Awarded 2025 Travelers' Choice
About Backcountry Journeys
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys
If you're considering a photography trip, hear why Backcountry Journeys delivers the best experience in the industry.Frequently Asked Questions
If you're new to photography trips, or new to BCJ, you can find our common travel questions here.Fitness Levels
Our trips vary on physical intensity, and by reviewing our fitness levels, you can find out which trips may be more challenging, or aligned more closely with your comfort level.Meet The Crew
We've built an amazing team of experienced guides, and dedicated office staff that elevate your travel experience. Get to know their backgrounds, and hear their stories.Loyalty Program
We reward our frequent photo adventurers with exclusive discounts on amazing photography trips.Contact Us
If you need to get in touch with our office staff, or have additional business inquiries, you can find our information here.Refer a Friend
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Backcountry Journeys
Backcountry Journeys
Our Photography Community
Our Webinars
Our regularly hosted webinars provide photography instruction from our own guides on a wide range of topics.Our Education Portal
Explore our library of articles that cover everything from common questions, to in-depth guides on how to achieve that perfect shot.Community Testimonials
We're proud to foster an amazing group of photo travelers, and here you can find their stories from their past adventures.Resources For Photographers
About Our Company
World-Class Photography Tours & Workshops
Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains
Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains
Join our Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains Photo Workshop and capture the beauty of spring in this renowned national park. Unforgettable images await. Book now!
Capture The Eastern United States Through Your Lens
Experience Stress-Free
Travel Photography.
Travel Photography.
We're dedicated to helping other photographers capture the world through their lens. Every destination has it's own slew of logistical challenges; from lodging, meals, and getting to the right place at the right time to shoot.
We take that off your shoulders in one convenient all-inclusive package.
We take that off your shoulders in one convenient all-inclusive package.
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Unparalleled
Destinations
Destinations
With Backcountry Journeys, the logistics disappear so the photography can take center stage. Lodging, transportation, meals, permits, and planning are handled by our experienced team, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
From the moment you arrive to the final farewell, everything is thoughtfully orchestrated so you can travel with confidence and create without distraction.
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Unmatched Support &
Expert Guides
Expert Guides
Every Backcountry Journeys experience is led by professional photographers who don’t just know how to take great images — they know how to teach.
Our guides are seasoned educators, patient mentors, and field experts who help you refine your vision, master your camera, and see the world photographically. From technical instruction to creative guidance in the moment, you’re supported by someone who is deeply invested in your growth as a photographer.
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World-Class Photo
Community
Community
We intentionally keep our group sizes small to ensure a more personal, immersive experience. Fewer participants mean more one-on-one instruction, better access to locations, and the freedom to adapt in the field when conditions are perfect.
You’re never rushed, never lost in the crowd, and always positioned to focus on making meaningful images.
Looking To Travel To The Eastern United States? Here's What To Expect.
Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains
Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains
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Start/End
Knoxville, TN / Knoxville, TN
Length
6 Days/5 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
Spring Wildflower Spectacle: Capture the Smokies’ legendary display of over 1,500 blooming plant species as the park bursts into a vibrant mosaic of color from March through June.
Abundant Wildlife Encounters: Photograph iconic Appalachian wildlife, including black bears, elk, and a wide variety of birds and amphibians, as they emerge with the season’s renewal.
Classic Smoky Mountain Landscapes: Frame dreamy compositions of misty mountain sunrises, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forests filled with hemlocks, maples, and mountain ash.
Custom Adventure Options: Choose between a standard or hiker-friendly itinerary—perfect for photographers who want either accessible shooting locations or a more active, trail-based experience.
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Team is available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Discover the vibrant beauty of spring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the southeastern United States, this park is renowned for its diverse plant and animal life, ancient mountains, and Appalachian mountain culture.
Find yourself in a visual feast as nature awakens from winter's slumber. Experience the park's idyllic weather and lush greenery as you witness the enchanting rebirth of spring. With over 1,500 flowering plant species, including a remarkable variety of wildflowers, the landscape transforms into a captivating tapestry of colors from March through June.
But it's not just the flora that flourishes in spring. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife. Keep your camera ready to capture the elusive Black Bear, graceful elk, and a myriad of bird species that grace the skies. From vibrant songbirds to elusive amphibians, the park comes alive with fascinating creatures during this season.
Photographers will find endless inspiration in the Smokies' rich natural offerings. Capture the majesty of the park's iconic tree species, including Eastern Hemlock, Mountain Ash, and various Maples. From misty sunrises over grassy balds to ethereal waterfalls framed by vibrant foliage, every composition becomes a work of art.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness this magical season in the Smokies. Explore the breathtaking vistas, immerse yourself in the incredible variety of plant and wildlife, and capture the essence of spring in one of the most renowned national parks in the country.
Join us for an unforgettable photographic experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the spring season. Book your trip now and embark on a journey of discovery through this natural wonderland.
Please note: We are excited to offer both a standard and “hiker” version of this trip for photographers who like to get out and hike! Not sure which one suits you best? Give us a call at 928-478-1521
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What's Included
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff
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What's Not Included
Transportation to and from Knoxville, TN
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Book Your Spot Today
Book Your Spot Today
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We Connect Passionate People To
Exceptional Experiences
We Connect Passionate People To
Exceptional Experiences
Exceptional Experiences
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World-Class Photography Tours & Workshops
Experience Stress-Free Travel Photography
Our trips our designed by photographers for photographers. Every aspect of each itinerary is meticulously planned from when and where we shoot, to local dining, to lodges we rest at in-between workshops.
Leading the way are professional photographers that are experienced travel guides, who bring a creative perspective and hands-on instruction to every workshop.
Leading the way are professional photographers that are experienced travel guides, who bring a creative perspective and hands-on instruction to every workshop.
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Awarded 2025 Travelers' Choice
Backed by 500+ five-star reviews and recognized as a Travelers’ Choice winner for 5+ years, Backcountry Journeys is trusted by photographers worldwide for exceptional experiences and world-class service.
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Don't Miss Your Chance To Photograph The Eastern United States!
Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains
This is the kind of opportunity you don’t want to look back on and wish you’d taken. A Backcountry Journeys tour isn’t just a trip — it’s a rare chance to step fully into the experience, to be present in extraordinary places with expert guidance, thoughtful planning, and the time and space to create meaningful work.
The logistics are handled, the pressure is off, and what’s left is pure immersion: better light, better access, deeper learning, and memories you’ll carry long after the journey ends. These moments, locations, and conditions don’t wait — and neither should you.
