How to Hike With Llamas in the Great Smoky Mountains

Hiking with llamas in the Great Smoky Mountains offers an excellent way to enjoy the hike while the llama carries all of your supplies. On a llama trek, each person gets to lead their own friendly llama throughout the hike. Llamas make excellent hiking companions and are sure-footed, intelligent and friendly. Whether it's for a few hours or multiple days, seeing the Great Smokies with a llama is a fantastic adventure not to be missed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Trek reservations
• Hiking shoes
• Hiking gear

How to Hike With Llamas in the Great Smoky Mountains

1. Decide on the dates you want to travel to the Great Smoky Mountains. Take into account the season and what you want to see. The spring is best to see wildflowers, summer is great to see wildlife, fall is beautiful for autumn leaves, and winter gives you gorgeous snow.

2. Make your travel arrangements and contact a llama trek provider to book your reservations. Book as far in advance as possible, as llama treks can fill up quickly.

3. Decide where and how long you want to hike with llamas. Trips vary in length and terrain, so choose the trip and trail that is appropriate for you.

4. Put a deposit down on your llama trek to hold your spot. Deposit amounts vary by trip and provider.

5. Depending on the trip you choose, you will need different amounts of hiking gear. Inquire about what you will need to bring. Most trek providers provide the amenities, so you may need to only bring personal care basics.

6. When your time to hike with llamas arrives, bring your required hiking gear.

7. Follow the instructions of the trek guide. The guide will teach you how to lead your llama on the hike. Llamas cannot be ridden, they only carry supplies.

8. Your llama will carry your hiking supplies while you enjoy the hike. Make sure your basic necessities like camera and jacket are easily accessible.

9. !

Tips & Warnings

• Some tour operators offer handicapped tours for physically disabled people in wheelchairs, so inquire about availability. These hikes are restricted to easy to navigate trails to accommodate the wheelchairs. The llamas are trained to be comfortable with the wheelchair and will follow alongside the chair.
• Weigh your gear before you arrive so that the trek provider is aware and can load the llama accordingly.
• Dress in layers, as weather patterns can change abruptly and you want to be comfortable and prepared.
• Make sure you can hike the distance in and out, as llamas cannot be ridden, they only carry supplies.
• Children under 6 are not allowed on any llama treks.
• There may be a weight limit on the gear you bring, so inquire with the trek provider.

Resources

• Smoky Mountain Llama Treks
• Hiking in the Smokies Llama Treks
• National Park Service--Great Smoky Mountains Website