Haunted Smokies Group Day Hike:
Myth, Mystery, & History
September 26, 2026 | October 3, 2026
October 10, 2026 | October 17, 2026
October 31, 2026
Hike if you dare! We invite you to explore the trails of one of the world’s oldest and most-haunted mountain ranges with us on this half-day hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy a canopy of changing colors and the chill winds of the shifting seasons as your guide leads you down leaf-strewn paths of myth, mystery and history.
Explore long-forgotten cemeteries, settlement structures lost to time, and beautiful wild landscape - you might even see an elk! As you hike, you’ll have the opportunity to sip on a hot drink while learning about the rich history of the land, along with all the mysterious and haunted phenomenon that has - and does - occur there. Your guide will regale you with Appalachian folklore, eerie phenomenon & plenty of personal encounters on this one-of-a-kind, beginner-friendly hike. We welcome you to join us in celebrating the shift of the seasons and the thinning of the veil in the best way we know how…by hiking!
Cost:
$120 per person
Cost includes a guided hike, snacks, and transportation between Asheville and the trailhead. This hike requires 2 participants to operate; maximum group size is 6 hikers. If the minimum has not yet been met, we'll reach out to the registered participant 48 hours before the trip to discuss options.
Sign-Up Details:
In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our trip calendar and select your desired trip date.
Itinerary:
After meeting at our downtown Asheville location, the group will drive about an hour to the trailhead in Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hike is moderate, about 3.5-4 miles round trip on singletrack trail. During the hike, the guide will share the history of the area and eerie phenomenon that has been known to happen here. You may take a couple of side-trails to historic cemeteries or seen an elk - they're common in the valley during the fall rut! Participants should pack an extra warm layer (it stays cool in the valley!).
Tour departs Asheville at 8 am and returns around 1:00 pm. Hike is subject to change based on a variety of factors, including weather, trail conditions, and participants needs and abilities.
Guides:
Adam Kampouris
Born in the Catskills of NY and raised in the Blue Ridge of NC, Adam has always called the mountains of Appalachia home (well…except those 6 years in NYC, but we don’t talk about that). Having survived a childhood of blissful, unsupervised galavanting through the local woods, creeks, and hollers, he derives great joy in sharing his love of the natural world with others, and has yet to meet an outdoor activity he doesn’t like! A jack of all interests and master of none, his curiosities include local flora & fauna, mineral identification, folklore, Shakespearean verse, group singing, and pickin’ on his mandolin. When not on trail, Adam identifies as a professional stage actor, an amateur chef, and an hapless goof.
Traci Mohl
Born & raised in Appalachia’s shadow and a wilderness guide & outdoor educator of over a decade, Traci has a diverse interest in all things nature-related - from local ecology to plant folklore, herbalism, birding, earth skills and toad huntin’! A lover of all things wild, weird & green, her trail choices always include a good view, and her favorites have taken her through Hobbit-territory in New Zealand, ancient canyons in Hawaii’ & old growth forests in the Sierra Nevadas.
Cancellation Policy:
Payment in full is required to register. Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hike may be cancelled up to 1 week before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 1 week, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather.
If your guide does an outstanding job, please show your appreciation with a tip! Our team of well trained, professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip. Industry standard gratuity is 20% of the trip cost.
If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach us by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.
