Cades Cove Beginner Bird Walk
August 16, 2023
August 23, 2023
Experience the beauty of Cades Cove on a vehicle closure day with a Southern Appalachian Naturalist guide and licensed hummingbird bander, Leah LaRocco. Participants will learn techniques and tools for birding by sound, talk about ways to attract birds using native plants, learn about choosing binoculars and field guides; all while observing birds in the meadows of Cades Cove.
This walk will take place along the Sparks Lane Loop, which is 4 miles along paved and dirt roads, with the possibility of venturing into the meadows if time and weather permit. Participants should bring binoculars and wear comfortable shoes. Hiking boots are not necessary.
"I have hiked with BRHC a few times now and will hike with them many more times. The guides are always great
and the hikes are always amazing. I highly recommend this company." - J.G., Private Half Day Hike, June 2019
Cost:
$210 for 1-3 hikers + $35/additional person
Maximum group size is 9 participants.
This is a private trip. Price includes your guide and snacks. Hikers are responsible for purchasing a National Park Parking Pass for their vehicle(s).
Sign-Up Details:
In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our trip calendar and select the desired trip date (August 16 or 23). You will find the trip listed there.
Itinerary:
You'll meet your guide at the Cades Cove Campground Store in Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 5pm. Once you arrive, you'll complete a waiver packet and your guide will give a quick summary of the trip.
This walk is being held on one of the vehicle free days, so you'll walk along the road and practice your bird watching be looking into the meadows. The walk is approximately 4 miles long. Trip ends at 9pm.
Itinerary is subject to change based on a variety of factors, including participants needs and abilities and road and trail closures.
Guide:
Your guide for this trip will be Leah "Eagle Eye" LaRocco. Leah received her certification as a Southern Appalachian Naturalist from Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, and loves exploring nature on the trail whenever she gets a chance. Growing up in the northeast, she developed a passion for the outdoors by camping and hiking in Vermont. When away from work, you can find her adventuring in places like the Smokies, Rocky Mountains, Yosemite, Tetons, Scotland's West Highland Way, and the Appalachian Trail.
What we Provide:
We provide snacks (please notify us of dietary restrictions ahead of time) and your guide.
What to Bring:
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Because temps can drop at night (even during the summer!), we recommend you bring a spare warm layer and a waterproof or windproof jacket. Each person should pack 1 liter of water. Hikers should bring their own binoculars!
Cancellation Policy:
Payment in full is required to register. Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hike may be cancelled up to 2 weeks before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 2 weeks, a 50% refund will be offered. Hike may be rescheduled one time free of charge, up to 2 weeks before the trip. Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather. We typically hike rain or shine!
If your guide does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip. Our team of highly trained professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip. Industry standard gratuity for a guided backpacking trip is 15-20% of trip price.
If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach our office by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.