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Into the Ancient Forest: Waterfalls & Old-Growth Adventure

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Gatlinburg, USA
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from $155 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
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On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
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8 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

This is a powerful Smoky Mountain hike for guests who want the real thing: ancient trees, rhododendron tunnels, moss-covered boulders, rushing cascades, mountain streams, and a destination waterfall deep in one of the park’s most beautiful old-growth forests.

Into the Ancient Forest is a more strenuous guided adventure that rewards effort with a rich, immersive landscape. Along the way, your guide will help interpret the old-growth ecosystem, stream life, forest layers, and the natural forces that shape this lush mountain environment.

Best for: Strong hikers, waterfall lovers, old-growth forest enthusiasts, active travelers, and guests who want a more challenging Smoky Mountain adventure.

Duration: 8 Hours | Difficulty: Strenuous | Mileage: 7.8 | Elevation Change: 2200' | Ages: 12 and up

Meeting Location: Greenbrier Entrance | Greenbrier Parking Area 1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

What's Included

  • Lunch This tour includes a deli style sandwich, chips and cookies. You must provide your own water. Please contact us to make your sandwich selections.
  • Snacks Peanut butter crackers and trail mix.
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Bottled water Drinks are not provided. Bring plenty of water.
  • Transportation
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

107 Greenbrier Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

521 Greenbrier Cove
Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Since you will have followed the guide to the trailhead in your own vehicle, you are free to explore the area further if you'd like or head out.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Your Naturalist Guide will show you the best of Smokies on your tour.
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8 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • Please note that, while we do our best to follow the itinerary listed, we may need to pivot due to road closures or events outside of our control. We require a minimum of 2 people to operate this tour. We operate rain or shine.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Into the Ancient Forest: Waterfalls & Old-Growth Adventure?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-26480P13

Reviews

5.00
2 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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2
4 stars
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3 stars
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On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Into the Ancient Forest: Waterfalls & Old-Growth Adventure?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Lunch. This tour includes a deli style sandwich, chips and cookies. You must provide your own water. Please contact us to make your sandwich selections.
  • Snacks. Peanut butter crackers and trail mix.
  • All Fees and Taxes.
  • Professional Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Bottled water. Drinks are not provided. Bring plenty of water.
  • Transportation.
  • Gratuities.
  • Parking Tag not included. Contact us or purchase here: www.recreation.gov/activitypass/AP2510.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 12..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Into the Ancient Forest: Waterfalls & Old-Growth Adventure is as follows:

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Into the Ancient Forest: Waterfalls & Old-Growth Adventure will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • LunchThis tour includes a deli style sandwich, chips and cookies. You must provide your own water. Please contact us to make your sandwich selections.
  • SnacksPeanut butter crackers and trail mix.
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Professional Guide
  • Bottled waterDrinks are not provided. Bring plenty of water.
  • Transportation
  • Gratuities
  • Parking Tag not included. Contact us or purchase here: www.recreation.gov/activitypass/AP2510

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • Please note that, while we do our best to follow the itinerary listed, we may need to pivot due to road closures or events outside of our control. We require a minimum of 2 people to operate this tour. We operate rain or shine.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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