Southern USA Small Group Tours
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10 best Southern USA small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern USA travel expert at TourRadar
- Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans
- Shining Rock Wilderness
- Asheville Inn Based Hiking Tour
- Portered Shining Rock
- Womens Fall Colors in the Smokies Backpack
- Georgia History Trail to Nashville
- Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans
- USA's Deep South - Country & Blues
- 3 Day Smoky Mountains Hiking Experience
- Paddle and Hike Adventure
Duration 7 days Destinations Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,870
10% Off- NZ$5,283You save $587
Southern Appalachia's hidden corners open up to groups of 8 or fewer. The trail leads from Looking Glass Falls to Shining Rock Gap, with specialized attention from guides. The intimate setting allows peaceful exploration of quartzite outcroppings and flexibility to choose between Cold Mountain summit or the scenic Narrows ridge.
Duration 3 days Destinations Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- NZ$1,939
Asheville Inn Based Hiking Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We are so glad for Wildland trekking and Kyle to make this 45th wedding anniversary wonderful.”
James, traveled in May
Small groups wind through Pisgah National Forest's trails, ascending Table Rock Mountain and Looking Glass Rock. Evening stops at Highland Brewing Company and Sierra Nevada showcase Southern craft beer culture. Includes luxury lodging in Asheville and designated drivers for brewery visits.
Duration 3 days Destinations Asheville, Linville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- NZ$3,936
Groups of 12 or fewer navigate Southern Appalachia's finest trails, including the iconic Cold Mountain summit at 6,030 feet. Porters handle camp setup at Shining Rock Gap, while guests carry only daypacks through scenic ridgelines and along the East Fork Pigeon River.
Duration 3 days Destinations Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- NZ$2,223
Women backpackers in small groups uncover Southern Appalachia's autumn beauty. The 4-day adventure includes hiking Long Hungry Ridge and camping near Gregory Bald, with stunning views of Cades Cove. Expert guides lead 4-7 mile daily treks through sugar maple and scarlet oak forests in peak fall colors.
Duration 4 days Destinations Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Age Range up to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type Group Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- NZ$2,239
Georgia History Trail to Nashville
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This is a good tour if you want to learn about different parts of southern American history. It's a good trip.”
David, traveled in September
A select group of 10-12 travelers uncovers the Deep South's hidden gems. The intimate size grants exclusive access to Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah and personal insights during Charleston's Black History tour. Share authentic Southern meals and stories with fellow travelers across four different states.
Duration 8 days Destinations Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Asheville, Nashville Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $6,135
10% Off- NZ$5,521You save $614
A small group of 12-15 travelers rides in a private van, enabling intimate experiences at historic sites like Charleston's Black History landmarks and Tennessee's whiskey distilleries. The cozy atmosphere allows for spontaneous stops at local eateries and extended time at Biltmore Estate.
Duration 14 days Destinations Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Asheville, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$10,705
Duration 11 days Destinations Charlotte, Blue Ridge, Asheville, Nashville, Memphis, Clarksdale, New Orleans Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator Explore! From
10% Off- NZ$9,450
3 Day Smoky Mountains Hiking Experience
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The mountains are beautiful, the town is great, and everyone had a friendliness that one doesn't often find.”
Jeff, traveled in August
The magic of Southern hospitality unfolds as groups of 3-8 travelers hike through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visit Mountain Farm Museum, trek to Grotto Falls, and enjoy authentic Appalachian meals. Groups stay at Dancing Bear Cabins in Townsend, ensuring personalized attention from expert guides.
Duration 3 days Destinations Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- NZ$4,136
Paddle and Hike Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We had such a great time. Highly recommend!”
Jane, traveled in April
Small groups of 2-6 adventurers delve into Southern USA's crown jewel - Great Smoky Mountains. This three-day adventure combines kayaking Fontana Lake's pristine waters, hiking historic Shuckstack fire tower, and camping on remote islands. Guide-to-guest ratio allows customized pace and instruction.
Duration 3 days Destinations Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- NZ$1,930
What our customers ask about Southern USA Small Group Tours
What is the best time to take a small group tour in Southern USA?
Spring and fall attract the most visitors for small group tours in the Southern USA. April and May see clear weather and blooming landscapes while September and October bring comfortable temperatures and fall colors. Booking data shows May and September are particularly busy for hiking in the Smokies. Cities like New Orleans and Charleston maintain steady visitor numbers throughout the year. The summer months work well for mountain destinations like Fontana Lake and the Blue Ridge range though temperatures climb higher.
What kind of unique accommodation experiences are available on small group tours in Southern USA?
The intimate size of small group tours opens up special lodging options across the South. Groups can book into places like Dancing Bear Cabins in Townsend Tennessee with its 38-acre private forest setting near the quieter side of the Smoky Mountains. Historic districts in Charleston and Savannah offer boutique hotels within easy walking distance to key sites. As one TourRadar traveler noted "Two nights in amazing super deluxe mountain cabins" made their experience exceptional. Properties like the Hyatt Place in Asheville serve as convenient bases for exploring both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the city's craft beer scene.
What unique experiences are possible with a small group tour in Southern USA?
The smaller group format allows access to experiences that larger tours can't match. This includes hands-on cooking classes in New Orleans personal brewery tours through Asheville and lesser-known hiking trails in the Smokies. Groups can visit the Sierra Nevada Brewing facility for tastings get expert-guided tours of Savannah's Bonaventure Cemetery and enjoy dinner watching the sunset from Gregory Bald. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Being in a small group allowed us to have a more intimate experience at places like Shining Rock and the Highland Brewing Company."
How far in advance should I book a small group tour in Southern USA?
Booking records suggest reserving 3-6 months ahead especially for peak seasons like fall foliage viewing in the Smokies or springtime in New Orleans. Tours to areas like Shining Rock Wilderness show an average booking window of 109 days before departure. The typical lead time across the region runs about 160 days which helps secure preferred dates at popular spots like The Resort at Glade Springs.
How much hiking is involved in small group tours of Southern USA?
The physical demands vary widely based on the tour type. City tours involve easy walking while nature-focused trips typically cover 4-6 miles daily in areas like the Smokies. More active itineraries might include up to 9.5 miles per day reaching spots like Cold Mountain or Shining Rock. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The hikes were well-paced and our guide Amanda made sure everyone was comfortable especially on the more challenging sections like the climb to the Shuckstack fire tower."
What type of guides lead small group tours in Southern USA?
Local experts with deep knowledge of Southern culture history and natural environments lead these tours. The guides hold professional certifications including medical training and extensive wilderness experience particularly for treks along the Appalachian Trail and through the Great Smoky Mountains. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Amanda was an amazing guide so informative about the flora and fauna and made the trip really fun. She was also an excellent cook preparing delicious meals."