Although I normally like to do self-guided site-seeing, I've learned that, if my goal is a special and my time is limited, I can see and learn a LOT more if I go with a guide - especially one who is passionate about the setting/location. In my 7 days in the Maggie Valley/Asheville area, my hiking/waterfall excursion with David is the only I've paid for and it was WELL worth it (even considering that, as a solo traveler, I paid for two).
Prior to my trip, I vetted out multiple hike excursions through Trip Advisor and Viator and liked that he was a certified naturalist. I reached out and Angela sealed the deal when she described David's tours. Since I was solo and no one else booked, I had to pay for two, but that meant I didn't have to compete with anyone else with my many questions - lol.
David was up-to-speed on recent updates/reviews and took precautions to avoid trail issues that the rest of us wouldn't know about. Our multiple creek crossings made it more fun getting to Twin Falls (significant for me because I have twins) and David took us back a different way so we could see several more smaller falls - extra bonus!
David was easy to talk to and so informative about the plants/trees, history of all of the area and geography. I'm pretty self-sufficient, but he was always there, to lend a hand if/when needed. When I return, I'm definitely going to do a kayak trip or Blue Ridge Mountain tour with him. This topped off my first and amazing solo vacation!