Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 38 miles roundtrip, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking up to 3 miles, standing during field trips; trails, dirt, uneven surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our coach with our Group Leader for a trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. As the “peak” of the entire 2,100-plus-mile Appalachian chain, the Smokies offer the greatest variety of trees and plants, and the highest concentration of high peaks. We begin by exploring the Sugarlands Area with a short hike to Cataract Falls, the old time cemetery, and the Sugarlands Visitor Center. From here we travel through the beautiful Little River Gorge to Elkmont, and old logging camp and to “Daisytown,” the resorted summer resort of the more affluent residents of the era.
Lunch:
A boxed lunch is included today at the Metcalf Bottoms area of the park, situated on the banks of the Little River.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we make our way back to the hotel, we will meander through the mountain cove area known as Wears Valley, which is surrounded by mountains on three sides. This area was originally home to Wears Fort and offered protection from the Cherokee Indians. Arriving back at the hotel we will have free time to gather with our friends at the pool or simply relax and get ready for our final performance of the week. Before dinner we board our motorcoach and make our way to the "Lumberjack Feud". Our last performance of the week features the feudin' Dawson and McGraw families. We enjoy spirited competition between the lumberjacks and lots of comedy.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
Following dinner we return to the hotel and gather once again poolside for our final evening activity. Here you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts on the week, participate in a trivia game and say goodbye to your new friends. After the evening wrap up, prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.