Adventures

Venture into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most biodiverse temperate forest on Earth and the most biologically rich national park in the United States. Our guided animal safari expeditions invite you to quietly track the Smokies’ legendary **Big Five—black bear, elk, wild boar, coyote, and bobcat—**while learning to read the subtle signs of a thriving wilderness shaped by ancient rhythms. Led by experienced guides, these safaris go beyond sightings, revealing the intricate web of life that makes this landscape extraordinary—from forest canopies to hidden hollows—offering a deeper understanding of wildlife, conservation, and your place within one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems.

Bryson City is widely regarded as the “Fly Fishing Capital of the Smokies” and often cited as one of the premier fly-fishing destinations on the East Coast due to its unmatched concentration of rivers, streams, and cold-water fisheries within a compact area.

Centered among four major rivers—the Oconaluftee River, Tuckasegee River, Nantahala River, and Little Tennessee River—the Bryson area also offers access to dozens of pristine mountain creeks and streams, including beloved waters like Deep Creek and Noland Creek. These waters support a diverse fishery, including stocked and wild brown trout and rainbow trout, native brook trout in higher elevations, and species such as rock bass in select rivers.

A true icon of the American outdoors, Mount LeConte is the most famous hike in the Great Smoky Mountains and a bucket-list summit for hikers across the United States. Rising above the clouds, LeConte draws thousands each year—yet many unknowingly stop short at LeConte Lodge, never reaching the mountain’s true summit and its breathtaking panoramic views.

Our guided Mount LeConte expedition goes beyond the ordinary hike. Led by experienced guides, guests are taken past the well-traveled stopping point to the actual summit overlooks, where sheer cliffs and sweeping vistas reveal why LeConte holds legendary status. Along the way, guides share insight into the mountain’s geology, ecology, weather patterns, and the rich human history that shaped its trails.

Road to Nowhere is one of the Smokies’ most intriguing landmarks—a scenic mountain road built in the 1940s for a lakeside community that was never completed after the creation of Fontana Lake. Today, it serves as both a quiet drive and a gateway to adventure, offering access to peaceful hikes along the old roadbed and into the surrounding backcountry.

Nearby Noland Creek is renowned for pristine fly-fishing waters and shaded hiking trails that follow the creek deep into the park, with opportunities to continue on foot to secluded swimming spots along the lake’s edge. It’s a place where history, wilderness, and water converge—perfect for reflective walks, angling, and cooling off in the Smokies.

The entrance to "The Road to Nowhere" is literally around the corner from Three Little Bears Retreat, and is one of the quietest and most beautifully serene entrances into the National Park. E-bike tours are done directly from the Retreat and provide one of the most thrilling rides through the mountains culminating at the Tunnel. It has many trails leading off its two parking areas 1) Nolands Creek, and 2 ) the Tunnel. These trails lead to several harder trails, and you can even hike all the way to Kuwohi (formerly Clingman's Dome) from here... although the opposite direction is much easier!

Note: Adult Riders Only

In a land shaped by water, Western North Carolina holds one of the world’s highest concentrations of waterfalls. Guided by local experts, we explore both famous cascades and quiet, undiscovered falls—each hike carefully suited to your comfort and skill level. Every step leads to a moment worth lingering in. Subject to minimum numbers and skill level. 

Optional Itineraries: Waterfalls & Breweries; Waterfalls, Blue Ridge Parkway & Tubing the Oconoluftee; Waterfalls & Cherokee Culture

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers an unforgettable journey through the mountains aboard both classic diesel locomotives and a beautifully restored steam engine. With scenic excursions departing to the Nantahala Gorge and the historic town of Dillsboro, guests experience river valleys, mountain vistas, and Appalachian charm from the comfort of vintage railcars.

Go flyfishing in the morning before the water releases from the dam, and then go whitewater rafting later! Home to an Olympic kayaker and a home base for outdoor enthusiasts, the NOC is a must visit. They also have an incredible zip-line experience and other excursions! They also have a great restaurant on the River and a riverside bar and grill to relax and watch the kayak slalom course.

Optional Itinerary: Ride the Train to Nantahala and then Whitewater Raft

Trail riding is a fun excursion for everyone, and they have long and short rides! The short ride (1 hour) is good for beginners and kids (over 6) and they get to ride the horse through the creek and tunnel, which is always a child's highlight on a trip. Younger kids can ride on the wagon.

Pontoon Rental Included for groups staying in the Teddy or Livingstone Lodge (can be added for an additional fee for smaller groups) Take out a pontoon boat on Fontana Lake for the day! Go tubing, fishing, swimming and take in the beauty of the mountains! You can hike to the lake via Nolands Creek Trail near the Three Little Bears Retreat and explore with an inflatable paddleboard.

Slip quietly onto the waters of Fontana Lake for a day of exploration few ever experience. Our guided kayak trips lead you to secluded islands and hidden coves, accessible only by water, where the Smokies reveal a rare sense of stillness. Paddle through glassy channels and land on a private shoreline for a wilderness lunch, thoughtfully prepared and enjoyed far from crowds, with nothing but water, forest, and sky as your company.

As evening approaches, our sunset kayak tours offer a different kind of magic. The lake glows with reflected color as the mountains soften into silhouette, wildlife stirs along the shoreline, and the day closes in quiet rhythm. Whether by sunlit afternoon or golden dusk, these Fontana Lake kayak experiences blend solitude, nature, and simple luxury—an unhurried way to experience the wild heart of the Smokies from the water.

Or just sit back in a tube, relax and take it all in for the afternoon!

Want to golf instead of one of our wilderness adventures? Not a problem, we can help you with a tee time and at a much-reduced rate! Sequoyah National Golf Course is a championship course set in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, offering sweeping mountain views, rolling fairways, and immaculate conditions. Owned and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the course blends challenging play with serene natural beauty, featuring water-lined holes, elevated tees, and a layout that rewards both strategy and shot-making. It’s widely regarded as one of the most scenic and memorable golf experiences in Western North Carolina.