A Walk In The Woods
Our mission is to raise environmental awareness through direct, positive experiences in nature. Here at A Walk in the Woods, we help people fall in love with the wild spaces of the South East.
Experience the Adventure
Get a glimpse of what awaits you on your journey
China - China Whitmire, a Chattanooga native, spent 15 years in Chicago working in non-profit theater and higher education upon completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago. In 2021, China returned to her Appalachian roots by thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Now, leveraging her skills, China brings a unique blend of creativity and expertise to her role as a guide. Her love of storytelling and connection with the southern Appalachian region ultimately led her to A Walk in the Woods. Jack - Jack Lloyd was raised in Shelby, North Carolina. He grew up playing in creeks and chasing critters in the foothills of Western North Carolina. Before coming to A Walk in the Woods, Jack was a head guide for the Nantahala Outdoor Center, leading ziplining trips and guiding rafts down the river. Over the winters, Jack is a ski instructor working with kids on the slopes. As an avid whitewater paddler, he loves spending hot summer days on the water. He also enjoys gardening, cooking and foraging. Kels - Kelly (or Kels) loves being outside! She went to school for Wildlife Sciences and spent her time then working with inner-city children, getting them outdoors. Since then, she has worked at nature centers, group camps; anywhere to stay connected to the outdoors. Kelly is a mother to a 2 year old boy, wife to an outdoor enthusiast and dog mom of 3. Kelly likes whitewater paddling and rock climbing. When not outside, she’s finding fun projects to get into, playing video games and reading books past bedtime! Ansley - Ansley grew up in the city of Atlanta and spent weekends and holidays in the southern Appalachian mountains. After college she worked in Wilderness Therapy in the North Carolina mountains with troubled youth. In the winters, Ansley goes out west to Utah to ski. She has hiked all around the United States, but the Smoky Mountains always call her back. Her favorite activities include, rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, rafting, scuba diving, yoga, canyoneering, skiing and of course backpacking.