Smoky Mountains Painting Class: Hike & Paint with Your Guide

Paint a waterfall, cabin, or bridge after hiking to it with a guide who knows the park's stories.

A guided hike and painting class in Great Smoky Mountains National Park combines a beginner-friendly walk through the park with a step-by-step acrylic painting lesson. Your guide shares the park's history and teaches you to identify medicinal plants used by the Cherokee, then leads you through painting a waterfall, historic cabin, or "Troll Bridge" you've just hiked to. All painting supplies, an easel chair, and an apron are provided.

The experience

The hike takes you into the park with a guide who knows where to find the best views and can point out plants the Cherokee used for medicine. The walk is moderate in difficulty and covers ground to reach your painting location: a waterfall, sunset vista, historic cabin, or the "Troll Bridge," depending on which option you choose. Your guide handles the route and the stories. You focus on the walk itself and the landscape you're about to paint.

Once you arrive at your spot, you set up an art chair with a tilting table and begin a beginner-friendly painting lesson. The guide walks you through capturing what's in front of you using acrylic paint. A forgiving medium that lets you relax into the process whether you've painted before or never have. Depending on the season, you might spot elk in North Carolina or witness synchronous lightning bugs, moments you can work into your painting or simply watch unfold.

The whole experience runs about three and a half hours. You leave with a finished painting, all supplies included, and a sense of the park that goes beyond a standard hike or a studio class.

What’s included

• Art chair with tilting table.
• apron.
• all painting supplies including acrylic paint and brushes.
• guide instruction and park history.
• identification of medicinal plants used by the Cherokee.

Options for this experience

3 options

Paint & Hike at the WaterfallGuide in English · 09:00 and 14:00Meeting point at Webb's Market, 4382 Cosby Hwy, Cosby, TN 37722, USA, for the Waterfall Paint & Hike on the Cosby side of the National Park.

Paint & Hike at the "Troll Bridge"Guide in English · 09:00The "Troll Bridge" Paint & Hike starts at Sugarland's Visitor Center and runs in the Elkmont area of the National Park.

Paint & Hike at the 1800's CabinGuide in English · 09:00 and 14:00The 1800's Cabin Paint & Hike gathers at Mynatt Park by the Basketball Courts, 622 Airport Road, Gatlinburg, then heads into the park.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 3h 30m, runs Sunday at 09:00 and 14:00, from US$ 125 per person, with a live guide in English and in groups of up to 6.

Days and timesSundayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Mountain Mama’s Art & Adventure

Is this one for you?Choose the waterfall location if you want the most dramatic backdrop, the cabin if you prefer a quieter historic subject, or the Troll Bridge for a unique architectural element. The hike is moderate and requires at least moderate fitness. If you have concerns about cardiovascular health or the distance, check with your doctor before booking.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What are the three painting locations I can choose from?

You can choose to paint at a waterfall, the "Troll Bridge," or a historic 1800s cabin, each reached by hiking with your guide to that spot in the park.

Do I need painting experience to join this class?

No. The lesson is beginner-friendly and works for painters of any level. The guide leads you through a step-by-step process and acrylic paint is forgiving if you want to adjust as you go.

What does the guide teach about the park during the hike?

Your guide shares the park's history and teaches you to identify plants, including those the Cherokee used for medicinal purposes to treat various ailments.

What happens if I'm hiking during elk season or when the lightning bugs are active?

Depending on the time of year, you may spot elk in North Carolina or witness synchronous lightning bugs during your hike. Your guide will point them out and you can choose to paint them or focus on other elements of the landscape.

What's included in the class, and what do I need to bring?

All painting supplies, an art chair with a tilting table, an apron, and guide instruction are provided. You'll need to purchase a parking pass for Great Smoky Mountains National Park separately before you arrive. A National Park Pass does not cover parking here.