How to Trek With Llamas in the Great Smoky Mountains

If you are looking to do something different on your vacation to the Great Smokey Mountains, you might want to try llama trekking. Smoky Mountain Llama Treks offers a variety of adventures. They are in Eastern Tennessee, near Gatlinburg. When you go on a trek, you do not ride the llama. The llama carries the gear and you walk beside the it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• Telephone
• Transportation to Great Smokey Mountains
• Lodging

How to Trek With Llamas in the Great Smoky Mountains

1. Decide if you want to go on an hour-, half-day or full-day trek. Check the Smoky Mountain Llama Trek Website for details of the different trails and lengths of the treks. The full-day trek includes a hot lunch. If you opt for the Safari trek, you hike through an exotic animal park. From April to October, you can also take an overnight trek.

2. Make reservations for the trek at least 24 hours in advance. You can reserve online or by calling 865-428-4606. For the European Gourmet Food and Wine trek, you must reserve your spot at least a week before. If you are planning on bringing a dog on the trek, be sure to let the operator know when you make reservations.

3. Dress appropriately for the trek as weather changes quickly in the Great Smokey Mountains. Wear warm layers in the winter and apply sunscreen in the summer. Wear good hiking shoes. Do not wear open toes or sandals for the trek.

4. Arrive 30 minutes before your trek. All-day treks begin at 11 am. Check to see which treks have restrooms on the trek.

5. Go on your trek. Be sure to follow the safety instructions of the guide. Have fun.

Tips & Warnings

• The age requirement is 6 to 75 years old. Children under 6 years old are not allowed at the farm or on a llama trek.
• Bring your camera and be sure to take pictures of your adventure.
• If you are going on the European Gourmet Food and Wine trek, you must bring your own wine. Smokey Mountain Llama Treks provides the cooler, glasses and corkscrew for the wine.
• Treks are available on handicapped-accessible trails and the llamas will walk next to the wheelchair. Each trek can have up to three wheelchair trekkers.
• You can bring friendly dogs that are up to date on their shots on the llama trek. The dogs must be on a leash at all times and their master cannot have a llama. Smokey Mountain Llama Treks requests that you do not bring rottweilers or pit bulls. Let them know that you are bringing a dog when you make the reservation.

Resources

• Smoky Mountain Llama Treks