Est. 2011 · Gatlinburg, TN
The finest guiding company in the Southeast
Smoky Mountain Guides was founded to lead unique small group trips and transformative corporate programs, and to set a high standard for knowledgeable guides and creative programming.
Our story
From a 3-hour scenic tour to 5 days on the Appalachian Trail
Our trip leaders have years of experience leading and planning trips worldwide. Many are certified in Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, and EMT. Our meals are fresh and local, and often one of the highlights of the trip.
Embracing our local mountain heritage, we design tours to be informative, adventurous, and a true escape from day-to-day life. Our corporate team builds programs that promote growth in individuals and groups, from a simple 4-hour team building session to all-inclusive retreats.
Adventure with a purpose
The root of our company is to provide funds and equipment to our sister organization, Camp Exodus, an affordable wilderness adventure ministry for the poverty-stricken, widowed, orphaned, and faith-based groups in our community.
Meet the team
Local guides who know every ridge and hollow
Natives, naturalists, historians, ultrarunners, and anglers, all trained in wilderness medicine.
Clayton LaPrees
Co-founder & lead guide
A Smokies native who started SMG in 2011 with his brother. Clayton has explored the backcountry since age 13, served on staff of the GSMNP, provided safety supervision for the History Channel’s “The Search for the Lost Giants,” and facilitated 75+ custom corporate programs for clients including Air France, KLM Cargo, and Enpro Industries.
- Wilderness First Responder since 2006
- Rope technician
- Adventure-based counseling
David
Guide & logistics lead
A UT history graduate who interprets the lives of the Cherokee, farmers, loggers, and moonshiners who called these mountains home. David has hiked 3,000+ miles in the Smokies, is a member of the 900 Miler Club (every trail in the park), and holds FKTs on variations of Mt. LeConte.
- 900 Miler Club
- Wilderness Medicine certified
- 100-mile ultrarunner
Kindel
Backcountry guide
Kindel spends her free time far from the trail, hiking up streams and climbing ridges year-round. Point to almost anywhere in the park and she has a story about it. She is among a select few with intimate knowledge of off-trail secrets and Southern Appalachian flora and fauna.
- Wilderness First Aid
- Off-trail navigation
- Naturalist
Benjy Darnell
Leadership facilitator
A Knoxville native with 20+ years in experiential learning and leadership development, including a decade directing outdoor and leadership programs at the University of Tennessee. Benjy has also developed new climbing areas around Knoxville.
- M.S. Recreation Administration
- Wilderness First Responder
- Lead ropes course facilitator
Wes Farragut
Fly fishing guide
A Sevier County native with 30+ years of hiking, backpacking, and fly fishing in the park. Wes loves teaching beginners and experienced anglers the nuances of pristine mountain streams, ties his own flies, and chases native brook trout in the backcountry.
- USCG OUPV licensed captain
- 30+ years on Smokies water
Mark & Wendy Booth
Hiking guides
Smoky Mountain residents for 20+ years, avid hikers, and armchair naturalists who love the diversity of plant and animal life here. Together they’ve hiked from the Pacific coast to the mountains of Maine.
- Naturalists
- Multi-day trip leaders
Anne Marie
Reservations & shuttles
Raised in the Smokies on deep farming roots, Anne Marie taught for 8 years at the same school Dolly Parton attended. Today she answers the phone, schedules trips, manages guide schedules, and runs hiker shuttles.
- M.Ed. & Ed.S.
- Your first call at SMG
Featured on & recognized by
Trusted by teams from
Hundreds of 5-star reviews
What our guests say
Real reviews from families, couples, and groups who explored the Smokies with us.
High Points tour, amazing!
“My husband, 11-year-old son, and I went on the High Points Tour with Clayton and he was able to customize the tour to our needs and went above and beyond what we expected. I can’t recommend them highly enough!”
Lynnette B.High Points Tour Fantastic waterfall hike
“Clayton was our guide and he was phenomenal. Beyond the waterfalls he explained a lot of the history of the settlers. He also showed us a lot of the plant life. Highly recommend.”
22rynelamWaterfall Hike We LOVED it!
“We took the “Classic” tour over spring break and absolutely loved it! He took us to many beautiful locations throughout the park and explained the history along the way. Very knowledgeable and accommodating!”
megand271The Classic Tour Above and beyond
“SMG went above and beyond to accommodate our needs.”
222DianePrivate Tour Worth every penny
“So much knowledge and insight.”
ekkarkoskiGuided Hike We really enjoyed the tour!
“Kind and friendly, super knowledgeable about the history.”
alannasantiagoVan Tour
Your Smoky Mountain adventure starts here.
Book online in minutes, or call and we’ll help you choose the right trip for your group.