Great Smoky Mountains Trip Overview:

The trip runs Oct. 2nd – 10th in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Typically, autumn brings clear skies and cooler temperatures. The weather may range from day time highs in the 80’s and night time lows in the 30’s. There is also the opportunity to catch a glimpse of elk, red wolves, or black bears.

Arrival and Departure Planning: Roam asks that all participants arrive by 2:00 pm on the first day of the trip. This is to ensure that you have adequate time to familiarize yourself with your gear, attend the 1st day Orientation, and any other last minute prep for the upcoming trip. (This also ensures that Roam will be able to do a last minute equipment run if needed.) If you are planning on flying, Knoxville, TN, is the airport we will shuttle from, which is roughly a 1hr. and 35 minute drive from Fontana Village, our starting point for the trip.

Route: The trip will start near Fontana Dam. We will be following the shoreline of Fontana Lake for the majority of the trail. This will make for easy hiking, but be prepared to be challenged at times by hills, ridges, and rocky terrain. We will have the opportunity to climb Clingman's Dome at an elevation of 6643', it is the highest point in the national park, offering great views. Our group will cover roughly 53 miles during the week.

Conditioning: You do not need to be in top physical shape to join a hike with Roam. It will be in your best interest to be somewhat physically active. We recommend that you do a series of practice hikes, be it short walks, even around your neighborhood. This will help break in your boots and get you used to carrying a pack on your back. The closer you get to your trip date; you will want to make sure all your gear fits in your pack and can be carried comfortably for roughly an hour. The goal of Roam is that you will be able to carry all your own gear.

Equipment: You are required to provide all personal gear. Roam will provide group gear i.e.: stoves, group water filter, etc. You will be sharing the weight of group gear and some food throughout the week. Count on carrying a few pounds of extra weight. A trip specific gear list will be sent to you in our, "Welcome to Roam the Woods Packet." If you have any questions on gear please contact Roam and we will be happy to help.

Menu: Roam strives to create delicious, light-weight trail food. We will provide three meals a day while on trail. A sample menu may include: Breakfast: Chocolate Granola, Lunch: Gouda and Pepperoni Wraps, Dinner: Paad Thai; with garlic, scallions, pea pods, sprouts, tofu, and peanuts. All meals are supplemented by a trail mix, of your own creation. Meals are often vegetarian, but we do serve some meat dishes. Most people enjoy the food Roam prepares on our trips. However we are not able to accommodate each person's preferences. We are cooking in the wilderness and our menus are limited by weight, fuel, space, and so on. This makes it difficult to prepare separate meals or bring different provisions for individual diets and preferences. Therefore, if you have food allergies, you are vegan, or if you don't eat certain foods we request that you inform us. We may be able to alter the menu or help you plan your own food to supplement our menu.

Leave No Trace: Roam practices and teaches Leave No Trace principles. Some general principles of LNT are plan ahead and prepare, camp and travel on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, and respect wildlife. More detailed information will be sent to you in our welcome packet about the trip.

Cost: $1000 per participant. Roam will provide lodging at Fontana Village on arrival (Oct. 2nd) and the night before departure (Oct. 9th). Free parking is available at Fontana Village for the length of your trip. You will be responsible for all restaurant meals eaten off trail. This will include 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners. You are also responsible for airfare/transportation costs to arrive at Fontana Village. We provide awesome guides, food on trail, lodging, camping fees and permits, transportation once you get here, and good company. To Reserve a Spot