Solitude, Anyone?

The Unicoi Mountains

4 Days/3 Nights: $995

5 Days/4 Nights: $1195

Directly south of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are among the Smoky Mountain’s best kept secrets. A land of secluded headwaters, rugged mountains and miles of trail to experience all of it. Here in the Unicoi mountains, stands of virgin forest remain in secret creek valleys and scenic views atop ancient mountains. This trip is for you if you’re seeking undisturbed solitude, nature in her most raw form, challenging hikes with rewarding views and refreshing swimming holes in the presence of waterfalls and cascades. This is our most adventurous and challenging offering in the Appalachians; we recommend a 3 night minimum to get the most out of this hidden gem of a mountain range.

Notes: This route is subject to change due to trail conditions / closures and guide discretion. Strenuous stretches of trail up and down are worth the work. While the mileage per day is not enormous, the terrain is difficult which makes this itinerary best for active individuals, risk takers and adventurous families to which we recommend a minimum age of 13 years old.

We’ll start high and mosey our way on the side of a mountain, until the last half mile where we’ll climb to the top of a ridge and camp near 4500’ Camp will be made in time for lunch, allowing plenty of time to settle into the mountains. With a little work we’ll put together a warm bonfire and listen in on the tunes of this remote mountain forest. It’ll be the perfect start to the trip with ample time to ask questions or get assistance from your guide.

It’s your first morning in the Unicoi

You slept soundly with the lull of the forest you and you’re ready for the big hike ahead. Plan for an early start with fresh legs because we’re gonna turn it up on this day. We will continue to the top of the Tennessee / North Carolina crest, and enjoy with some sweet views of the Unicoi and Snowbird ranges.

The hike continues along a ridge and over a couple of balds til we reach Naked Ground. Lunch will be served on trail, lest the group crushes the climb and make camp early enough! Either way once camp is set up, the crew is hydrated and rested, we’ll make our saunter to one of the most spectacular view points in the Unicoi at the Hangover.

Catch the sunrise, coffee in hand, and get ready for an adventurous hike down the literal side of a mountain. This is a real mountain top to river valley kind of day where we’ll descend over 3,100 feet along one of the most challenging trails we can find. Don’t let the the downward direction fool you, there are several instances of rocky scrambles and downed trees we’ll have to negotiate. For those who have wondered what it’s like to travel down the side of a mountain, here’s your chance to know what it’s like. Spoiler alert, this one is a true challenge.

It’s a hard first few miles but once we join the tributaries of the Slickrock creek we can enjoy the towering, mature trees as we hike down, counting cascades and deep pools in the Slickrock along the way. Our best reward of the day awaits in the 4 tiered waterfall at our campsite. A large granite shelf makes for the perfect place to enjoy a snack, read a book and await nightfall. And if you’re feeling more active, take a swim in one of the deep, clear plunge pools at the falls. It’s a true scene of paradise.

Take in the morning at the falls or perched a top a boulder in the creek. Today will have more views, more streams and even a visit to an old home site. We’ll head over the Slickrock once more before making the 1300 foot climb back to the North Carolina - Tennessee crest, making our way south as the sun reaches its peak. Once atop the Fodderstack Ridge expect to take a break and refresh with a drink from another pristine spring near an old home site.

If this is your 4 day trip we will head west, following the natural path of water this side of the ridge that defines the flows of the Citico. Rock-hop across our final stream a few times and take in the final couple of miles that we have in the Unicoi mountains.

If you’re on the 5 day trip we’ll continue heading south, strolling the ridgeline on our way to our last campsite. Hope for clear skies for some stargazing atop the balds that sit around 4500 feet.

Opting for the 5th day will pay dividends as we ascend another 700’ to impressive balds and panoramic views. The difficult hike up will be a culmination of all the skills, endurance, balance and grit we’ve acquired over the last several days in the Unicoi.

The last hike out will be a fitting close to the trip as we begin high atop the Tennessee - North Carolina border, taking in the long range views before dipping back into the mountains to follow a gradual incline through a peaceful forest. Don’t worry, it’s not a quick hike out, and we couldn’t rush it if we tried. Best bet is to take our time, step with intention and savor every last minute in the Unicoi Mountains.