Located in the heart of the Apple Valley Mountain Village, Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center is the top spot in Townsend, Tennessee, for outdoor gear. Thanks to their recent partnership with Smoky Mountain Guides, they are also an excellent place to sign up for guided tours, classes, and so much more. They even offer bike rentals and shuttle rides to help you get around town in a hurry and avoid missing out on the fun.
To prepare for your travels through the Smokies and beyond, you’ll want to browse all their outdoor gear. They carry all the major brands, including Yeti, Costa, Kavu, and Patagonia. You can get hiking wear that’ll wick sweat away fast while keeping you at a comfortable temperature.
Or you might want to grab lunch bags, backpacks, and other storage options designed to carry your gear in style. Don’t forget to check out the footwear, headbands, and everything in between to make sure that you’re well prepared for your hikes, kayak trips, and other excursions.
Once you have your gear, you can see what adventures are available from Smoky Mountain Guides. The activities change seasonally to keep things feeling fresh and help you experience all the magic of the Smokies.
Their top offerings include:
Guided Hikes
Available for all skill levels, the guided hikes will take you down the Smoky Mountain trails to see waterfalls, wildlife, and flowers galore. You can head out for a day or plan a weekend, depending on your abilities and preferences. No matter how long you’re gone, the guides will help you learn everything there’s to know about the mountainside and hiking in general.
Fly Fishing
If you want to master the art of fly fishing, there’s no better way to do it than with help from the experts. They’ll take you to all the top spots, teach you all about using the right gear, and show you the tricks of the trade. You can go out for a few hours, a full day, or even take a multi-day trip if you wish.
Kayaking
If you’re interested in seeing the Smokies from an all-new perspective, the kayaking excursions might be right up your alley. You’ll get to hit the streams, lakes, and other waterways through the park in hopes of seeing wildlife of all kinds. Your tour guide will help you learn how to stay safe and travel with ease as you go mile after mile on the water.
Photography Classes
Although every Smoky Mountain adventure will leave you with a lifetime of memories, you need to perfect your picture-taking skills to share them with the world. Thankfully, the photography classes will teach you how to do just that while using your camera equipment. You’ll walk away with beautiful photos of the wildflowers, tree canopies, wildlife, and so much more at the end of every lesson.
If you need to take a little breather between your trips into the mountainside, head over to the ENO hammocks and WindPouches out front for a rest. Once you feel your energy returning, you can play a rousing game of cornhole or take your snack over to the picnic tables. Whatever you end up doing, keep an eye out for fellow adventurers looking for a chance to chat and share fish tales, hiking stories, and so much more.
Insider Tips:
-If you want to keep your shopping fun going well after returning home, navigate to their website to do a little online shopping. They will ship your selections straight to your front door, so you can get ready for your trip before leaving the comfort of your home.
-Need a ride while out on the trails? Just call for a shuttle and they’ll come straight to your location to pick you up. Then, you can head home or just go on a supply run and zip straight back to the trails to continue your hike.