Appalachian Mountains Tours for Seniors
Explore Appalachian Mountains with other Seniors. These 12 tours include popular destinations like Asheville and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
10 best trips for 'over 50s' in Appalachian Mountains
Compiled by
NinaAppalachian Mountains travel expert at TourRadar
- Nashville & the Smoky Mountains Holiday featuring Gatlinburg & Asheville (Nashville, TN to Asheville, NC)
- Womens Presidential Peaks Trek
- Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains featuring Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg & Asheville (Louisville, KY to Asheville, NC) (2026)
- Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA (Classic)
- New England's Fall Foliage, a Women-Only Tour (Small Group) (10 destinations)
- Vermont Fall Foliage Trek
- Presidential Peaks and the Appalachian Trail
- Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA (Small Groups)
- Best of Stowe and Vermont
- Northern Presidential Traverse
This 8-day trip through the Appalachian Mountains includes coach transport and hotel stays at Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville. Walk through Dollywood's holiday light displays and check out Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Newfound Gap viewpoints at a relaxed pace. Sample moonshine flavors at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, with easy terrain suitable for ages 5+.
Duration 8 days Destinations Nashville, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville, Charlotte Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Collette From
- US$3,699
The oldest maintained footpath in the Appalachian Mountains offers alternative routes around challenging summits. Lakes of the Clouds and Mizpah Springs huts serve prepared meals, providing comfortable bunk accommodations between treks. Ridge views reward hikers without requiring technical climbing skills.
Duration 4 days Destinations Bretton Woods, Crawford Notch Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$2,070
Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains featuring Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg & Asheville (Louisville, KY to Asheville, NC) (2026)
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
Scenic drives through Daniel Boone National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park showcase Appalachian terrain. Easy walking tours at Biltmore Estate and Buffalo Trace Distillery highlight local culture. Two-night stays minimize repacking.
Duration 9 days Destinations Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington, Berea, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville, Blue Ridge, Charlotte Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Collette From $3,499
7% Off- US$3,249You save $250
The Stony Man Trail section of Appalachian Trail offers spectacular mountain vistas. Gentle walks at Mountain Farm Museum, accessible paths at Oconaluftee Indian Village, and scenic drives along Blue Ridge Parkway provide plenty of photo opportunities.
Duration 10 days Destinations Washington DC, Shenandoah National Park, New River Gorge National Park, Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Nashville Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Insight Vacations From $4,795
10% Off- US$4,316You save $480
Duration 8 days Destinations Boston, Saratoga Springs, Stowe, Waterbury, Franconia Notch State Park, North Conway, Kennebunkport, Portland Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Insight Vacations From
10% Off- US$6,250
The Green Mountains await with elevation changes from 1,100 to 2,500 feet, offering scenic vista stops along the way. The route passes through Peregrine Falcon habitats on Mount Horrid, includes tours of maple farms, and features stays at charming mountain lodges in Warren and Stowe.
Duration 5 days Destinations Burlington, Green Mountains National Forest, Warren, Stowe Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- US$4,290
Presidential Peaks and the Appalachian Trail
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was well organized and we could not have asked for a better guide. We learned so much from him.”
Lou, traveled in August
America's oldest maintained footpath winds across Presidential Range in 4.7-mile daily segments. AMC Highland Center and backcountry huts offer comfortable bunks and prepared meals. Guides provide alternative routes during challenging weather.
Duration 4 days Destinations Bretton Woods, White Mountains National Forest Age Range Ages 12+ Room Type Shared Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- US$2,070
Stony Man Trail along the Appalachian Trail rewards with stunning mountain vistas. Mountain Farm Museum's authentic buildings showcase local heritage, while leisurely picnics overlook the Smokies. Museum of Appalachia features traditional bluegrass music.
Duration 10 days Destinations Washington DC, Shenandoah National Park, New River Gorge National Park, Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Nashville Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Insight Vacations From
10% Off- US$5,625
Daily hikes stretch 3.5-7.2 miles across moderate Appalachian terrain, with elevation gains reaching 2,550 ft. Comfortable lodging in Stowe provides rest between adventures. This trail suits hikers aged 12+, featuring flexible pacing and all essential gear. Fall colors peak during September visits.
Duration 5 days Destinations Burlington, Stowe Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- US$2,700
The Presidential Range in the Appalachian Mountains unfolds before you, with built-in rest days. Nights split between AMC Highland Center and mountain huts come with prepared meals. From Lakes of the Clouds base, hikers can choose to summit Mount Washington or wander through the Alpine Garden.
Duration 6 days Destinations Crawford Notch, White Mountains National Forest Age Range Ages 12+ Room Type Shared Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- US$2,525
What our customers ask about Appalachian Mountains Tours for Seniors
What's the best time of year for seniors to visit the Appalachian Mountains?
Fall (September-October) offers the most pleasant conditions for seniors exploring the Appalachian Mountains. The mild temperatures and clear skies are perfect for visiting areas like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New Hampshire's White Mountains. Gregory Bald and Crawford Notch showcase the region's vibrant fall colors. Many seniors choose to stay at places like the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe Vermont where comfortable rooms complement the seasonal views. A TourRadar traveler shared "The colors were fantastic and the accommodations especially at the Trapp Lodge were very good to excellent."
What type of accommodation is provided on senior Appalachian Mountain tours?
Senior tours focus on accessibility and comfort with hotels and lodges that have elevators and private bathrooms. Properties like the DoubleTree Suites in Lexington and Cambria Hotel Downtown in Asheville provide modern amenities near key attractions. According to a TourRadar traveler "The accommodations were excellent throughout the trip especially the Dancing Bear Cabins near the Smokies which provided both comfort and stunning mountain views."
What types of cultural experiences are included for seniors?
The tours connect visitors with the region's heritage through stops at significant landmarks. Groups visit the Kentucky Derby Museum Cherokee Cultural Center and Grand Ole Opry. As one TourRadar traveler noted "Churchill Downs The Smoky Mountains The Biltmore Estate and all the stops along the way were fascinating and well-paced for our group."
What level of physical fitness is required for senior Appalachian Mountains tours?
The activity level stays between "Easy" and "Moderate" with relaxed walking pace and optional activities. The Bluegrass Country & Smoky Mountains tour features gentle walks through the Biltmore Estate gardens and Old Louisville's historic areas. Most seniors who can walk 1-2 miles at their own pace on flat ground find the tours comfortable. A TourRadar traveler confirmed "Nice itinerary and pacing was just right."
Are meals included in senior Appalachian Mountain tours?
Tour packages typically cover daily breakfast and select group dinners with some picnic lunches in scenic spots. Local restaurants like Puckett's in Nashville and eateries near the Biltmore Estate serve traditional Southern dishes. A TourRadar traveler noted "The food was excellent throughout especially the local restaurants selected for group dinners."
What medical facilities are available along the Appalachian Mountain tour routes?
The tour routes stay close to well-equipped medical centers in major towns. Full-service hospitals operate in Burlington Vermont and Asheville North Carolina. Tour companies like Wildland Trekking ensure their guides have first-aid certification and carry emergency communication equipment. Places such as the AMC Highland Center maintain direct contact with nearby medical services for quick assistance when needed.