smoky mountain audio tour

• HOW IT WORKS
• TRIP PLANNERS

APPALACHIANS BUNDLE

Buy this tour, already a member.

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Adding item to wishlist requires an account.

• Suggested or custom itineraries
• One-time purchase
• No date limit or expiry
• No data connection required to tour
• Free trip planners

GREAT SMOKY MTNS NATIONAL PARK TOUR

• Location: NC & TN, USA
• Audio Points: 180
• Valid: No expiry
• Start: Gatlinburg, Cherokee, or Townsend
• Direction: Multi
• Download: ~87Mb

Tour Route Map

Audio preview.

Highlights Include

• Chimney Tops
• Clingmans Dome
• Grotto Falls
• John Oliver Place
• Laurel Falls
• Mingus Mill
• Morton Tunnel
• Newfound Gap
• Oconaluftee Farm Museum
• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

What to Expect

A diverse set of experiences await you in the most visited National Park in the US.

Don’t miss the immensely popular Cades Cove with its collection of historic homesteads, preserved buildings like Cable Grist Mill and churches. The scenic valley is also one of the best and most reliable areas to see wildlife, including bears.

Crossing the park using Newfound Gap Road , you’ll enjoy that typical mystical scene from Newfound Gap with the blue fog rising from the valleys – the reason why they’re called the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy a side trip to Clingmans Dome , the highest peak in the park, and take the short but steep hike up the walking trail to the flying saucer-style viewing platform.

The 5.5 mile one way loop Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail leaves from right in Gatlinburg and features lush, hardwood forest, Rainbow Falls and the Place of a Thousand Drips , as well as more historic cabins like Noah “Bud” Ogle’s , grist mills, and other preserved buildings.

No matter what your hiking ability or level of enthusiasm is, the Smokies has a trail for you. Maybe one of the short and easy Quiet Walkways is your style. Moderate choices include the Grotto Falls Trail where you maybe lucky enough to see the llamas hauling supplies to LeConte Lodge trekking behind the waterfall.

Or perhaps it’s a steep challenging trail like the Chimney Tops hike that’s on your list. 

Hear stories about the hardy pioneers and founders of the Park, wondrous wildlife and stories about Cherokee Nation culture and museums, all while you explore Great Smoky Mountain National Park at your own pace.

Suggested Start Location

Gatlinburg, Cherokee, or Townsend

Suggested Time

In a single day you’ll be able to visit the highlights of Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove. If you have an extra day, consider saving Cades Cove for its own day and add Roaring Fork Nature Motor Trail. With more time available, stop to enjoy hiking opportunities and time in the towns.

Driving Distance

There are 145 miles of touring inside the Park

WHY ARE THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS UNIQUE?

More than 12 million annual visitors make Great Smoky Mountains National Park the most visited of America’s National Parks. Spreading across the North Carolina-Tennessee state line, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers hikers, wildlife lovers, photographers, waterfall chasers and campers a 522,000-acre playground where they can reconnect with nature.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS?

Summer and Fall are the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s high seasons . Summer sees visitors flocking here for high-elevation hikes and in Fall the mountains turn into patchwork quilts of color as the leaves change.

Conversely, Winter and Spring see fewer visitors. During Winter, some facilities will be closed, but hikers will have trails to themselves and can experience the park in a way few visitors do. Spring begins to see visitors return, drawn by wildflowers, warming days and wildlife. 

WHAT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PART OF THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS?

Driving Newfound Gap Road is a highlight for many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park . This 33-mile road passes a number of scenic overlooks and trailheads including Clingmans Dome where the views are impressive. Other popular highlights include Cades Cove Loop and the Roaring Fork Motor. Nature Trail.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS?

Most visitors can experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 3 days , visiting pockets of the park like Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap, Cades Cove, and the areas around Sugarlands and Oconaluftee Visitors Centers; getting in a couple of short hikes; and finding a waterfall or two where they can rest and recharge. 

WHEN IS THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS OPEN?

Great Smoky Mountain National Park is open daily, year-round, with some facilities closing for the slower, colder winter season . Clingmans Dome Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail close to automobile traffic in late November and reopen in early April, and inclement weather causes the temporary closure of some roads like Newfound Gap Road during winter.

ARE THERE ENTRANCE FEES FOR GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has no entrance fees or admission costs, but the park is introducing mandatory parking tags in March 2023 .

Consider making a donation to Friends of the Smokies who Preserve Protect and Provide for needed projects.

WHEN CAN I SEE THE FIREFLIES IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS?

The Elkmont area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the home to a rare sight: a colony of synchronous fireflies. For two weeks from late May through early June, they rise from the grass in a field near the campground to blink out their mating call message. Each spring, a lottery for parking passes and access to the synchronous firefly field takes place. It’s only $1 to put your name in the hat for a chance at one of a few thousand passes.

Trip Planning

Reservations and vehicle access.

A lottery determines who gets to view the synchronous fireflies that are usually on display for a few weeks around late May to late June. For more details, visit the NPS website .

Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to all vehicles on Wednesdays from May through September to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians and their safe use of the scenic loop road.

Trailers, RVs and buses are prohibited on some secondary roads in the park , including Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trip Planner

• {{ index + 1 }} {{ track.track_title }} {{ track.track_artist }} {{ track.album_title }} {{ track.length }}

SELF GUIDED AUDIO TOURS HAWAII

Use the same account for both our website and app

Already have an account? Log In.

You can also Checkout as guest and miss all the fun!

Don't have an account? Sign up.

Email address

Create an account

Already have an account? Log in

Confirm password

Use 8 or more characters with a mix of letters, numbers & symbols

Type the email you used to create the account.

Check your email and follow link for restore password

Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour

Experience incredible mountain views, abundant wildlife and rich history!

HOW IT WORKS

Explore on your terms.

It's your vacation - what you see and do is up to you. You choose where to stop on the tour and how long to stay.

Authentic Storytelling

Every tour stop, story and song has been carefully curated so you can make the most of your vacation.

Let Us Be Your Guide

We use GPS to give you reliable, turn-by-turn navigation to our favorite spots. We've done the research so you don't have to.

Download App to your iOS or Android device

Tours work offline

Audio tours play based on your GPS location

Turn-by-turn navigation

Nearby Tours

Blue Ridge Parkway South Tour

Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour

Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Tour

Shenandoah National Park Tour

New River Gorge National Park Tour

Download The Shaka Guide App

Get the shaka guide app.

Join Our Newsletter!

We won't spam you! We’ll send you information about new tour releases, trip planning, and awesome stories.

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Earn onekeycash when you sign in and book an activity.

Check availability

• About this activity

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation

Don't miss a thing as GuideAlong's Great Smoky Mountains Audio Driving Tour takes you on an incredible journey through the most visited US national park.

Along the way you'll be guided to all of the park's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including the lowest drivable pass, historic Cades Cove buildings and the park's highest point.

Download discover more on your Smokies road trip with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions that plays automatically along the drive.

With GyPSy Guide you have the freedom to explore offline at your own pace so you can spend more time at places that interest you, bypass any that don’t.

✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location ✅ Travel at your own pace ✅ Tours work offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed ✅ Suggested itineraries & tips for half, full or multi day use ✅ No time limits or expiry, free updates ✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive

Activity location

• 107 Park Headquarters Rd
• 37738-4102, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 37738, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States
• Thu, Jun 27 $20
• Fri, Jun 28 $20
• Sat, Jun 29 $20
• Sun, Jun 30 $20
• Mon, Jul 1 $20
• Tue, Jul 2 $20
• Wed, Jul 3 $20
• Thu, Jul 4 $20
• Fri, Jul 5 $20
• Sat, Jul 6 $20
• Sun, Jul 7 $20
• Mon, Jul 8 $20
• Tue, Jul 9 $20
• Wed, Jul 10 $20
• Thu, Jul 11 $20

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour in English

• Activity duration is 1 day 1d 1d
• Opening hours: Thu 12:00am-11:59pm

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
• What's included What's included Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
• What's included What's included Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
• What's included What's included Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
• What's included What's included GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 180 Points
• What's included What's included One-Time Purchase: No time or date use limit or expiry
• What's included What's included Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own

Know before you book

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Great smoky mountains national park.

• Admission ticket not included

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Grotto falls trail, mingus mill, newfound gap, clingmans dome, best deals on things to do, top experiences in gatlinburg.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour

As the saying goes, ‘The journey is the destination.’ Imagine traversing the winding roads of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, enveloped in the beauty of nature while the Audio Driving Tour unfolds before you. Each turn reveals a new story, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

But what makes this experience truly exceptional? Stay tuned to uncover the seamless blend of technology and nature that promises a one-of-a-kind adventure through this majestic landscape.

• Immerse in the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a self-paced audio driving tour.
• Explore the park at your convenience with informative location-based commentary.
• Enjoy a seamless and flexible experience with operating hours from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM.
• Benefit from a Lowest Price Guarantee per group, ensuring a valuable and educational journey.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Moonshine Mountain Coaster Ride
• Gatlinburg Scavenger Hunt
• Gatlinburg Ghosts of The Smokies Most Haunted Tour
• Gatlinburg Small-Group Classic Smoky Mountains Tour

Tour Details

Discover the convenience and flexibility of the self-paced audio driving tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park through the GuideAlong app.

This self-paced experience allows visitors to explore the park at their own pace while enjoying location-based commentary that automatically plays based on their whereabouts.

With official tour introduction points in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge , Cherokee , and Townsend , visitors have the flexibility to start and end the tour anywhere along the route.

The tour is a non-refundable experience priced per group (up to 8 people) with a Lowest Price Guarantee. Enjoy the beauty of the park while learning interesting facts and stories through the self-guided audio tour.

Operating Information

Operating within specific hours, the self-paced audio driving tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides visitors with a flexible and immersive experience through the GuideAlong app.

The tour operates from May 16, 2023, to April 21 , 2025, seven days a week, from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM. Visitors can enjoy the tour at their own pace, starting and ending at any point along the route.

It’s important to note that there’s a strict no refund policy in place, meaning once the tour is booked, no changes or cancellations are allowed. Visitors should plan accordingly and make sure to check availability before booking to ensure they can fully enjoy this non-refundable experience.

Customer Reviews

Venturing into the realm of customer feedback, the reviews for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park audio driving tour echo a resounding positivity among visitors.

With a total review count of 32 and an impressive overall rating of 5.0 on Viator and Tripadvisor, it’s evident that customer satisfaction is high. Review analysis reveals that the majority of comments are overwhelmingly positive, with specific mentions of the excellent narration, the value for money, and the overall experience being highlighted.

Visitors like Veronica_H, Sheri_H , kellie_d , Rick_B , and Dale_J have all left glowing reviews, praising different aspects of the tour.

The responses from the tour host to these positive reviews further emphasize the appreciation for feedback and the encouragement for customers to join again, fostering a sense of community among travelers.

Additional Information

For travelers seeking essential details and key points about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park audio driving tour, additional information is available to enhance the tour experience.

The tour enhancements include access to traveler photos and the Viator Help Center for any questions that may arise during the journey.

The app functionality allows for a seamless experience, with commentary playing automatically based on the traveler’s location. It also offers a Check Availability feature for convenience.

While the tour is non-refundable, these additional resources aim to provide valuable support and enrich the overall exploration of the park.

Whether admiring stunning landscapes or learning about the park’s rich history, these features aim to ensure a memorable and informative journey for all travelers.

Traveler Photos

To enrich your exploration of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park audio driving tour, explore captivating snapshots captured by fellow travelers in the ‘Traveler Photos’ section. These photo memories offer a glimpse into the scenic views that await you along the journey.

Enjoy the beauty of lush forests, majestic mountains , serene rivers , and diverse wildlife through the lens of other visitors. Witness stunning sunrises over the misty valleys, vibrant fall foliage painting the landscape, and the enchanting play of light and shadows in dense forests.

These traveler photos not only serve as visual mementos but also inspire you to seek out these breathtaking vistas and create your own unforgettable moments in this natural wonderland.

Viator Help Center

The Viator Help Center provides comprehensive assistance for any inquiries or concerns regarding the Great Smoky Mountains National Park audio driving tour experience.

Customer Support: Dedicated team available to address questions promptly.

Tour Troubleshooting: Solutions for technical issues with the audio guide.

FAQ Section: Commonly asked questions answered for quick reference.

Contact Information: Direct access to reach out via phone or email.

Operating Hours: Details on when support is available for assistance.

Customer Engagement

Engage with customers through personalized responses to their feedback, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for their experiences during the audio driving tour. Encouraging feedback allows visitors to feel valued and heard, while building relationships that extend beyond a single tour.

By responding to positive reviews with gratitude and enthusiasm, hosts can show their dedication to providing an exceptional experience. Encouraging customers to join the tour again not only boosts engagement but also creates a loyal following. Expressing appreciation for feedback demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

These interactions not only enhance the current tour experience but also lay the foundation for future road trips together, strengthening the bond between hosts and visitors.

Looking to navigate the scenic routes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park efficiently? Here are some exploration tips and scenic viewpoints to enhance your driving tour experience:

• Take the Newfound Gap Road for breathtaking views of the mountain range.
• Stop by Clingmans Dome to witness stunning panoramic vistas of the park.
• Explore Cades Cove for a glimpse into the area’s history with preserved homesteads.
• Drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail for lush forests and cascading waterfalls.
• Don’t miss the overlook at Morton Overlook for a picturesque sunrise or sunset view.

These directions will lead you to some of the most captivating spots in the park, perfect for creating lasting memories.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg
• High Points Driving Tour

Common questions

Can i bring my pet on the audio driving tour of great smoky mountains national park.

Yes, pets are not allowed on the audio driving tour. However, there are pet-friendly accommodations available in the area for your furry friend. Please check with local facilities for specific pet restrictions and options.

Are There Any Recommended Stops or Viewpoints Along the Tour Route?

Visitors can enjoy recommended viewpoints and scenic stops along the tour route. These key spots provide breathtaking views and unique perspectives of the Great Smoky Mountains. The audio guide enhances the experience with informative commentary at each location.

Is There a Specific Time of Day Recommended for Taking the Audio Driving Tour?

The best time to take the audio driving tour is in the early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Enjoy scenic views at their finest during these times, enhancing your overall experience.

Are There Any Dining Options or Picnic Areas Along the Tour Route?

Visitors can find delightful picnic spots scattered along the tour route, offering serene settings for a relaxing meal. Plus, the area boasts charming local restaurants where travelers can savor delicious meals while seeing the park’s beauty.

Are There Any Special Events or Activities Happening in the Park During the Tour Dates?

Upcoming events and activities within Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the tour dates include ranger-led programs, nature walks , and special presentations. Visitors should adhere to park regulations, guidelines , and respect wildlife.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Impossibilities Magic Show at the Iris Theater Ticket
• Gatlinburg Mountaintop Zipline and Sky Bridge Experience (Mar )
• Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour
• Clingmans Dome Hike
• Roaring Fork Trail Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
• Gatlinburg: Ghosts of the Smokies Haunted Walking Tour
• Gatlinburg: Scavenger Hunt Excursion With a Smartphone App
• Gatlinburg: Escape Room Group Ticket
• Great Smoky & Shenandoah National Park Driving Audio Tour
• Gatlinburg: Impossibilities Magic and Mind-Reading Show
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour

Set out on a captivating journey through Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the Audio Driving Tour. With the convenience of the GuideAlong app and automatic commentary, visitors can explore at their own pace and discover the park’s beauty.

Backed by glowing customer reviews and a Lowest Price Guarantee, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience for up to eight individuals. Don’t miss out on this immersive way to experience one of America’s most stunning national parks.

• Redeem Password

Smoky Mountain Tour: Self-Guided Drive

Incl bonus tour of roaring fork motor trail.

Tour Details

Upgrade to bundles & save.

25+ National Park Tours: Self-Guided Driving Bundle SAVE WITH BUNDLES $459.96 $84.99

Action+ Annual Unlimited Subscription of 160+ Tours for $99.99 SAVE WITH BUNDLES $99.99

Great Smoky & Cades Cove Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle SAVE WITH BUNDLES $31.98 $24.99

Great Smoky, Cades Cove, Shenandoah & Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle SAVE WITH BUNDLES $71.96 $39.99

East Coast Fall Foliage Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tours Bundle(20+ Tours) SAVE WITH BUNDLES $229.99 $74.99

Welcome to the smoky mountain tour.

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover why it’s the most visited National Park in the country! Tour these famous mountains while learning about Cherokee history and legends, Appalachian life, and much more. We’ll point you to all the best spots to take in the timeless wonders of the mountains. There’s no better way to see Clingman’s Dome, Cades Cove, or Rainbow Falls than on the Smoky Mountains tour!

About the Tour

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover why it’s the most visited National Park in the country! Buckle up and prepare for a deep dive into the most famous stretch of the Appalachians.

As you drive through these scenic mountains, you’ll hear all about parts of Cherokee history you’ve never heard before, like the ancient Cherokee monarchy and the revolutionaries who fought against it! You’ll also get to hear detailed accounts of Cherokee ancestral legends about these mountains, from the great buzzard who shaped the Smoky Mountains from clay to the witch whose droplets of blood bloom into stalks of corn!

The Great Smoky Mountains are so vast that it can be tricky to find all the best spots—that’s where we come in. We’ll point you to all the most breathtaking, awe-inspiring sights in the park. Witness the majesty of Rainbow Falls, the 360-degree views atop Clingmans Dome, and the deep-rooted history of the Elys Mill. Our flexible route allows you to take all the time you need to admire the timeless wonders of the mountains.

Along the way, the Smoky Mountains Tour will fill you in not just on the rich history of the area and the people who have lived here but also on the complex flora and fauna which call these mountains home. Get to know the creatures of Cades Cove and learn how wildfires form an integral part of this vast, interconnected ecosystem.

All this without fussing with a map or adhering to someone else’s schedule! As you drive, audio stories will automatically pop up and start playing, allowing you to keep your attention on the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is situated in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, covering 800 square miles or 520,000 acres.

Upgrade and Save:

Upgrade and save with our bundle options! Get more for your money today!

• Great Smoky & Cades Cove: Explore both for an affordable $24.99, saving 22%.
• Great Smoky, Cades Cove, Shenandoah & Blue Ridge Parkway Bundle: Experience the beauty of the Appalachian with self-guided driving tours for $39.99 per car and save 44%.
• East Coast Fall Foliage: Immerse yourself in 25+ self-guided driving and walking tours for $74.99 and save 67%.
• 25+ National Parks Bundle: At $84.99, access 25+ National Parks and save 80% on the total value.

Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+ :

• An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 160+ tours.
• Unlimited use throughout the year.
• Includes free access to new tours as they are released.

NOTE: Learn more about the road conditions, admission fees, and other pertinent information here .

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Map

Where To Start?

Start Point Addresses:

Great Smoky (From Gatlingburg):   1151  Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Great Smoky Reverse tour (From Cherokee):   1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719

How Does It Work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome - oconaluftee visitor centre.

Your drive through the beautiful, majestic Smoky Mountains begins at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Get ready to explore the Smokies and discover why this is the most visited National Park in the country!

Mingus Mill and Trail

As you drive, you'll have the option to take a detour to the Mingus Mill, an 1886 grist mill which, believe it or not, is still fully functional! If you're here on weekends, you can even see the mill operators grind corn just like they did back in the 1800s.

Beech Flats Quiet Walkway

Your first major stop is the Beech Flats Quiet Walkway, a perfect spot for anyone who wants to soak up the natural beauty of the mountains without having to hike an arduous trail.

Your route takes you next to Webb View, a spectacular overlook offering unmatched views of the Smokies. It's the perfect spot to snap a few photos!

Clingmans Dome

Next, you'll have the option to visit Clingman's Dome. Standing at over 6,600 feet above sea level, this peak offers an unbeatable panorama of the Smokies.

Clingmans Dome Tower

Heading toward Clingman's Dome, you'll soon see its famous observation tower. You really haven't seen the Great Smoky Mountains until you've seen them from up here!

Clingmans Dome VC

Then you'll arrive at the Clingman's Dome Visitor Center, where you'll find the trail leading the final half-mile to the top of the dome.

Newfound Gap Story

From there, your drive continues to Newfound Gap, a stunning mountain pass with huge historical significance. Hear the story of how trappers, farmers, and merchants used to cross the Smokies, and how this gap changed all of that.

Rockefeller Memorial

Up next is the Rockefeller Memorial, where you'll learn more about Rockefeller's importance to the park! This memorial was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt himself.

Morton Overlook

After that, you'll reach Morton Overlook, hugely popular for its unbelievable sunsets.

Morton Tunnel

Continuing on, you'll pass through the heart of a mountain using the Morton Tunnel. Here, you'll also hear about how a politician named Ben Morton got his name all over the park.

Next you'll pass the Alum Cave Trail, which takes hikers to the remains of an old salt mine packed with fascinating history.

Chimney Tops Overlook

Your route takes you next to Chimney Tops Overlook, where you'll hear all about wildfires in the Smokies and how they cause lasting damage to mountains like this one.

Turn for Cade Coves Tour Ahead

After that, you'll have the option to head to Cades Cove for a separate, in-depth tour of that beautiful and historic part of the park.

Balsom Point Quiet Walkway

Up next is Balsam Point Quiet Walkway, offering nature-filled solitude and lovely views of Pigeon River.

Carlos Campbell Overlook

The next overlook on your route is Carlos Campbell Overlook, which serves up panoramic views of towering mountains and lush forests.

Sugarlands Valley Trail

Next up is the most accessible trail in the park: Sugarlands Valley Trail! This scenic trail can be accessed by wheelchair or stroller, and offers a great way to venture into the wilderness.

Sugarlands Visitor Centre

The tour leads next to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, a perfect rest stop and the site of a few trailheads.

Cataract Falls

Your drive continues to Cataract Falls, a beautiful, secluded set of waterfalls tucked beneath a shaded canopy of beech trees.

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Our next stop is perfect for anyone amused by kitschy oddities. This funky museum displays everything from shrunken human heads to rare animal skeletons. We'll get the inside scoop on how it started as a simple one-panel comic strip and grew into a national phenomenon.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Continue following the road to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This driving trail invites you to slow down and enjoy the forest and historic buildings of the area. It also features three of the park's most famous waterfalls!

Next, we'll pass by the Ogle Place, the historic home of one of Gatlinburg's earliest families, which offers us a fascinating glimpse into how people lived a couple hundred years ago.

Rainbow Falls

Our route takes us next to the Rainbow Falls Trail, which leads to the park's most popular waterfall. Standing at 80 feet, Rainbow Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Smokies, but that's not all! When the sun hits it right, it glimmers like a rainbow--hence the name.

Grotto Falls

Keep driving until you reach the Grotto Falls trail. While it's not quite as grand as Rainbow Falls, this secluded, less crowded waterfall is absolutely worth a visit. On your way, hear about a rare salamander you can only find right here!

Place of a Thousand Drips

Why settle for one waterfall when you can have several? Our next stop is the Place of a Thousand Drips, where numerous narrow falls come together to form a stunning torrent.

Baskin Creek Falls

Our drive takes us next to the Baskin Creek Falls, a sparkling waterfall where we'll hear about the amusing, and slightly misguided history behind the name of these falls.

Ephraim Bales Cabin

Up next, we'll pass the Ephraim Bales Cabin, a portal back in time to the 19th century. We'll hear all about the family that lived here, and why there's a big hole in the middle of their cabin!

Reagan Tub Mill and Cabin

The road brings us next to the Reagen Cabin, which displays a perfect example of old-timey technology in the form of the so-called "tub mill." Hear all about what that is and why it was useful here.

Next, our drive takes us to Ely's Mill, a historic mill on the outskirts of Gatlinburg which gives us another window into the lives of the early Appalachian settlers. Here, we'll learn about Andrew Ely, the bigshot lawyer who upended his entire life after his wife died, abandoned his law practice, and moved to Gatlinburg to start over and live a simpler life.

Gatlinburg - Conclusion

Finally, you'll arrive in the picturesque mountian town of Gatlinburg, where your tour will conclude.

Preview The Tour

  how did the great smoky mountains get their name.

It was actually a publicity stunt from Charles Webb, a newspaper editor in the 1920s. To encourage tourism to the Smokies, he hired a journalist and a photographer to capture the mountains’ natural beauty. Webb thought “The Smoky Mountains” was too boring; he needed to capture the grandeur, the scope, the sweeping majesty. So all his advertisements and brochures were emblazoned instead with “Visit the Great Smoky Mountains!” And that’s the name that stuck when the mountains were turned into an official national park.

  Are dogs allowed in the Great Smoky Mountains?

You can bring your dog to campgrounds, picnic spots, and along paved roads, as long as you keep them on a leash. But please, DON’T bring your pet along the walking and hiking trails. 

  Can you drive through Great Smoky Mountain National Park?

Yes! The Smokies have a vehicle route that allows you to observe the mountains on your Great Smoky Mountains driving tour. 

  When is the best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains?

Visit in September or October for stunning fall foliage. 80% of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is covered in hardwood forests: trees like birch, beech, and maple. Each of these trees flares up in vibrant colors in early fall. Whether you’re looking down at them from a scenic overlook or walking among them on one of the park’s many trails, there’s no understating how incredible it is to see the Smokies in fall.

  Which side of the Smoky Mountains is best?

How can you pick just one? Both the Tennessee side and North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park have so much to offer.

  How long does it take to drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

A driving tour through Great Smoky Mountains National Park only takes about two hours.

  How do you avoid crowds in the Smoky Mountain National Park?

Most visitors come to the Great Smoky Mountains for summer vacation. July is by far the busiest month for the park. The park will reach its busiest point between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Try visiting before or after those times for a more relaxed experience.

  What is the most popular destination in the Smoky Mountains National Park?

The location in the Great Smoky Mountains that attracts the most tourists every year is the fabulous Cades Cove Loop Road.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Nearby tours.

Sending login info,please wait...

Sending info,please wait...

Sending register info,please wait...

All tours are valid for a lifetime. Buy now, travel whenever—coupon code on the next screen. Subscribe to our newsletter below.

Know about new tour launches, get exclusive access to sales and much more. Subscribe to our newsletter below—coupon code on the next screen. 

WATE Knoxville

Two hikers rescued in the Smoky Mountains

Posted: June 4, 2024 | Last updated: June 4, 2024

Over the weekend, the Tennessee National Guard rescued two hikers suffering medical emergencies from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Flight Facility Commander Major Hulon Holmes with the National Guard gave WATE an inside look at how rescues like that happen.

More for You

Deutsche Bank Article Among Trump's Classified Documents Raises Eyebrows

Millionaire Treasury Secretary Yellen Slammed for 'Out of Touch' Remark About Grocery Shopping

Forgotten thriller becomes Netflix smash with 5,000,000 views in a week

‘I feel ripped off’: Californians fed up with fast food chains hiking prices are now biting back — by taking their business elsewhere. Where they’re going instead

How to clear the cache on your iPhone (and why you should)

7 CDs You Probably Owned, Threw Out and Now Are Worth Bank

Putin Dealt a Double Blow in Europe

‘I gave up a job that I loved passionately’: My husband secretly set up a trust that includes our home and his investments. What should I do?

What Does It Mean When Whiskey Is Bottled-In-Bond?

Electric vehicle prices are tumbling. Here's the financial impact.

Here's the Average Upper-Class American's Retirement Savings. How Do You Compare?

What the term 'Wi-Fi' actually means

Atom bomb-sized blast in Russia may have been caused by a black hole

Bears HC says former third-round WR is like a 'freight train' returning kickoffs

Ignore the critics – Kevin Costner’s three-hour western is a must-watch

'America's Got Talent' judges caught off guard by 10-year-old girl's heavy metal performance

Travis Kelce Scores Big Win After Taylor Swift Eras Tour Appearance

4 Big Differences Between Shopping at Costco vs. Costco.com

How miners find, cut, and transport the most expensive amethysts in the world

6 Items From the 1950s Worth a Lot of Money Today