Meet Naturalist Guide, Tim Blakely |
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Timothy Blakely is a gregarious and experienced outdoorsman, naturalist, history buff, and local lore master. Tim's guided tours are consistently highly rated by our guests. His goal is to provide you with an in-depth personalized nature experience that is sure to be fun and the highlight of your trip to the Smokies. Our tours are small, usually no more than four persons, in order to keep a small footprint on the park and provide a personal and unique experience. We practice and promote Leave No Trace outdoor ethics along with responsible and ethical wildlife viewing practices. We are proud to transport our tour guests comfortably in one of our eco-friendly and luxurious Cadillac Escalade Hybrid vehicles.
Meet Naturalist Guide, Lynda Doucette:
Lynda grew up in rural New England exploring the woods, creeks, and streams around her home. Family vacations spent camping strengthened a love of the outdoors that continued to grow over the years.
After earning a BS with a double major in Outdoor Education and Park Management (Lock Haven University, PA) Lynda forged a 30-year career as a ranger in the National Park Service.
Her spirit for adventure led to stints at six different park units from coast to coast, the last 16 years at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
She is an avid hiker and loves to share her joy of the outdoor environment with people she meets.
Meet Naturalist Guide, Nancy East:
Nancy retired from a career as a small animal veterinarian in 2020 to pursue opportunities that took her outdoors more.
She is passionate about sharing the natural world with others and teaching hikers how to stay "safe and found".
She is a Southern Appalachian Naturalist and is on Haywood County's Search and Rescue Team.
Nancy has hiked all 800 miles of trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park four times, and co-holds the speed record for the Smokies 900 Miler Challenge.
She is the author of Chasing the Smokies Moon and shares more stories and educational content on her website.
Eco-friendly Tour Vehicles:
Accolades
Forbes List
5 Great American Wildlife Adventures
Sunset Elk Experience in North Carolina
https://www.forbes.com/sites/norawalsh/2017/08/11/5-american-wildlife-adventures/#391d8831651f
5 Great American Wildlife Adventures
Sunset Elk Experience in North Carolina
https://www.forbes.com/sites/norawalsh/2017/08/11/5-american-wildlife-adventures/#391d8831651f
Southern Living Magazine
Uncover the Secrets of the Smokies
#3 Cataloochee Valley Tours
http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-central/smoky-mountains-national-park
Uncover the Secrets of the Smokies
#3 Cataloochee Valley Tours
http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-central/smoky-mountains-national-park
DOGWOOD ALLIANCE
10 GREAT NORTH CAROLINA NATURE TOURS
CATALOOCHEE VALLEY TOURS
https://www.dogwoodalliance.org/about-us/forests-of-the-south/10-great-nc-nature-tours/
10 GREAT NORTH CAROLINA NATURE TOURS
CATALOOCHEE VALLEY TOURS
https://www.dogwoodalliance.org/about-us/forests-of-the-south/10-great-nc-nature-tours/
SERENA MOVIE
STARRING BRADLEY COOPER & JENNIFER LAWRENCE
LANDSCAPE FILMING GUIDE - ESTHER BLAKELY
STARRING BRADLEY COOPER & JENNIFER LAWRENCE
LANDSCAPE FILMING GUIDE - ESTHER BLAKELY
FODOR'S TRAVEL
10 BEST SAFARIS IN THE US
#9 CATALOOCHEE VALLEY
http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/experiences/news/photos/10-best-safaris-in-the-us
10 BEST SAFARIS IN THE US
#9 CATALOOCHEE VALLEY
http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/experiences/news/photos/10-best-safaris-in-the-us
Lux Life Magazine
Best Luxury Eco-Tour Operator
North Carolina
www.lux-review.com/winners/cataloochee-valley-tours-inc/
Best Luxury Eco-Tour Operator
North Carolina
www.lux-review.com/winners/cataloochee-valley-tours-inc/