During our weekend trip to Gatlinburg, we were treated to a little nature guide from a Walk in the Woods. Before you all go, who need a guide when you just walk a nature trail, I had the same thought when I first heard about ‘A Walk in the Woods’, a nature guide service in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But after spent some times on their site and checked out various services they offer, I quickly changed my mind and was glad that the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Gatlinburg had arranged a complimentary guide for our family.
Who is A Walk in the Woods
A Walk in the Woods is guided by Vesna and her team of local nature experts who have vast amount of knowledge of the Great Smoky Mountains in a more intimate way, not just textbook information that you read off from a guidebook. They have been providing nature guide tours for over 12th year! And you know, you are in a good hand when you saw that Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel chose them as her guide.
A Beginner Step to Hiking the Smokies
Vesna met us at our resort lobby and quickly got acquainted with Miss J and Mr. Z. She had planned an easy family-friendly nature walk for us as an introduction to the Smoky Mountains. I had to admit that I wasn’t sure how hard the walk would be or how Mr. Z would survive the whole walk seeing he already whined about our walk from downtown Gatlinburg back to the resort earlier that day. Not a good sign!
Sugarlands Valley Trail
Our destination for that day was Sugarlands Valley Trail – a super easy, paved nature walk trail near the entrance of the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg and the Sugarlands Visitor Center. For family who travel with young kids, this is a perfect trail to introduce your kids to the Smoky Mountains.
The trail is right off the main road going through the Smokies with plenty of parking space. With just half mile loop, even the most reluctant kids would be able to tackle this trail.
Amazing Guide
I couldn’t express how much I love the guide with Vesna. She was friendly and animated for the kids and was able to command their attention throughout the whole walk with stories and tales of this great National Park. Vesna also was very patient to answer all the questions from Mr. Z who seemed to say “Excuse me, what happen.. da da da..” every 5 minutes.
We walked through and learned about the old settlement and their lives.
We learned about plants and animals. She even showed Miss J how people in the past use plants in their lives.. Brushing your teeth anyone?
Before we knew it, we were at the end of the trail! We had a really great time learning all about nature that we wouldn’t be able to fully appreciate otherwise. Yes, walking or hiking is an easy activity to do. Put on your shoes and start walking. But making a walk or a hike fun and educational for a family is something that is harder to accomplish.
Our Stamp of Approval
I personally would contact Vesna and A Walk in the Woods team again when we visit Gatlinburg. It’s the best way to enjoy hiking and learning about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plus the cost of their service is very reasonable and I think it’s worth every pennies. Put it this way, it’s cheaper than going to most amusement parks and your kids will learn so much more!
Disclosure: Thank you Vesna for a wonderful day in the wood and the Holiday Inn Club Vacations for arranging the tour for us! This post is based solely on my experience and my opinion without any outside influence.
Check out Spotlight Thursday at Trekaroo and other Travelers Photo Friday at Delicious Baby.
About Amy Querido
The Q Family is a family of 4 with 2 school-aged kids who love to explore as much as their parent.
We’re hoping to visit the Smokies this spring, so I read your post with interest! Looks like you had a great time. Love the picture of your daughter brushing her teeth the old fashioned way.
OH! You will love it! Our guide said spring is a wonderful time to come.
It looks like you had a wonderful time and learned a lot. I am amazed at how long my children will walk through the woods on a hike but can’t make it from the parking lot to the mall without complaining like your Mr. Z did on his downtown walk. We can spend hours running around in nature!
So true! Also I think with our guide she kept them busy and interested the whole time. Definitely a great learning experience not just for them but for us as well.
What beautiful photos Amy! A nature guide sounds like a great way to really enjoy a family hike. Wish I lived closer so we could try that one.
Thanks, Bridget! I wouldn’t mind checking out many of the national parks in your state too. :) Still high on my list!
it sounds WONDERFUL – esp if they can keep the kids entertained!! when we head that way, we’ll definitely use these guides. thanks!
Never been to the Smoky Mountains! Sounds like a great place to take the family!
We want to get down there for a long weekend soon. I will definitely look into this service, my family would love it!
I’ve wanted to take our kids to Gatlinburg! It looks so pretty there. We were trying to plan a trip when we lived in SC, but now we’re too far away. :-( It sounds like y’all had a great time!
How could this be, I’m the third Jennifer to comment on your post, Amy! Anyway, that photo of Miss J “brushing her teeth” is adorable. A walk in the woods really is enhanced b having a smart guide.