Appalachian Mountains Tours & Trips
Imagine hiking the Appalachian Trail through the Smokies' blue haze, then seeing Dollywood's lights at night. Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, enjoy cable car rides at Cataract Gorge, and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. Kentucky's bourbon country deserves its reputation, Vermont's covered bridges photograph beautifully, Nashville's music scene never stops. Fall colors here? Insane.
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Birim • traveled in July, 2025
Hiking in the Presidential Peaks was a great experience — stunning views, varied trails, and fresh mountain air. Chris, our guide, was well-organized and knowledgeable, keeping the group safe and on track without overdoing it. A memorable trip all around.
Presidential Peaks and the Appalachian Trail
The best Appalachian Mountains tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaAppalachian Mountains travel expert at TourRadar
- Taste of Vermont
- Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA (Small Groups)
- Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains featuring Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg & Asheville (Louisville, KY to Asheville, NC) (2026)
- USA – 5 Days Blue Ridge Parkway to Great Smoky Mountains
- Presidential Peaks and the Appalachian Trail
- New England's Fall Foliage, a Women-Only Tour (Small Group) (10 destinations)
- The Colors of Autumn: New England Edition
- Exploring the Big South Fork
- A Nashville & Smoky Mountains Christmas Holiday
- Christmas New York - 8-Day Adventure
Discover Vermont's mountain charm from the 4-star Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Journey through scenic mountain villages, stopping at Emily's covered bridge and artisanal producers like Cabot Cheese and Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Cruise Lake Champlain during sunset dinner.
Duration 3 days Destinations Stowe, Waterbury Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Tours of Distinction From
- US$925
Scenic Stony Man Trail follows Appalachian Trail's ridges. Historic mountain farms, traditional bluegrass at Museum of Appalachia, and authentic Cherokee culture at Oconaluftee Village preserve mountain heritage.
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 Operator Insight Vacations From
- US$5,625
Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains featuring Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg & Asheville (Louisville, KY to Asheville, NC) (2026)
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
The cultural tapestry of Appalachia unfolds from Daniel Boone National Forest to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Kentucky's bourbon legacy lives at Buffalo Trace Distillery, while Tennessee's mountain heritage thrives in Gatlinburg, concluding at Biltmore Estate.
Duration 9 days Destinations Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington, Berea, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville, Blue Ridge, Charlotte Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From
- US$3,499
Challenging ascents await at Mount Mitchell (5,946 feet) and Clingmans Dome (6,643 feet). MacRae Peak's cable-assisted climb and the 228-foot Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain offer thrilling adventures.
Duration 5 days Destinations Charlotte, Blowing Rock, Linville, Spruce Pine, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Knoxville Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
- US$2,990
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
The Presidential Range challenge culminates at Mount Washington (6,288 ft) along America's oldest maintained footpath. White Mountains' diverse ecosystems surround AMC Highland Center and BACKPACKER Magazine-rated backcountry huts.
Duration 4 days Destinations Bretton Woods, White Mountains National Forest Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$2,070
Duration 8 days Destinations Boston, Saratoga Springs, Stowe, Waterbury, Franconia Notch State Park, North Conway, Kennebunkport, Portland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Insight Vacations From
- US$6,250
Take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway at Franconia Notch for wide White Mountain views, then walk through Stowe's white-steepled church and stop at artisanal cheese producers. Veterans' Memorial Highway winds up Whiteface Mountain with broad Adirondack views. You'll stay in the Olympic village of Lake Placid and see Woodstock's Middle Covered Bridge in the town National Geographic calls America's prettiest. Accommodations include spots from Lincoln to lakeside inns in Lake Placid.
Duration 6 days Destinations Boston, Lincoln, Stowe, Catskill Mountains, Green Mountains National Forest Age Range Ages 18+ Operator WeVenture From
- US$4,875
Duration 7 days Destinations Knoxville Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Adventures in Good Company From
- US$3,495
Explore Appalachian culture from Nashville through the Smoky Mountains to Asheville. Visit Newfound Gap's scenic overlooks, experience Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery's traditions, and marvel at the Blue Ridge Mountain views from Biltmore Estate.
Duration 8 days Destinations Nashville, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge, Asheville Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Tours of Distinction From
- US$3,099
Duration 8 days Destinations New York City, Hudson Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
- US$1,560
What our customers ask about Appalachian Mountains Tours & Trips
What Makes the Appalachian Trail So Special?
The AT is pretty incredible - it stretches over 2,190 miles through 14 different states running from Springer Mountain in Georgia all the way up to Mount Katahdin in Maine. What's really cool is how the trail takes you through so many different landscapes and ecosystems. It's actually the oldest maintained footpath in the US and if you're looking to really immerse yourself in wilderness this is definitely the place to do it.
Where Can You Experience Traditional Appalachian Culture?
You'll want to check out Berea Kentucky which they call the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital - it's amazing for watching local artisans at work and talking with craftspeople about their traditional methods. The Museum of Appalachia in Tennessee is another must-visit spot where you can explore historical buildings and catch some authentic bluegrass music. One visitor told us they loved the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky with its fantastic history and beautiful grounds and had a blast at Dollywood too!
What Are Some Hidden Natural Gems Beyond the Main Parks?
There's so much more to explore beyond Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah. Linville Gorge in North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest has these challenging but rewarding hikes with incredible waterfall views. Over at Shining Rock Wilderness you'll find unique white quartzite formations and some amazing high-altitude vistas. Grandfather Mountain's really special too with its high-elevation swinging bridge and trails - the MacRae Peak trail takes you through wind-shaped spruce and fir forests with cables and ladders to help you reach the peak.
Which Scenic Routes Should You Take Instead of Highways?
The Blue Ridge Parkway is incredible - it winds for 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina with slower speed limits that let you really take in those mountain views. You've got lots of places to stop and check out hiking trails or cultural sites along the way. Skyline Drive is another great option running 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia - it's perfect for spotting wildlife and finding great hiking spots.