Great Smoky Mountains National Park— Photo: Steve Hilty

The famous smoky haze, the rugged mountains, and the hardwood forests—these are images that bring to mind this well-known region. Many have seen the area from the byways and parkways, but it can be explored and enjoyed on many levels. This trip takes a slower, more probing look at the complexity of this timeless and multifaceted region.

Like our Ozarks and Tallgrass Prairies trip, this tour seeks to bring together birds, botany, and a natural and cultural history of the Southern Appalachians. We will visit plenty of back roads as we bird and botanize through wet valleys and along high ridges. Our trip coincides with spring migration and with the blooming of many spring wildflowers. Expect a diverse array of activities and a fully packed natural history experience.

This is a non-strenuous trip operated at a leisurely pace. Our longest walks (two) are about one-and-a-half miles. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition, but there are no strenuous hikes. The maximum elevation on this trip is 6,600 feet, but most activities are below 3,500 to 4,000 feet. This is an excellent trip for photography.

Good accommodations and food; most of trip operates from one location; travel by van; easy walking on well-maintained trails; relaxed pace; some outdoor picnics; curvy mountain roads.