Tremont Writers Conference

Townsend, Tennessee
October 21 - 25, 2026

Tremont Writers Conference

Townsend, Tennessee

October 21 - 25, 2026

Come to the smokies for creative inspiration

Join renowned authors and professional park educators for a writers conference like no other set on a lush, secluded campus nestled within America’s most-visited national park. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont partners with Smokies Life to bring this five-day intensive retreat to a small group of selected writers.

Apply today to be a part of your chosen cohort: fiction, nonfiction, or poetry—and enjoy the benefits of award-winning author workshop leaders dedicated to focusing on you and your work. Days will be dedicated to learning and writing in small groups with meals and lodging provided; evenings will be focused around community dinners, some off campus, where you’ll enjoy faculty author readings.

Come to the smokies for creative inspiration

2026 Workshop Leaders

Ron
Rash

Crystal
Wilkinson

Linda
Parsons

Kelli Jo
Ford

Ron
Rash

Crystal
Wilkinson

Linda
Parsons

Kelli Jo
Ford

Like all of Tremont’s programs, participants are highly encouraged to take advantage of the on-campus residential experience. You’ll share living spaces with fellow attendees in large bunkrooms. They aren’t glamorous, but they help foster a sense of community.

Roughing it (a little!) is part of the experience. Most of the workshops will take place outdoors, so prepare for a variety of weather, a little dirt, and possible sightings of animal friends. Low-tech connection with each other is another important aspect of the Tremont experience, perhaps now more than ever.

School students are frequently on campus having their own ‘Tremont experience.’ We serve 5,000 students and teachers each year, including many from communities that have previously not had access to wild spaces due to financial barriers, racial injustice, and other factors. Expect to hear children laughing and enjoying nature outdoors and even to interact with them during mealtimes.

Like all of Tremont’s programs, participants are highly encouraged to take advantage of the on-campus residential experience. You’ll share living spaces with fellow attendees in large bunkrooms. They aren’t glamorous, but they help foster a sense of community.

Roughing it (a little!) is part of the experience. Most of the workshops will take place outdoors, so prepare for a variety of weather, a little dirt, and possible sightings of animal friends. Low-tech connection with each other is another important aspect of the Tremont experience, perhaps now more than ever.

School students are frequently on campus having their own ‘Tremont experience.’ We serve 5,000 students and teachers each year, including many from communities that have previously not had access to wild spaces due to financial barriers, racial injustice, and other factors. Expect to hear children laughing and enjoying nature outdoors and even to interact with them during mealtimes.

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