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
274 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The classic tour provided a classic National park tour.
minniegirl1,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour operator, Phillip, was a true expert along with being welcoming and accommodating. The tour itself, was great and as expect based on the itinerary, but Philip was willing to tailor it more to the groups wishes, which I thought was great. The van was comfortable and the stops were all breathtaking. There were some unexpected closure, but that is no fault of the tour itself.
Rocky Mountain experience
Zoraida B,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing experience! Jay was an incredible guide, and we were lucky enough to have the tour all to ourselves, which made it feel like a private tour. We truly loved every moment. A big thank you to Jay and the company for going above and beyond by dropping us off at our next stop, it was greatly appreciated. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and unforgettable Rocky Mountain experience!
Perfect Introduction to the Smoky Mountains
michellenD8093CA,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience with "Classic" National Park tour, and Phil was an outstanding guide. From the start, he took the time to ask what we wanted to see during our three-hour tour and truly tailored the experience to our interests. The vehicle was comfortable and accommodated our group of 10 with ease, making the ride relaxing and enjoyable. Phil's knowledge and flexibility made the tour feel personal rather than scripted. If you're planning to spend a few days in the Gatlinburg area, I highly recommend doing this tour first - it's a great way to get familiar with the area and decide which spots you'd like to explore more on your own.
Learned so much
Linda R,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was extremely knowledgeable about the park and the surrounding areas. He was open to questions and we learned a lot. Even though the weather was on and off rainy/foggy, we stopped throughout the tour at a variety of locations. We got some excellent photos
Outstanding day at the Park.
Jaime B,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Get a better understanding of the history this National Park. Wes did an outstanding job of educatiing us about the park.
Amazing tour despite the weather!
David B,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Top Notch Tour. When the weather didn't cooperate, the tour company gave us the option to cancel. We had no other available time so we said let's make the best of it. Despite not being able to see some of the main attractions (i.e., the views at high elevations), Phillip met us with a couple of hot beverages to battle the cold weather and we had a great talk about what we should go see. Phillip knows so many stories about the park and its history, we learned a ton and enjoyed every minute of it, while getting snowed on! The tour company was worried that we would be disappointed, but the scenery in this park covered with a layer of snow was amazing! We saw waterfalls, historic old cabins, a river that's scenic at every turn, wildlife, and heard stories of the people that called this park home so many years ago (and even relatively recently!) This was one of the best tours I have ever taken. The tour company was so caring and didn't want to disappoint, warmed us up, fed us snacks, and stuck with us for several hours to give us a tour we won't forget! Thanks Phillip and Clayton! You're the best!
Snow
melissasF7423LR,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kindel took us on a wonderful drive to view mountains and snow. She’s knowledgeable and friendly. We would request her again.
Great tour extremely pleased!
DANIELLE D,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Phillip was a great tour guide! So Friendly and Knowledgeable. Definitely recommend! Answered all questions!
Great introduction to the...
Steve J,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great introduction to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Great history of the park. Gives a great starting point to touring the park. We've taken quite a few guided tours of National Parks, and our guide today, Wes, was one of the top guides we have had.
Wonderful tour of Great Smoky National Park with Wes B!
345susanz,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family of 4 really enjoyed this tour and still talk about it months later! Our tour guide Wes B was great, knowledgable and funny, and gave us a relaxing and beautiful time in the National Park. He took the time to take wonderful and scenic pictures for our family. I would recommend this tour!
From US$85.00
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Operated by Smoky Mountain Guides