Smoky Mountains, NC & TN
Orlando, FL | Atlanta, GA
  Boone, NC  | Washington, DC

The Smoky Mountains get their name from the smoke-like haze that envelop them.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park which spans parts of North Carolina and Tennessee is an International Biosphere Reserve area and a World Heritage Site. With its unspoiled forests which are comparable to those found by the early pioneers, mid-October brings a beautiful pageantry of Autumn colors. 

*Hike on a mountain trail

*Enjoy the autumn foliage

*Visit a Cherokee village and interact with native Americans

*Gatlinburg, TN - the most popular tourist spot in the Smoky Mountains (lots of shops)

It will be cool in the mountains, especially during the early mornings and in the evenings.

Temperatures are likely to be 45-50F during the mornings and evenings, and 60-70F during the daytime. It is also expected to rain some during our trip. You should bring warm clothing for the cool weather; sweaters, sweat shirts, long sleeves shirts, light jackets, and rain jackets are recommended as well as some good sturdy shoes for hiking. Be sure to have enough clothing for three days, and your personal toiletries (toothbrush, soap, towels, etc.)

Luggage space is very limited in our vans. Pack your belongings tightly. Please avoid bringing suitcases, if possible. Duffle bags are the best.

Extra costs (not included in $45 registration fee):

• The Cherokee Village will cost about $15. There are also some other attractions nearby which are free. 
• There will be some optional attractions in Gatlinburg for which you might need to pay. If you don't wish to spend, you can walk around and go "window-shopping". If you are planning to take in some of the optional attractions, plan on bringing an additional $20-30.
• Several meals while sightseeing. Plan on spending about $15-25 for these meals.

Arrive at Columbia, South Carolina on the night before our departure day. We will pick you up at the airport, bus, or train station soon after your arrival. You will need to arrange your own housing at an area hotel.

Friday, October 10

7:30 a.m. Depart from Columbia (IFM office)

11:00 a.m. Maggie Valley, North Carolina

Stop at a scenic overlook for photos and shop for Smoky Mountain souvenirs

12:00 noon Scenic drive to Cherokee, North Carolina

Free time in Cherokee for lunch and souvenir shopping.

There are a lot of genuine Native American craft stores on both sides of the road. Subway, Burger King, and other restaurants are nearby.

2:00 p.m. Oconaluftee Indian Village

A living museum with many details of homes, crafts, culture and lifestyle described by guides. There is an "Indian Garden" to the right of the entrance that is free for anyone who does not wish to pay the $10 to go inside.

Alternate: Museum of the Cherokee Indian (about $5.00) - lots of reading, but some life-size displays.

Additional Free Time for Souvenir shopping & Supper

6:00 p.m. Depart for Robbinsville, NC

7:15 p.m. Meet host families at Robbinsville and go home for the evening

Dinner and lodging allocation.

Saturday, October 11

               Breakfast at host home.

9:00 a.m. Meet at the church and depart for Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

11:00 a.m. Hiking at Clingman's Dome (if weather permits)

1:00 p.m. Arrive at Gatlinburg. Free time to visit shops and eat lunch and/or dinner.

Options include:

"The Village" replicates a German market town.

Smoky Mtn. Arts & Crafts Show at Convention & Visitors’ Center (about $4)

Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum - an astonishing collection of curiosities and artifacts from around the world

Guinness World Records Museum

Christus Gardens Life-size displays & dioramas depicting highlights from the life of Jesus Christ.

Specialty shops, etc. are abundant; there is one Chinese restaurant as well as other dining establishments.

Aerial tramway  to Ober Gatlinburg.

At the top are shops, amusement park, and a black bear habitat.

          5:00 p.m. Depart for Robbinsville, NC

          7:15 p.m. Meet host family for dessert and evening together.

Sunday, October 12

8:00 a.m. Breakfast at host home.

9:45 a.m. Sunday School for Internationals

11:00 a.m. American Church Service at First Baptist Church of Robbinsville, NC
                  (our host Church)

12:30 p.m. Lunch with host families

2:00 p.m. Depart for home via the scenic route (see waterfalls!)

8:30 p.m. Arrive in Columbia