The "Classic" National Park Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This trip begins as we pickup at our location in Gatlinburg, TN. We travel in comfortable and eco-friendly vans to our first stop at the remains of a long-gone resort town dating back more than 100 years. We'll learn about the history of logging in the Smokies, the lives of the early Appalachian pioneers, and the founding of the national park. From here we'll travel up the mountains on one of the most scenic roads in the southeast. Along the way we'll stop at scenic overlooks for pictures, questions, and interpretation of the area. Finally we arrive at Newfound Gap and the 5,000 foot-high boarder between Tennessee and North Carolina. Here we will learn about the 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail and the the site where President Franklin Roosevelt gave the park dedication in 1940.
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 To Expect
Elkmont Ghost Town
We will have the opportunity to get out and explore one of the mightiest rivers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as we learn about the history of the founding of the park and how the lives of loggers, CCC workers, pioneer farmers, and the earliest mountain recreational visitors intersected.
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.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Options
The "Classic" National Park Tour
Reviews
286 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Smoky
iekdak,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Phillip was our driver and he was full of knowledge about the area. There was an accident on our planned route and Phillip had to quickly come up with an alternative route. We saw so much beautiful scenery and learned so much history in our three hour tour.
Classic Smoky mountain tour
marksX2642TM,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide, Mark Booth, was very professional and knowledgeable. We had a great time and experience. Thank you.
Especially great tour for 65+ crowd
Janet B,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to see all the important areas of the park with a very knowledgeable guide. If you are concerned because you need a walker or cane. This is a great tour for you. Walk or don't you will see plenty.
Great Smoky Mountains Tour.
Sue C,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour Guide Phil was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and the wildlife and vegetation. The expected route changed due to an accident and road closure, but Phil had the ability to quickly come up with an alternate plan and provide us with excellent views of mountainsides, waterfalls and historical dwellings. This was a very enjoyable experience.
“Hanging out with Jay is like going to college”
av8ordreem,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed our tour with Jay. He was friendly, welcoming, and made everyone feel comfortable right away. Jay has a wealth of knowledge about the area, nature, and the different trees and plants we saw along the way. He also shared fascinating local history that made the experience even better. Honestly, hanging out with Jay is like going to college—you learn so much just by being around him. Our group of nine (including five from my family) all got along great with Jay, and we never felt rushed at any point during the tour. Because of his recommendations, we discovered some great spots to visit afterward, especially Chimneys Picnic Area, where our teenagers had a blast climbing on the large rocks in the river. We’re grateful for people like Jay who are passionate about what they do, always have a smile, and bring such a friendly presence to the experience. We highly recommend this tour.
Awesome Experience!
Suzanne S,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a great tour and we loved the drive, the informational guide, and the overall getting to experience the park in a manageable way for both older family and kids! Lydia our tour guide was absolutely the best and made the experience so much fun. Highly recommend for first time park goers!
Wes was an excellent...
Laurie H,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wes was an excellent guide. He was extremely personable and knowledgeable. It was an enjoyable afternoon.
Best way to learn about the mountains!
Minderellas,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you have a choice, ask for Lydia! She is passionate about the history and the land. Very fun and interesting!
Great experience
Benjamin B,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lydia was fantastic!! She was very knowledgeable and our time was well spent. Wasn’t scripted just seemed like a very good conversation with a friend. She pointed out all the beauty of the area and gave us knowledge that we didn’t even know we needed to ask!!
Smoky Mountain Tour
X3530ZKtracys,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Phillip was our guide and we were very happy with our experience. He was friendly, very knowledgeable, and interested in what we were hoping to get out of the experience. He checked in frequently to make sure he was meeting our expectations, and to make sure we were comfortable in the vehicle. Overall it was a great experience - one that we would recommend to others.
From US$85.00
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Operated by Smoky Mountain Guides