East Tennessee
Embrace the breathtaking beauty and rich traditions of Southern Appalachia that captivate visitors from all over the world.
October 11-16, 2026
Discover the allure of Tennessee, where natural wonders abound in some of the most ecologically diverse regions of Southern Appalachia. Our journey takes us to the eastern side of the Volunteer State to visit the unique bogs of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We’ll explore a forward-thinking economic development project that promotes nature-based tourism as an alternative to traditional timber harvesting in order to enhance forest health and boost the local economy. Last but not least, we’ll take in the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains—a place the native Cherokee people called Shaconage (sha-kon-o-hey), which means “place of blue smoke.” With exclusive visits to TNC’s preserves and insights from local experts, you’ll experience places throughout the region that most visitors never see.
Highlights
- Visit Shady Valley to see globally rare peat wetlands, plants and animals—and an unusual, naturally occurring cranberry bog.
- Explore trails and overlooks on side-by-side vehicles and partake in a picnic with a view at Doe Mountain Recreation Area.
- Spend time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to hike and learn about how fire benefits nature in the Southern Appalachians.
Information & Reservations
Interested travelers should submit an online Trip Interest Form by Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. For questions, you can review the Journeys sign up process information or contact TNC’s Legacy Journeys travel manager, Erin Crowther, directly at LegacyJourneys@tnc.org or (317) 829-1873.
For more information about cancellation terms, review our Frequently Asked Questions.
