Historic River Town Ramble

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

This tour meets at the Sugarlands Visitors Center. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains the largest collection of human artifacts of any park in the country. Travel back to a bygone era as we visit remnants of an early 1900's town following the gorgeous, yet, misnamed, Little River. This tour is lead by a highly trained and skilled professional naturalist guide who is passionate and knowledgeable about the Smokies. For your safety and peace of mind, your guides are certified as Wilderness First Responders and in non lethal bear aversion techniques. **All vehicles will need a 'Park it Forward' Parking Pass**

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Rating: the difficulty of this tour is easy

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Gratuity of 10 to 20% recommended for good service

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please note that, while we do our best to follow the itinerary listed, we may need to pivot due to road closures or events outside of our control. We require a minimum of 2 people to operate this tour. We operate rain or shine.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Snacks: peanut based (peanut butter crackers, trail mix and/or fruit snacks)

Professional guide

Gratuities are appreciated for good service.

Lunch

Drinks are not provided. Bring plenty of water.

Transportation to/from attractions

Parking Tag not included. Contact us or purchase here: www.recreation.gov/activitypass/AP2510

What To Expect

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Enjoy a gentle stroll in a quiet part of the Park. You'll walk along a beautiful river, see several small cascades, and explore a remain of a town that used to sit in this area. Perfect for families, seniors and large groups as well as couples looking for an easy introduction to the Smokies

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Historic River Town Ramble

History Tour: Experience a slice of the Smokies and enjoy some history on this beautiful tour of the Smoky Mountains. Perfect for anyone who simply wants an introduction to our Park.

1:30Historic River Town Ramble

History Tour: Experience a slice of the Smokies and enjoy some history on this beautiful tour of the Smoky Mountains.

Reviews

4.97

40 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing visit in the Smokies out of Pidgeon Forge.
Karan T,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide, Miss Debbie, is a retired park ranger. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and it's history. The scenery was outstanding and it well worth the visit.
China is an excellent...
Kimberly M,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
China is an excellent guide. She showed us several of the cabins in Daisy town. She pounted out several different plants along the trail.
Best experience we've had in the Smoky Mountains!
comunikat,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We can't say enough good about Miss Debbie and the Historic River Town Ramble. While we have nothing against the sparkle and chaos of the middle-Tennessee tourist towns, this was an experience on an almost ethereal level. There is something mesmerizing about the way the silence of the forest harmonizes with the rumble of the streams ... and as Miss Debbie tells the stories of people who once lived in these very places, one can almost see their ghosts, standing among the ruins!
Fantastic Informative Hike
Meg H,
Apr 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our experience was excellent. We learned a lot about the Elkmont area and its history. We did a trail walk as well that was very informative. Learned about different plants and animals. Deb and Randy are fantastic guides. Deb is a wealth of knowledge and loves sharing it. Highly recommend this tour!!
Beautiful!
j54v,
Apr 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely beautiful and peaceful. I could stay there all day and night! Just hearing the rippling of the river is such a relaxing sound.
Fantastic tour with knowledgeable guide
hllandais,
Sep 29, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Really fantastic tour. Our tour guide, Sam, was really knowledgeable about the area, its history, the wildlife and the plants and trees. She was really keen to answer questions and adapt to anything we might notice. Really enjoyed going on a walk with her for a few hours!
Great hike and educational!
I7140WXkimm,
Sep 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great adventure!! The guide, China, was the BEST! She shared the history of the Cherokee life, Appalachian people, learned about the plant and animals living there…and showed us so many plants we would have otherwise breezed by if she had not pointed them out and introduced us to them. Great day!!!
Into the Woods
Branden F,
Aug 2, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
We went to see a small waterfall which happened to have a gathering or butterfly’s. We took pictures, caught one, and learned all about the history of the trail. Our Trail Guide Luci was great, a a good experience!
A lovely walk along the river and a surprise sighting!
Stacy W,
Jul 29, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Ken was such a wonderful guide! He shared lots of history of the area and we loved hearing so much about the bears. What he shared actually happened on our walk! A mama bear and her cub were on our path and mama acted exactly as Ken said she would-getting her cub up a tree. It was a wonderful experience and Ken is the perfect guide!
Friday Ramble at the Smoky's
Deon S,
Jun 30, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Samantha was truly a breath of fresh air. She was very attentive to our needs and beautifully answered all of our questions. We started our tour on time and every aspect of the tour was educational. I loved the opportunities to stop and learn more about the history of the park and wild life. Possible future 2 day backpacking experience to consider with A Walk in the Woods Tour after this historic ramble. My advice for future enthusiasts is to make sure you are wearing the appropiate shoes, stay hydrated with electrolytes, and use sunscreen. It truly was inspiring to have conversations along the trail with men and women at least 65 and over who completed the round trip to the trails fall. Let not your age stop you from achieving your life goals.