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
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.
Options
The "Classic" National Park Tour
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
304 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Smokey Mountain tour
Ethel M,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Explains everything, takes you places to see older homes and the history, overlook places. So much more. I highly recommend this tour.
Our guide was very...
Shirley W,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable. I would recommend this if it is your first time to the park and plan to visit again. Our guide showed us multiple trails that fit our level of hiking.
Our tour guide, Phillip,...
Misty R,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide, Phillip, was great! Couldn’t have asked for a better tour experience, was a highlight of our trip.
Such a great tour! Wes...
Aranza G,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a great tour! Wes was so knowledgeable and fun! My sister and I really enjoyed his humor and he knew so much about the places we visited which made it so much better!
It was an wonderful...
Suraj D,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an wonderful experience, our guide Mr. WES was highly skilled and knowledgeable, we thoroughly enjoyed the tour
A great intro to the Park.
E198ZJjoannm,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an awesome introduction to the Park. Wes, our guide, was knowledgeable in both sharing information and answering our many questions. Nothing was scripted. He has a passion for the Park, the outdoors and the history of the area. The tour of the historic homes was an unexpected bonus. We highly recommend his tour.
The ONLY way to see the Smokies
donnafE4423BX,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolute must -do when you visit the Smokies. Smoky Mountain Guides is the best choice if you really want to immerse yourself in the area. Why navigate the miles of twists and turns when you can sit back, relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of this beautiful park from the comfort of a clean, escorted van? Wes, our guide, made the morning fun and informative sharing his deep knowledge of the area in engaging conversation. Highly recommend!!
Very informative tour and...
Diane L,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative tour and I feel like we learned about the history and saw beautiful areas of the Great Smokey Mountains.
Very informative about...
Janie D,May 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative about local history and environment. Guide was very pleasant, friendly and helpful to clients that needed assistance.
Smokey Mountain van tour
Meander565411,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We drove with Philip to significant areas of the Smokey Mtns out of Gatlinburg for 3 hours. Philip was very knowledgeable about the National Park and about local families that lived in the area before the area became a national park.
Related Experiences
Operated by Smoky Mountain Guides