A Walk in the Woods: Smoky Mountain Guided Hiking & Nature Tours
Extended Hiking Adventures with Expert Guides in the Smoky Mountains
For those who have enjoyed the recommended scenic drives and easy hikes, exploring the Smoky Mountains through more extensive hiking can offer a deeper connection to this remarkable region. A Walk in the Woods, a nationally acclaimed nature guide service, provides personalized guided tours in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, led by experienced naturalists.
Founded by Erik and Vesna Plakanis, a husband-and-wife team with decades of wilderness experience, A Walk in the Woods has safely guided over 80,000 visitors on nature walks, day hikes, and overnight excursions. Their team also offers custom trip planning, ensuring that every itinerary aligns with your interests and skill level.
Guided Walks and Hikes
With more than two dozen tour options, the guide service caters to all abilities and preferences. For a gentle introduction to the park, one-hour guided walks accommodate individuals with special needs, families with young children, pet owners, and those using wheelchairs or strollers. These leisurely strolls often follow rivers, streams, and wildflower-filled areas, enriched by stories about the region’s natural and cultural history.
Moderate hikes lasting two to three hours invite visitors to discover waterfalls, mountain ridges, and sections of the Appalachian Trail, including sites of early settlements. Seasonal tours showcase the best locations to admire spring wildflowers or vibrant autumn foliage.
Immersive Nature Experiences
For more dedicated hikers, half-day and full-day excursions delve deeper into less-traveled parts of the forest, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, birdwatching, and skill development. Many clients return year after year to participate in progressively challenging tours that enhance their knowledge and appreciation of the park’s diverse ecosystem.
The program offerings include guided nature walks, day hikes, driving tours, and overnight trips. Specialized themed tours explore topics such as regional art history, fall colors, wildlife tracking, and women’s wilderness experiences. Unique nighttime hikes reveal the forest’s nocturnal life, offering a rare perspective on the park after dark.
Participants learn about the medicinal and edible properties of native plants and mushrooms, as well as animal behavior and tracking. Instruction in backpacking, primitive skills, outdoor survival, and local history—featuring stories of the Cherokee and early settlers—adds depth to every adventure.
Convenient Support Services
To enhance the hiking experience, A Walk in the Woods offers shuttle transportation to and from lodging, airports, and trailheads throughout the park. This service alleviates logistical challenges, such as vehicle drop-offs for point-to-point hikes, and can include luggage storage or resupply during extended trips.
For groups, van tours provide a relaxed way to explore scenic routes while guided commentary enriches the experience. Additionally, “step-on” guides are available to accompany buses for larger groups, ensuring an informative and engaging tour.
Equipment Rental and Professional Standards
The company also provides personalized equipment rentals by appointment, matching essential gear—including backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and stoves—to individual needs and sizes. This service allows visitors to travel light without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Erik and Vesna Plakanis have earned recognition for their expertise, including features on the Travel Channel and multiple awards from REI. All guides are licensed, insured, and certified in wilderness first aid, CPR, and bear safety protocols, underscoring their commitment to professional, safe, and memorable outdoor experiences.
For more information about services, qualifications and commendations from media, organizations and satisfied customers, as well as to meet the company’s team of guides, and to study the trail reports, see A Walk in the Woods web site and Facebook page or call 865-436-8283.