Love to take in Mother Nature’s splendor from your Gatlinburg Cabin Rental, but don’t know the difference between a Corvus brachyrhynchos and a Corvus Corax? Don’t worry, most people wouldn’t know the latin names for a crow and raven either, but that doesn’t stop them from enjoying the natural splendor that is replete in the Great Smoky Mountains that surround your luxury cabin rental. You could attempt to teach yourself about all of the wonderful things that you espy around you from a guidebook, or you can take a walk with an expert who will insiders knowledge of the area. Sound like fun?

In addition to the guides given by park rangers at the GSMNP (Great Smoky Mountains National Park), there are two other companies that you can use to educate your family and friends while on vacation:

A Walk in the Woods organizes backpacking trips, hikes, nature walks, group services, and hikes just for women in the Smokies. Hike along some of the most historic paths in Gatlinburg, with prices starting at $90 per person for a four hour hike. All trips are guided by either Erik or Vesna Plakanis, who also hosted the Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown in April of 2009. 865-436-8283

Take a more personalized tour of the GSMNP with Shurr Adventures. They organize guided hiking trips, kayak excursions, and eco-tours all year long. Led by trained explorers Alli and Justin Shurr, who have hiked around the world, you will get an in-depth perspective of the local area and it’s natural wonders. Tours start at $40 for a 1.5 hour trip. 877-45-KAYAK

If you have any questions about how to reach the GSMNP, where to buy gear, or our favorite spots to go nature-walking, please feel free to contact us at the main office at 866-550-1795 any time.