Great Smoky Mountains National Park 2025

October 11 - 16, 2025

Trip Details.

Join us for an unforgettable week of exploration and camaraderie in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited park in the U.S. National Park system! This adventure combines breathtaking natural beauty, thrilling outdoor activities, and meaningful connections with like-minded adventurers.

Experience the wonders of Cades Cove, where you’ll hike scenic trails, enjoy a ranger-guided hayride, and cycle through the park’s famous loop road, dotted with historic sites and panoramic views. Saddle up for a guided horseback ride through lush forested trails or hike to the iconic Alum Cave Bluffs and Spence Field, where stunning landscapes and peaceful meadows await.

For thrill-seekers, tackle a section of the Appalachian Trail, ascending to Clingmans Dome for sweeping views, or take on the rush of whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River. You’ll also enjoy opportunities to observe wildlife, including the park’s famous elk herd, and explore serene riverside trails.

Evenings are spent relaxing around the campfire, sharing stories, laughter, and s’mores under a canopy of stars. This trip is more than an adventure—it’s a chance to build lasting friendships, reconnect with nature, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and join us for this incredible journey in one of America’s most treasured national parks!

Dates: October 11 - 16, 2025

Cost: $995

Base Location: Cade Cover; Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Difficulty Level: Level 3.5 out of 5

Trip Leaders.

Oded Wilson | He/Him

Oded Wilson specializes in group building through camping experiences. As an outdoor experiential leader, he has led numerous camping trips throughout his career. Oded’s greatest passion is fostering connections between people and creating tailored experiences for each participant on his trips.

He focuses on teaching valuable social skills, cooking together, and facilitating deep, meaningful experiences in nature. Oded has organized and led multiple trips, managing all logistics and preparing meals outdoors. He is dedicated to designing group bonding activities that align with the individual goals of each participant.

Over the past five years, Oded has successfully led extended camping trips for teens, adults, and young professionals, creating transformative and memorable experiences. Oded is also the Ambassador Program Coordinator for LGBT+ Outdoors.

Email: oded@LGBTOutdoors.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Brad Ryan | He/HIm

Brad Ryan (he/him) is an avid outdoorsman and world traveler from southeastern Ohio. In May 2023, he completed his goal of visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks alongside his 93-year-old Grandma Joy, who broke a world record as the oldest person in the world to complete the circuit. The intergenerational duo is currently working towards a new goal to visit every continent in the world, and are well on their way, with recent trips to Samoa, Kenya, Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, Chile, Argentina, Antarctica, and Iceland completed. In 2009, Brad completed a six-month thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and successfully summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2015. 

A wildlife veterinarian by training, Brad has worked with cheetahs in Namibia, spotted hyenas in South Africa, Asian elephants in Thailand, among others. In his current professional role, Brad travels the country educating veterinarians about emerging infectious diseases and advances in diagnostic screening in veterinary medicine. He is a keynote speaker with a passion for mental health advocacy and promoting the healing powers of intergenerational connection. He previously led a workshop on logistics for traveling at all 63 U.S. National Parks at the 2024 LGBT+ Outdoorfest in Colorado. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the first U.S. National Park Brad visited with his Grandma Joy, and thus represents a poignant setting for him to lead his first LGBT+ Outdoors Adventure Trip. 

When he is not hiking with his giant schnauzer or trying to meditate, Brad is busy writing his first memoir about growing up gay in Appalachian and finding his voice on the open roads of America with Grandma Joy. His book is slated for publication by Simon & Schuster in late 2025. 

Email: bradryandvm@gmail.com

Trip Itinerary.

Day 1: Saturday, October 11

  • Arrive at Cades Cove Campground and set up campsites. Settle in and meet fellow participants.

  • Welcome and orientation to review the trip itinerary and logistics.

  • Ranger-guided hayride around Cades Cove. Enjoy the scenic beauty and learn about the area’s history and wildlife.

  • Dinner at the campground, followed by a warm, welcoming campfire to connect with the group.

Day 2: Sunday, October 12

Group 1 Options:

  • Horseback riding at Cades Cove Riding Stables (easy, guided trail ride). Perfect for beginners and nature enthusiasts.

  • Explore the Cades Cove Scenic Loop by car, foot, or bicycle, taking in stunning views and historic sites.

  • Enjoy lunch at the campground before an afternoon hike.

  • Afternoon hike on Alum Cave Trail to Alum Cave Bluffs (moderate, 4.6 miles roundtrip). Highlights include old-growth forests, mountain streams, and the impressive Alum Cave Bluffs.

  • Return to the campground for dinner and a cozy evening around the campfire.

Group 2 Options:

  • Full-day hike on Spence/Russell Field Loop Trail (difficult, 13.7 miles). Experience mountain meadows, rhododendron forests, and panoramic views.

  • Lunch on the trail while immersed in nature.

  • Optional horseback riding or relaxation at the campground in the evening.

  • Group dinner and evening campfire to share stories from the day.

Day 3: Monday, October 13

  • Early breakfast at the campground before departing for Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC).

  • Experience thrilling whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River (moderate, Class II-III rapids), guided by professionals.

  • Enjoy lunch at NOC’s scenic riverside facilities.

  • Take to the skies on the Mountaintop Zipline Tour, soaring over two miles of Smoky Mountain terrain.

  • Return to Cades Cove Campground for dinner and an engaging campfire session about the Appalachian Trail, led by Brad Ryan.

Day 4: Tuesday, October 14

  • Depart early for a section hike of the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap to Kuwohi (Clingman’s Dome). Ascend through misty conifer forests to reach the second-highest point east of the Mississippi.

  • Stop for a packed lunch at Andrews Bald, a beautiful meadow with panoramic views.

  • Complete the hike at Kuwohi and visit the iconic Observation Tower for incredible photo opportunities.

  • Visit Oconaluftee Visitor Center to observe the elk herd and learn about local wildlife. Enjoy optional activities such as sunset photography or a gentle riverside hike on the Oconaluftee River Trail.

  • Group dinner in Cherokee, NC, at Native Brews Tap & Grill, followed by a return to the campground for s’mores and storytelling around the campfire.

Day 5: Wednesday, October 15

  • Start the day with breakfast and pick up bikes and helmets at Cades Cove Trading Company.

  • Bike the Cades Cove Loop Road (closed to vehicle traffic), stopping at historic 19th-century homes, churches, and scenic viewpoints along the way while keeping at eye out for wildlife sightings such as black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and other wildlife.

  • Hike Abrams Falls Trail (moderate, 5 miles roundtrip) to see the impressive waterfall and enjoy a packed lunch at its base.

  • Return to the campground to relax, socialize, or play team games like cornhole and ring toss.

  • Option for an evening bike ride on the Sparks Lane loop for additional exploration.

  • Wrap up the day with dinner and an evening campfire.

Day 6: Thursday, October 16

  • Breakfast at the campground before packing up and departing. Reflect on a week filled with adventure, camaraderie, and memories in the Smoky Mountains.

Note:
This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, park regulations, or other unforeseen circumstances.

  • Our trips are designed specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community who are 18 years old and older, including bisexual individuals with straight partners, straight transgender individuals, and the straight partners of transgender people. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone within our broader community.

  • For this Adventure Trip, we'll be tent camping in the great outdoors. If you need to borrow a tent, just let us know—we’ve got you covered! The campground features flushing toilets but no traditional showers. To keep things comfortable, LGBT+ Outdoors will provide shower tents with handheld shower pumps for quick and easy showers.

  • Not at all! Our trips are designed to accommodate a wide range of experience levels, from first-time adventurers to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. However, this trip does include some more challenging hikes. If you do desire to the bigger hikes on this trip you can expect to hire 20 - 30 miles. Keep in mind that all hikes and activities are optional—there’s no pressure to participate in everything. If you’re not currently an avid hiker in mountainous terrain, you might consider practicing on a treadmill with an incline to help you feel more prepared and make the trip even more enjoyable, especially if you’d like to tackle the more demanding trails.

  • The cost of the trip includes accommodations, most meals (excluding any unscheduled restaurant stops the group may decide on), guided activities, gear rentals, and activity fees. Travel to and from the trip location is not included. If you’re flying, plan to fly into Knoxville and coordinate your arrival and departure times with the trip leaders if you need transportation assistance.

  • A detailed packing list will be provided to help you prepare. While you'll need to bring essentials like your tent, sleeping bag, clothing, and personal travel necessities, there’s no need to pack camping cookware or supplies—those will be provided for you.

  • Participants are typically responsible for their own transportation to Cades Cove Campground. However, if you're flying in and would like assistance with airport transfers, please coordinate with the trip leaders to arrange a ride.

  • Not a problem at all! All activities and hikes are completely optional. If you prefer to relax at the campsite or explore the area around the campground at your own pace, you’re more than welcome to do so.

  • Most meals are provided during the trip and can be customized to accommodate dietary needs. Please let us know your requirements in advance. You are welcome to provide and prepare your own meals. However, that is not necessary.

  • Absolutely! Many participants join solo, and our trips foster a sense of community and connection, making it easy to form friendships.

  • The trip deposit is nonrefundable, but can be applied to another Adventure Trip for the same year or following year. Other payment/s can be fully refunded up to 30 days before the trip start date. Within 30 days, 75% of your payment/s can be refunded. At any point you can transfer your deposit and payment/s to another attendee.

  • Yes. All trips require a $250 nonrefundable deposit to secure your spot on the trip. Depending on the amount of the trip determines the amount of payments allowed. When you pay for the trip you have three options:

    1. Pay for the trip in full

    2. Pay the deposit and the balance later

    3. Pay the deposit and make payments allowed in payment form

  • Unfortunately, by the time the trip is happening expenses have been paid for and can not be refunded. Additionally, you are responsible for any additional costs such as, but not limited to, flight changes or transportation to the airport.

  • Yes! Your trip leaders provide a detailed packing list!