driving 42 miles, approximately one hour, to Deep Creek; driving 42 miles, approximately one hour, to farm. Walking 2-5 miles throughout the day; typical mountain hiking with rocks, roots, and steps...
Activity note: Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Dining room buffet.
Morning: In our final class, we’ll broaden our knowledge of the GSMNP by learning about Cherokee plants and George Masa, who was instrumental in the creation of the park. This concl...
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
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