Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This guided tour is perfect for those wanting to explore the wilderness, encounter wildlife, and dive into the rich heritage of the area.
A perfect opportunity for photos and soaking in nature’s beauty.
️ Mile-High Views: As we ascend to mile-high elevations, you’ll enjoy amazing views and towering mountain ranges.
️ Historic 1836 Church: Visit an original 1836 church, a testament to the region’s deep history.
Elk Sightings: Often spotted in this area.
Our expert guides will share stories about their reintroduction into the park in 2001.
Legends and Lore: Along the way, our guides will share Cherokee legends & lore.
Each UTV Driver must be over 21 Years of age with valid USA Drivers License and Proof of USA Car insurance.
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Ages 2 years and up and those requiring car seats will need them
If you are NOT wanting to drive you must call and request a driver
All Drivers will need there Driver's license and proof of car insurance
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
UTV
Fuel
Driver if requested
Guide
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gather your friends and family for an incredible UTV, ELK adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains. We start out at Scenic Tours & Rentals in Maggie Valley, NC and head up the mountain to the Ridgeline Trails. At a mile high the air is cool and fresh. The views are awe inspiring as we gaze 30 miles across the wilderness. We explore 15 miles of dirt and gravel trails and cross streams & view pristine rivers. We check out an old Grist mill built in the 1800s and explore a church established in 1836. We also learn about The Trail of tears and Sequoyah who developed The Cherokee Syllabary and the talking leaves. Then we are off to view North Carolina's only wild elk herd. Then we head back up the mountain to an ancient Fraser Fir tree forest. Come build family ties and lifetime memories. The mountains are calling, come get wild in the Smokies y’all.
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Eliciamarie1990,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Literally 10/10 ! One of the best experiences we have had. I high recommend them. Family owned and are super kind and sweet.
584DanM,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
What an awesome day running around the Smokey Mountains. Getting up close and personal with the Elk’s was a once in a lifetime experience. 10 feet separated us from the big 12 point male. The bonus was the church and the mountain spring water. Thank you guys! 10 stars! The extra extra bonus was the ride back to my RV.
larry g,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This tour far exceeded my expectations! We saw lots of Elk, beautiful scenery and points of interest. What made it worth so special was Brian's historical and geological commentary! Mesmerizing! Would highly recommend anyone to experience this adventure


fishingforfun 12,
Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had an absolutely amazing time on the 4-hour UTV ECO Elk Wilderness Adventure with Brian! From start to finish, it was an unforgettable experience. Brian was not only an excellent guide but also incredibly knowledgeable—he took the time to share the history of the mountains and the area, which made the adventure even more meaningful. We saw so many elk in their natural habitat, and the ride through the mountains was both breathtaking and exciting. The scenery was stunning, and the UTVs made the journey smooth and fun. This is a 100% A+ experience and an absolute must-do when visiting Maggie Valley. We can’t recommend it enough—thank you, Brian, for an incredible adventure!


Sarah R,
Dec 10, 2024
- Review from Viator
My pictures will not load to the review, and they really show why I recommend this experience! It was an amazing adventure!
Nomad48330520201,
Oct 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
My husband and I took the 4 hour UTV Wilderness Tour in October 2024; our tour guide was Bryan the founder of the tour company. We had an awesome time and saw the Smokey Mountains in a way that you can not see from your vehicle. Bryan was an awesome guide, very knowledgeable; we learned a lot from him about the history of the area, mountains, and Cherokee Indians. He was even able to take us on the Cherokee Indian Reservation via the mountain trails. We stopped at a little church in the mountains were he sang Amazing Grace in the Cherokee Language, gave me goose bumps. Definitely would recommend this tour, it is worth every penny.
jennyhC3807SW,
Aug 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a blast on this tour! Our family of four enjoyed every minute of it. We loved the trails, seeing the elk and wading in the stream. Brian was a wonderful guide. We appreciated the family photos that he took of us. Being in the mountains on a utv at sunset is priceless. One of our favorite things we’ve ever done!






Brandy C,
Jul 14, 2024
- Review from Viator
We had a fantastic time. Our guide was phenomena!l He was super knowledgeable and very personable. It was a beautiful day with amazing views.
Matthew J,
Jun 26, 2024
- Review from Viator
Best pictures, fun times, make sure u visit the Church and Mill from 1800s. Cole is the best photographer.
Vsa800,
May 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We took the tour on a Friday afternoon. Our tour guide was Cole. He was fantastic. So professional kind and caring. He made sure we understood the operation of the UTV. That everyone was clear on how to use the seat belts and doors. The four hour trip was so amazing. Beautiful scenery, nice off road driving, and a restroom stop at a very clean restroom. We did not do the hike to the waterfall as we were tired by the time we reach it and it’s a lot of stairs. We did a stop at a beautiful old church where Cole told us the history. It was an easy walk to the church but still had steps to climb. I would recommend even if it’s hot at the start that you take a light jacket or windbreaker for everyone. It cools down quickly in the mountains. Cole let us use one of his coolers for drinks. He is an excellent driver and guide. He knows so much history of the area. But the best thing about Cole is his ability to take amazing photos of everyone. Honestly, he could be a professional photographer. He is so kind (and funny) taking them. This tour is great for any age and if you want to drive I encourage you to give it a try. We will be back over and over again as there is so much to explore.
Operated by Scenic Tours and Adventures