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'll hike along 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
255 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommend this experience
mplstennis,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kendall our guide was incredible. She was nice, personable, and very knowledgeable about the Smokies and the history of the area. She made the experience - the drive and views are also great!
Smokey Mountain Guided Hike
Curious37734061722,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wes was a fantastic guide. His knowledge of the park made for a most enjoyable hike! He introduced us to locations we would have missed hiking on our own. Highly recommended!
Great tour
cheryldK8933CK,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Phillip was our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable, had stories about everything, and made sure we got to see what we wanted. Didn't see any bears that day. Would like to have done a little hiking but we did see the ghost town. Have to go back and explore that more. It was nice to not have to drive and let someone else do it
Highly recommend for experienced tour guide.
Frank E,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide, Wes, was extremely knowledgeable about the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. He gave insights on the wildlife, hiking and camping options, as well as the history of how the area developed into its present-day status. He was personable and patient with each member of the tour. While technically the park had some closures (snow/ice and government shutdown), he still provided us with what felt like a behind the scenes tour - highlighting areas we may have otherwise missed.
Our guide Kindel was...
Sheetal,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Kindel was great. She was well aware of the bad weather forecasts and promptly modified the itinerary so that we don't miss out on anything. Also showed us some hidden gems. It was a great experience.
VIP treatment.!
fimogirl,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had so much fun with our driver Wes . He was so informative about the park and its history. We were able to do some hiking and enjoy the views. I would definitely recommend this tour company and it’s excellent customer service..
Best tour and tour guide ever!
ROBYN P,,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wes was out your guide and he was fantastic! Hi is extremely knowledgeable and knows the history of the mountains thoroughly. We learned so much from him. An added bonus...Wes made us feel comfortable and he is humorous. He makes his riders feel included. Best tour ever!
Great way to see the park stress-free.
Diane V,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed this tour. The guide was so knowledgeable and friendly. He took us to all the best spots, but unfortunately one of the roads had washed out the day before so we couldn’t go as high as we would have liked.
Lovely trip
Lynne M,,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The scenery was amazing, though we were extremely lucky to have come at a good time when the leaves were very colorful. (Ene of October, but it evidently varies by the year) Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Smokey Mountain s are the best!
Mark B,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience to tour the highlights of Smokey Mountains National Park Definitely take the morning am tour to avoid afternoon traffic. Hannah, our tour guide, amazingly adept at managing the group, providing very detailed history and local lore!
From US$85.00
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Operated by Smoky Mountain Guides