Into the Ancient Forest: Waterfalls & Old-Growth Adventure
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
- Professional Guide
- 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
Meeting Location
120 Greenbrier Cove
Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
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
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Into the Ancient Forest: Waterfalls & Old-Growth Adventure?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-26480P13
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- 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 (EST).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 2025The minimum age to participate is 12..
Apr 2025If 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 2025Accessibility 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
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 City Balloon Tours. 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 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- 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
- 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
