Tour Description: Our morning sunrise hike begins just inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Accompany your guide on a walk to one of the park’s pristine vantage points to take in the sunrise. Along the way, you’ll discuss the rich human history created before the formation of the park, the ecological transformation that occurs within the park as day dips into night, and the creatures that wake with us and roam the wilderness each day.
Just before sunrise, Appalachian wildlife such as black bear, cottontail rabbits, flying squirrels, red fox, and many others return to their dens and settle in for a long nap after a night spent gathering the food and water they need to survive. Fireflies fade as the sun rises, salamanders return to the comforts of their rocky homes, and the woods transform as the warm rays filter through the canopy high above the valley floor.
Early morning and early evening provide the best times for wildlife viewing. Whether you’re a night owl or an early riser, if you are interested in partaking in a little wildlife spotting, this is the tour for you.
Wildlife at Dawn: Many of the creatures in the Smoky Mountain wilderness rise with the rays of the sun each morning, with one exception. The majority of the park’s mammals – many of which are nocturnal, return to their dens to sleep during the day. Keep an eye out for wild turkey, kingfishers, red-tailed hawk, and many others the day unfolds.
In the wilderness, we hear unknown sounds and our imaginations run wild. In reality, harmless animals create most of the sounds we hear. While on our sunrise nature tour, listen closely to the sounds you hear. You might be surprised to hear the vocal transition from night to day and the symphony that unfolds as the sun rises above the ridgeline.
WHY GO: There is nothing like the feeling of the warm rays of an Appalachian sunrise from one of the park’s many ridges. Not to mention the opportunity to beat the crowds and the rising temperature during the late spring and summer months. If you're looking to beat the heat and the crowds, this is the tour for you. The guides focus on the wildlife and encourage each group to bask in the rays of a new day and have a great time.
NEED TO KNOW: Guides: All tours are lead by experienced local guides who are knowledgeable about the local wildlife, history, and culture. Sign up: Reservations are required. Experience: No experience is necessary. Ages: All ages are welcome. Children: Kids must be accompanied by an adult.COST: $34 for each adult. $19 for each child (10 years of age and younger).
Two and a half hours of easy to moderate walking with several stops for water and historical discussions along the way. Tours go as fast as the slowest person and cover a little more than 3 miles.
AVERAGE GROUP SIZE: We limit each tour to 6 to 12 people per guide. Large private groups may exceed 12 people and may require more than one guide.
TOUR TIMES: This tour is offered Monday thru Sunday. The sunrise changes daily, so, call for tour times. Reservations are required!
LOCATIONS: This tour is offered at the following locations Monday thru Sunday:
Newfound Gap
Clingmans Dome
RESERVATIONS: All of our tours require advance reservations. Typically, reservations for our morning tours must be made the previous day. Same day reservations for afternoon tours can be made up to two hours prior to the tour time.
To make a reservation, please call (828) 488-6688 between 8 am and 8 pm Monday thru Sunday.
MORE TOURS:We offer a wide variety of walking and hiking excursions for all ages and experience levels. (See all of our tours.)
WEATHER: The Smoky Mountains are known for its varied climate. Some of our tours hike through temperate rainforests where rainfall can reach more than 100 inches per year. As a nature company we believe that part of experiencing the Great Smoky Mountains is to be a part of the elements that create one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Be prepared to get wet any time of year. Tours depart rain or shine.
CELL PHNOE, CAMERAS & ELECTRONICS: Binoculars and cameras are welcome, but keep in mind that inclement conditions are possible.
Other electronics such as IPODs, cellular phones, and other electronics that disrupt the tours are not allowed.
Any participant whose actions disrupt the tour will be removed from the trip without a refund.
WHAT TO BRING: You should bring enough bottled water for each member of your party, 1 quart of water per person is usually sufficient. Guides carry a water filtration system to refill your bottles with fresh water along the way. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are recommended on all tours, and they are essential on our high elevation hikes. A small backpack to carry your belongings is handy. Bring any medications or prescriptions that may be needed during the duration of the tour. If someone in your party is allergic to bee stings you must bring their epi pen.
WHAT NOT TO BRING: Do not bring expensive electronics, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, firearms, or illegal drugs.
WHAT TO WEAR: You should wear clothes that you do not mind getting dirty and wet. A sturdy pair of shoes is suitable for most trips, though comfortable hiking boots are recommended for half day and full day hikes. Do not wear a new pair of shoes or boots – your feet will regret it. The Smokys vary in elevation and so do the temperatures. Always be prepared for changes in weather by wearing layers that can be added or removed. Loose fitting pants and long sleeves are good for protecting you from the sun, insects, poison ivy, etc..
OTHER CONCERNS: Wondering about bugs, snakes, bears, or anything else? Click here for a list of commonly asked questions regarding our tours.
