Welcome to the Snowbird Mountains

3 days, 2 nights: $835/person

Among the most remote mountains in the east, the Snowbirds are a true sanctuary for adventure. This 3 day 2 night itinerary will take you through a stunning mix of waterfalls, exhilarating stream crossings and unforgettable views.

Notes: 15 miles in total over largely gradual terrain. Great for kids, folks with “old knees” and water lovers. We provide all gear, food, expert guide and transportation from Asheville if needed.

Day 1

Highlights:

2 waterfalls

Gentle Hike

Unforgettable sunset

Swimmin’ holes

Creekside slumber

Total distance: 4 miles

From the trailhead we break to the west above the banks of Snowbird creek and follow the meanderings for 3 miles, at a very gradual and easy incline.

We’ll hop off Snowbird creek and tackle the Sassfras creek trail to our first waterfall of the trip, which will be less than 1 mile. Sassafras falls is a towering series of falls best viewed with your jaw on the ground. A light jaunt to the canyon floor through a boulder field will take you to an up-close, neck-craning view of the falls.

Once we’ve taken in the falls we’ll head up to the trail and continue another third of a mile to our campsite. We’ll set up camp after 4 total miles of hiking.

For the adventurous groups out there we’ll bushwhack through the rhododendron to find perhaps the most peaceful waterfall of the entire trip. Completely off the beaten path.

Close the day out with a sunset from atop Sassafras and a cup of tea around the fire.

Day 2

Highlights:

Ridgetop hike

Stream crossings

Leisurely dayhike

Swimmin’ holes

Rock hoppin’

Total distance: 5 miles

Wake up and warm up those legs! After breakfast along the creek we’ll break down camp and head up the Burntrock ridge. It’s not a long hike up but it has some steep moments that’ll make good use of breakfast. As we traverse the ridge we’ll snag views of the Snowbird creek valley and Queens ridge off in the distance.

We’ll descend upon a tributary to the Snowbird and rejoin the creek as we push towards our campsite which is about a half mile from the bottom of Burntrock.

Altogether our hike to camp #2 is only 2 miles. We’ll drop our packs and get camp situated before venturing off, unweighted to explore the hidden pools and upper falls of Snowbird creek. Combined with our daytime saunter post-camp setup, the day’s total will come to 5 miles.

Once we’re back from the dayhike, unwind on the moss covered banks and listen to the Snowbird babble, bubble and bloopbloop. We like to call this spot Relaxation Station. This day is all about exploring, splashing and connecting and we’re confident you’ll nail all of it.

Day 3

Highlights:

2 waterfalls

Exhilarating stream crossings

Unmatched views from the creek

Gentle downhill hike

Total distance: 6 miles

This isn’t your typical hike out of the mountains. Consider this a beautiful farewell gift from Snowbird creek and these Smoky Mountains. Once we’ve had a hearty breakfast we’ll break down camp and head downstream.

Maybe start this hike barefoot as the first ford of the Snowbird comes about 500 feet from camp. Get used to the invigorating water, we’ll be in and out of the stream about 8 more times.

About half a mile from the first ford we’ll come to one of the more memorable falls on the trip. Descend the steep banks and rock-hop to take in the breathtaking falls and wide-open plunge pool. When we’re good and ready to continue, we’ll get back on (and off) the trail as we intersect the Snowbird for the next one and half miles.

The adventurous journey only grows as the stream intensifies with each tributary and hidden spring joining from the surrounding mountains. This adds to the exhilaration of the hike, creating opportunities for team-work and calculating risk. We’ll emerge wet and alive.

From the last ford it’s an easy hike at a gentle decline, helping us cruise easily down the trail. In about one mile downstream from the last ford we’ll explore our last waterfall of the trip. A seemingly endless cascade that tumbles and roars.

We’ll make short work of the 4 miles that remain, enjoying the sounds of Snowbird running below our left shoulders.