Connect with nature and explore your potential
About Tremont Writers Conference
Tremont Writers Conference is a new venture in an ancient and wild setting. Our Walker Valley campus is located among the oldest mountains in the world, where for over 50 years Tremont Institute has been connecting people and nature. It is here—inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park—that we have prepared a space for writers to receive feedback from established authors, connect with writing peers, and find renewal and inspiration.
Small-group morning workshops in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry take place outdoors and are led by faculty members Monic Ductan (fiction), Maurice Manning (poetry), and David Brill (nonfiction). Guest author Frank X Walker, the first African American Kentucky Poet Laureate and co-founder of the Affrilachian Poets, will lead several sessions for the entire group, including a craft talk with conversation. Each afternoon we’ll join experienced Tremont naturalists for guided explorations that spark curiosity and wonder; through hands-on experience, we’ll learn about this region’s cultural and natural history. Evenings will conclude with hearty dinners, fellowship with your peers, and readings by writing faculty.
Connect with nature and explore your potential
About Tremont Writers Conference
Tremont Writers Conference is a new venture in an ancient and wild setting. Our Walker Valley campus is located among the oldest mountains in the world, where for over 50 years Tremont Institute has been connecting people and nature. It is here—inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park—that we have prepared a space for writers to receive feedback from established authors, connect with writing peers, and find renewal and inspiration.
Small-group morning workshops in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry take place outdoors and are led by faculty members Monic Ductan (fiction), Maurice Manning (poetry), and David Brill (nonfiction). Guest author Frank X Walker, the first African American Kentucky Poet Laureate and co-founder of the Affrilachian Poets, will lead several sessions for the entire group, including a craft talk with conversation. Each afternoon we’ll join experienced Tremont naturalists for guided explorations that spark curiosity and wonder; through hands-on experience, we’ll learn about this region’s cultural and natural history. Evenings will conclude with hearty dinners, fellowship with your peers, and readings by writing faculty.
How do I get to Tremont?
A shuttle service is available for a modest fee from the McGhee Tyson Airport and Knoxville bus terminal solely on arrival and departure days.
Our street address is: Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, Tennessee 37882
For those driving, note that cell service along most roadways is nonexistent once you enter the mountains. Parking is available on campus.
What can i expect regarding lodging?
Lodging is available on Tremont’s campus on the second floor of Nancy Caylor Lodge, where both wings are reserved solely for writing conference guests. Wings are bunkroom-style with an open floor plan, are separated by gender, and have shower rooms/restrooms. While each wing can accommodate 45 people maximum, the number of occupants during the conference will be far lower and thus there will be plenty of space. Additionally, several walk-in tents with bunks and mattresses are available by reservation on a first-come, first-served basis. Linens are provided.
What is the food situation?
Meals are served family-style in a dining hall shared with school students whenever they are present on campus. Meals are occasionally served outdoors, including a cookout on the first night of the conference. Coffee and tea are almost always available. Storage containers and a refrigerator are available for your personal food and beverages. Food is not allowed in the lodge or tents.
Learn more about our food policies related to nutrition, food allergies, and special dietary needs here.
Can I stay offsite?
We encourage you to stay on-site for a variety of reasons, not least of which is forming bonds with other writers and building community. The residential aspect of the program also means you will not have to drive to and from our campus on winding roads each morning and evening.
However, we recognize that some conference participants may decide to lodge offsite for personal reasons. If you choose to do this, we recommend finding accommodations in nearby Townsend, Tennessee. Please note that we are unable to provide discounts for anyone lodging off-site.
How much indoor/outdoor time will there be?
We will adjust as necessary to the forecast and daily conditions. However, expect to spend most of each day outdoors regardless of the temperature, and dress accordingly. Covered outdoor spaces will help keep us dry in the event of rain.
What are your policies related to COVID-19?
Visit this page to learn about our current policies.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations received up to four weeks prior to the program start date will be refunded in full, minus a $250 processing fee.
What is the size of the conference?
Tremont Writers Conference is small by design, with a maximum of 25 attendees.
Who is running the conference?
Tremont Writers Conference is a joint creation of Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and Smokies Life, educational nonprofit partners of the National Park Service. Tremont Institute is a residential environmental learning center located inside the national park. Its mission is to deliver experiential learning for youth, educators, and adults through programs that promote self-discovery, critical thinking, and effective teaching and leadership. The primary purpose of Smokies Life is to support the scientific, historical, and interpretive activities of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by providing educational products and services to park visitors.
What should i expect?
The inaugural Tremont Writers Conference took place October 25-29, 2023, and brought together 20 writers from all over the country. Learn more here.
Where can I find more information about the Great Smoky Mountains and local area?
The official website for Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers myriad details about this gem of the national park system, including background information, hiking opportunities, road conditions, and much more.
Townsend, Tennessee, known as “the peaceful side of the Smokies,” is the town nearest us and has numerous options regarding lodging, restaurants, and local activities. Smoky Mountain Tourism and Explore Townsend both provide excellent resources for planning your trip.
How do I get to Tremont?
A shuttle service is available for a modest fee from the McGhee Tyson Airport and Knoxville bus terminal solely on arrival and departure days.
Our street address is:
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, Tennessee 37882
For those driving, note that cell service along most roadways is nonexistent once you enter the mountains. Parking is available on campus.
A shuttle service is available for a modest fee from the McGhee Tyson Airport and Knoxville bus terminal solely on arrival and departure days.
Our street address is:
Great Smoky Mountains
Institute at Tremont
9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, Tennessee 37882
For those driving, note that cell service is nonexistent once you enter the mountains. Parking is available on campus.
What can i expect regarding lodging?
Lodging is available on Tremont’s campus on the second floor of Nancy Caylor Lodge, where both wings are reserved solely for writing conference guests. Wings are bunkroom-style with an open floor plan, are separated by gender, and have shower rooms/restrooms. While each wing can accommodate 45 people maximum, the number of occupants during the conference will be far lower and thus there will be plenty of space. Additionally, several walk-in tents with bunks and mattresses are available by reservation on a first-come, first-served basis. Linens are provided.
What is the food situation?
Meals are served family-style in a dining hall shared with school students whenever they are present on campus. Meals are occasionally served outdoors, including a cookout on the first night of the conference. Coffee and tea are almost always available. Storage containers and a refrigerator are available for your personal food and beverages. Food is not allowed in the lodge or tents.
Learn more about our food policies related to nutrition, food allergies, and special dietary needs here.
Can I stay offsite?
We encourage you to stay on-site for a variety of reasons, not least of which is forming bonds with other writers and building community. The residential aspect of the program also means you will not have to drive an automobile to and from our campus on winding roads each morning and evening.
However, we recognize that some conference participants may decide to lodge offsite for personal reasons. If you choose to do this, we recommend finding accommodations in nearby Townsend, Tennessee. Please note that we are unable to provide discounts for anyone lodging off-site.
How much indoor/outdoor time will there be?
We will adjust as necessary to the forecast and daily conditions. However, expect to spend most of each day outdoors regardless of the temperature, and dress accordingly. Covered outdoor spaces will help keep us dry in the event of rain.
What are your policies related to COVID-19?
Visit this page to learn about our current policies.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations received up to four weeks prior to the program start date will be refunded in full, minus a $250 processing fee.
What is the size of the conference?
Tremont Writers Conference is small by design, with a maximum of 25 attendees.
Who is running the conference?
Tremont Writers Conference is a joint creation of Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and Smokies Life, educational nonprofit partners of the National Park Service. Tremont Institute is a residential environmental learning center located inside the national park. Its mission is to deliver experiential learning for youth, educators, and adults through programs that promote self-discovery, critical thinking, and effective teaching and leadership. The primary purpose of Smokies Life is to support the scientific, historical, and interpretive activities of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by providing educational products and services to park visitors.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
The inaugural Tremont Writers Conference took place October 25-29, 2023, and brought together 20 writers from all over the country. Learn more here.
Where can I find more information about the Great Smoky Mountains and local area?
The official website for Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers myriad details about this gem of the national park system, including background information, hiking opportunities, road conditions, and much more.
Townsend, Tennessee, known as “the peaceful side of the Smokies,” is the town nearest us and has numerous options regarding lodging, restaurants, and local activities. Smoky Mountain Tourism and Explore Townsend both provide excellent resources for planning your trip.
