Fall Excursion 2026
Gatlinburg, Tennessee • September 25 - 27
Welcome!
Discover yourself and the world around you in a new light, free of dogma.
It has always been the mission of Recovering from Religion to help those struggling with doubt, seeking answers, and moving away from religion and a religious lifestyle. In the 16 years we’ve been helping people, what has become abundantly clear is that getting through this transition and asking these questions isn’t enough. There has to be some light at the end of the tunnel. There has to be joy, community, and fulfillment for people on the other side of doubt and uncertainty.
The Recovering from Religion Fall Excursion is for people looking to find their way into that happiness.
The 2026 Fall Excursion will be held in the magnificent Smoky Mountains near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee September 25-27. Those who attended in 2022 & 2023 will recognize the area, however, this is a new venue: we will have 2 lodges, within walking distance of the other, which will accommodate our entire group.
As is our tradition, the Fall Excursion is structured to provide guidance, friendship, and opportunities for personal growth, in a warm, non-judgmental, accepting environment. We have planned events and workshops so that you can have fun, learn, relax, and do as little or as much as you would like.
The lodges are beautifully appointed, and will serve our needs for privacy, comfort, and convenience. As you click on the Registration link, you will find a variety of sleeping arrangements to suit your needs. You will also see a choice of a private or a shared accommodation, as well as different price points for your budget.
Most meetings will take place in the main, larger lodge, with additional space for meetings in the smaller lodge. The kitchen and dining space is conducive to socializing and sharing meals. Additionally, there are many spectacular amenities in the lodges, including swimming pools, hot tubs, movie theatres, game room, fireplaces, internet access, and outdoor relaxation areas.
We hope you select the option to stay in the lodges, but if you prefer to stay offsite, there are abundant hotels, Airbnb’s, and RV campgrounds in the area. You will need to find your own lodging, and provide your own transportation if you select this option.
There will be shuttle service to-and-from the Knoxville airport for guests staying in the lodges. Ensure you fill out and submit the Shuttle Request Form, so that our volunteers can coordinate this service.
Please check out our FAQs, and reach out if you have additional questions.
We have diligently tried to balance the cost with providing the best experience possible to our guests and volunteers. If you can afford the total cost of attending, please give serious consideration to do so. This allows us to offer reduced/student rates to those whose attendance is not possible without it. There are a limited number of reduced/student rates available.
We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors who have made this possible. It is our goal to make the Fall Excursion accessible to everyone who would benefit from it. If you would like to attend the Fall Excursion but need financial help to make it possible, we are happy to provide lodging at a reduced cost. Registration remains at $100 per person.
Alternatively, as an added benefit, we are also providing lodging at a reduced cost for active RfR volunteers this year regardless of your ability or willingness to volunteer for a task/tasks at the Fall Excursion. Please contact the Fall Excursion Director here for more information.
We warmly invite you to attend our Fall Excursion. One of the things we hear most consistently from our clients is in regard to the grief associated with the loss of community when one expresses doubts or moves away from their religious beliefs. This weekend experience will not only provide you with ample time for conversation, understanding, and empathy, but will equip you with information and inspiration to continue in your journey.
Please select a registration option below to get started.
Registration
Registration covers food and event costs. On Site attendees must also purchase a room or bunk in one of the two cabins at our venue, Bear Mountain Lodge or Sleeping Bear Lodge. Space is limited, so reserve your place today!
On Site Lodging
Please join us at the venue to get the most out of this experience. Lodging is available in a variety of private and shared room configurations. Pricing covers your stay from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. These are resort-style cabins with numerous amenities and accessibility options.
