Kayaking, elk viewing, Cherokee Nation visit and authentic southern meals are all included in this Smoky Mountain Adventure. Early Fall is a special time in the mountains with bugling elk, cooler days and blue skies. There is also a "time off" built in when you can pick your own adventure. Choose from hiking, ziplining, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, fishing, an Asheville visit or just relaxing with a book.
Our lodging on this trip is at the Hemlock Inn. Hemlock Inn is a country inn located in the heart of western North Carolina’s Appalachian mountains. It is perched atop a 2,500 foot hill amidst 55 acres of peaceful mountain forestland and contains 1.5 miles of winding wooded walkways, three relaxing rocking-chair filled porches with mountain views, and a large lawn for a summer evening of star-gazing.
Our lodging on this trip is at the Hemlock Inn. Hemlock Inn is a country inn located in the heart of western North Carolina’s Appalachian mountains. It is perched atop a 2,500 foot hill amidst 55 acres of peaceful mountain forestland and contains 1.5 miles of winding wooded walkways, three relaxing rocking-chair filled porches with mountain views, and a large lawn for a summer evening of star-gazing.
Trip Highlights
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Elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to the mountains! Your first day is designated as your arrival day. We will meet at the Hemlock Inn in Bryson City, NC. In the evening we will meet for an orientation about the upcoming week and enjoy our first dinner at the inn.
Day 2 – After a hearty breakfast, we get geared up and spend the day kayaking Fontana Reservoir. Fontana Reservoir is a large lake with several "fingers" to explore and is surrounded mostly by public land.
Day 3 – After another filling breakfast, we head back to Fontana Reservoir to paddle into an area with an abandoned town. A short walk will take us to one of the original houses built in town. We will also visit Fontana Dam to learn more about the area.
Day 4 – Today we will get a leisurely start to the day. Later in the morning we will visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and then explore the Great Smoky National Park where we will look for elk later in the afternoon.
Day 5 – Today there are options, you can choose to do something on your own like hiking, rafting, fishing or relaxing at the inn and reading a book. Or you can choose to join the group on a pre-scheduled "foodie" tour in Asheville and explore the city.
Day 6 - On our last day we head back to a different part of Fontana Reservoir to explore and enjoy our final day of Appalachian kayaking.
Day 7 - We say our "good-byes" after breakfast and check out of the inn.
Day 2 – After a hearty breakfast, we get geared up and spend the day kayaking Fontana Reservoir. Fontana Reservoir is a large lake with several "fingers" to explore and is surrounded mostly by public land.
Day 3 – After another filling breakfast, we head back to Fontana Reservoir to paddle into an area with an abandoned town. A short walk will take us to one of the original houses built in town. We will also visit Fontana Dam to learn more about the area.
Day 4 – Today we will get a leisurely start to the day. Later in the morning we will visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and then explore the Great Smoky National Park where we will look for elk later in the afternoon.
Day 5 – Today there are options, you can choose to do something on your own like hiking, rafting, fishing or relaxing at the inn and reading a book. Or you can choose to join the group on a pre-scheduled "foodie" tour in Asheville and explore the city.
Day 6 - On our last day we head back to a different part of Fontana Reservoir to explore and enjoy our final day of Appalachian kayaking.
Day 7 - We say our "good-byes" after breakfast and check out of the inn.
What's Included and Trip Cost
- All lodging at Hemlock Inn
- All meals from the first night to breakfast on the last morning
- All entrance fees
- All necessary equipment
- Scott Locorini as your host and guide
- Assistance with arranging a Asheville, NC airport shuttle
- $3495 per person
There are a minimum number of participants required to confirm the trips. Therefore please do not make any travel arrangements (airline flights, train) until you have received confirmation from us that the trip has fully booked. A 50% deposit is due at time of reservation, with payment in full due 60 days prior to the trip’s start date. Email us, call or text (315) 316-1125 with questions or to reserve your spot.