High Points Driving Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Sightseeing in the “high elevations” of the Great Smoky Mountains can be an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. We travel past the Appalachian Trail and traverse the Crest of the Smokies as we take in the sights above 5000 ft. You will gain facts of the area from your guide that will make these mountains come alive with Native American stories and geographical facts. We travel into the North Carolina side of the National Park to take in the vistas and learn about the impact logging had to the area. You will be amazed how the forest has reclaimed itself over the years. Our goal for this trip is to arrive at the Clingmans Dome parking area and gift shop. This is the highest point in the National Park at 6,643′. If the weather permits, we'll take an optional short walk through the spruce-fir forest and learn about this unique environment.

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Bottled water

Snacks

What To Expect

Newfound Gap Road

Newfound Gap Road is one of the most scenic drives in the southeast. We'll make the 13-mile long drive out of the Sugarlands Valley while we learn about the people, plants, animals, and history of the Great Smoky Mountains. Along the way we'll stop at several scenic overlooks for photos of the towering mountains and dark, shaded valleys.

1 hour 45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Kuwohi

The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this mountain provides sweeping views of as many as seven states. We'll walk among the spruce and fir trees and enjoy the cool mountain air as we learn about the place the Cherokee called Kuwahi.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Options

High Points Driving Tour

Reviews

4.89

113 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

108

Unable to fairly evaluate...
Robert A,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
Unable to fairly evaluate this tour because it was cancelled due to unforeseen problems with the van's brakes.
Canceled our tour 2 hours notice.
Anita W,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
They canceled our tour with a 2 hour notice. Waiting on a refund. Was really looking forward to it. They wanted us to go Sunday but we are leaving that fay.
Spruce, switchbacks and smiles.
Paradise23790926250,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The weather was against us which caused windows to be steamed up or rain splattered so different to get me I ving along pictures. The fog was hindering the views on the way up and on the way back sick down although clearer we were unable to stop for photographs. John was very knowledgeable about the trees and plants and we had a lovely little walk into Spruce Fir Nature Trail and John told us about the trees there. Kuwohi was shrouded in fog/ mist so unfortunately no views but great to have been there all the same. If people wanted water or snacks John regularly offered what was available and we all felt v safe v as he traversed the switch backs on the Newfound Gap Road.
Great Smoky Mountain Tour
James S,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a great time with our driver Wes. He was very good and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. We will tell our friends about Wes and tge High Point Tour
Smoky mountain get away
Ronda M,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a great tour. The driver was so knowledgeable and on time. The trip itself was great. My only complaint is that I was under the assumption we would be allowed to walk up to clingmans dome, but we were only allowed to be at the bottom not venture up. I get it with the time restraints but had planned for that. Otherwise it was great. Would definitely work with this company again!!!
Charged for tour that vendor cancelled
391waltw,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
There was no tout.. The vendor cancelled my appointment - they had overbooked for the day & time.. The alternatives the vendor did not work for.us. Nevertheless, TripAdvisor charged my credit card despite advertising no charges would be processed until the day of the excursion. I am still waiting for them to reverse the charges. Quick to charge my credit card, slow to refund. Unhappy with TripAdvisor. Disappointed the vendor overbooked.
Beyond GREAT!
Q624EFmarkl,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a wonderful experience. Wes-our driver gave us unbelievably great service. Knowledgeable, safe, kind and answered questions. He then went even more beyond what anyone else would, as my wife lost her wallet. He searched the van for us and also went into the visitors center for us the next day and called that they had it there. We were shocked and so beyond grateful at this extra effort. Wes, we will never forget this!
Must do
cuinthemoon,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an awesome experience. I am so glad I booked this. I was a little apprehensive when they changed our time from our 2 o’clock slot to the 9 AM slot. I was worried that there would be too much smoky in the mountains to be able to see anything, but let’s look would have it things turned out for the best and I’m really glad that we went on the earlier time. Wes was our guide and he was full of information extra tidbits and was a great driver. it really took the anxiety off of the drive and parking which I had tried before during Labor Day weekend and was unable to get any spots and ended up leaving the park. This time was much different. I’d highly recommend booking a tour.
Very nice trip, good guide and good bus.
Sunshine10575535797,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very nice trip, good guide and good bus. We were unlucky that the road to the climax was broken by a rockslide, but we saw other beautiful places that were a bit lower in the park.
Best tour
Discover826087,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lydia our guide/ driver and now a friend, was excellent. She was so friendly and knew so much about what she was showing you. She clearly loves her job. If you only do one tour, do this one.