Backpacking
Introduction to Backcountry
Learn the basics of backcountry camping before you buy the gear.
- Duration
- 2 or 3 days
- Difficulty
- Easy–Moderate
From$470 per person
View & bookTwo Tower Traverse
Two historic fire towers and the highest backcountry campsite in the park.
- Duration
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate–Strenuous
- Distance
- Max 9 miles per day
- Departs
- Gatlinburg, TN
Overview
We set up basecamp at Walnut Bottoms on Big Creek, day hike to the Mt. Cammerer lookout (4,928 ft) built by the CCC in 1937 from nearby materials, then pack up for Mt. Sterling (5,842 ft), the highest backcountry site in the park, and its fire tower.
Highlights
- Mt. Cammerer CCC lookout
- Mt. Sterling fire tower
- Highest backcountry campsite
- Big Creek basecamp
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Big Creek to Walnut Bottoms (#37)
5.2 miles on Big Creek Trail. 1,282 ft gain.
Day 2
Mt. Cammerer fire tower day hike
Big Creek, Low Gap, and the A.T. to the lookout and back to camp. 10.3 miles.
Day 3
Up to Mt. Sterling (#38)
Big Creek, Swallow Fork, and Mt. Sterling Ridge. 5.7 miles, 2,896 ft gain.
Day 4
Baxter Creek descent
Down Baxter Creek Trail to Big Creek Campground. 6 miles.
Routes and statistics may vary with backcountry site availability and weather.
Pricing
- $795 per person
- 2-person minimum
Included
- Professional, certified local guide
Before you go
After booking you’ll receive preparation guidance, a packing list, and meeting instructions. All participants sign a waiver, and multi-day guests complete a short registration and health form.
Read our trip-planning guideMore backpacking
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BackpackingOvernight with the Synchronous Fireflies
A summer night in the backcountry, waiting for the woods to light up.
- Duration
- 1 night
- Difficulty
- Easy–Moderate
From$450 per person
View & book- Backpacking
Appalachian Trail: 3-Day
Live a slice of the thru-hiker life on the A.T. through the Smokies.
- Duration
- 3 days / 2 nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate–Strenuous
From$655 per person
View & book