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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

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Dolly Parton Just Dropped Huge Career News at Dollywood Event

The country music icon is releasing a new album this fall.

Unlike Rockstar , which was a departure from her typical music, this new album goes right back to Dolly's roots in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. At the opening for the new Dolly Parton Experience at her Dollywood theme park in Gatlinburg, she took the stage and broke the news that her new album is coming out in November.

Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables drops on November 15, and the album will be accompanied by a four-part docuseries. As the name suggests, the album pays homage to Dolly's heritage.

According to USA Today , she said, "My Uncle Bill Owens was by my side for many years helping me develop my music. I owe so much to him and all the family members past and present who have inspired me along this journey. I am honored to spotlight our families' musical legacy that is my Smoky Mountain DNA."

Produced by Dolly's cousin Richie Owens, the album will blend the musical histories of Dolly's paternal Parton family members and the maternal Owens side of her family, dating back to the 1600s. It will feature performances by members of Dolly's family spanning the generations.

Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA will be available for preorder beginning on June 21 and will include early download of two tracks.

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Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. She’s currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazine’s next issue 

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Published: 2024/05/24

• Dolly Parton to Explore Country Heritage on ‘Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables’  Record and Docuseries

Photo Credit: Dean Budnick

Dolly Parton has announced Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables , a new record that will explore her family history and the rich culture of Southern Appalachia. Set to arrive on November 15 via her Owepar Entertainment imprint, this project will show the country legend tracing the roots of her musical heritage through a definitive collection of new and recovered folk recordings and a companion four-part docuseries.

“I cannot believe that it has been 60 years this month since I graduated from Sevier County High School and moved to Nashville to pursue my dreams,” Dolly recalls on the humble beginnings of her incomparably impactful career. “My Uncle Bill Owens was by my side for many years helping me develop my music. I owe so much to him and all the family members past and present who have inspired me along this journey. I am honored to spotlight our families’ musical legacy that is my Smoky Mountain DNA.”

Smoky Mountain DNA shares the story of two families: the Partridge clan and Dolly’s maternal ancestry, the Owens. From the United Kingdom of the 17th century through the glistening East Tennessee haven that is Dollywood today, the sweeping-scale genealogical endeavor will spotlight not only the family traditions that gave rise to one of country’s most vital innovators, but also the broader culture it reflects; in the words and songs of the Iron Butterfly’s forebearers, the album and series set out to enshrine the region as the rural cradle for the thoroughly-American folk songbook.

This landmark Dolly dispatch features performances from a litany of members of the artist’s extended family, from salvaged tapes of dearly departed ancestors to current collaborations with relatives of the latest generation. One figure on whom the project focuses is the Reverend Jake Owens, Dolly’s grandfather and a formative influence who freely shared his faith, values and love for sonic storytelling with his kin and community. Owens is one central stitch in the grand tapestry of the lineage on display, which collects personal memories of bygone crooners and concerts to broach powerful universal truths.

Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables will become available for pre-order on June 21, which will also bring the project’s first pair of preview selections and the complete tracklist. For more information, visit owepar.com/book/smoky-mountain-dna/ .

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I explored an abandoned resort town in the Great Smoky Mountains where wealthy city dwellers vacationed 100 years ago. Take a look around.

• There's a resort town in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that was abandoned in the late 1900s. 
• The National Parks Service began restoring the ghost town in 2009, and now it's open to the public.
• I visited the town, called Elkmont, and toured the insides of cabins built more than 100 years ago.

Hidden in the lush woods of Great Smoky Mountains National Park , a once-abandoned resort town known as Elkmont is full of 100-year-old cabins.

I visited in the spring of 2023 and was amazed to find the cabins preserved and restored by the National Parks Service were open for public viewing. 

When I made plans to visit the historic district , I expected to wander outside cabins and see their facades, so I was excited to find I was actually able to step inside them for a more intimate look at what life was like 100 years ago.

Elkmont Historic District is in a valley on the northern border of the park just south of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

I traveled to the town by taxi. Drivers can take the US-411 from Gatlinburg and turn at the "Elkmont Campground" sign, according to Visit My Smokies , a tourism site run by Sevier County. From there, take a left at the sign that says "Elkmont Nature Trail." 

When I arrived in Elkmont, I learned about the land's rich history through on-site information provided by the NPS.

According to the site's historical markers, the land was used for farming in the 1800s. Then a railroad was built in the 20th century, bringing loggers and tourists to the area. This led to the establishment of a resort town .

About 100 years ago, wealthy Tennessee travelers took the train to the resort community to escape hot summers in cities and find "harmony with nature," according to the same source.

Families spent their summers relaxing on the porches of their vacation cabins and playing outdoors, one NPS marker said.

The resort town diminished after the National Parks Service bought the land in 1934.

Residents had the option of selling their cabins for full price or at half-price with a lifetime lease, according to Visit My Smokies .

By the late 20th century, the once-booming resort community was a ghost town.

In 1992, the NPS stopped renewing leases and the abandoned cabins deteriorated.

In 2009, the NPS announced plans to preserve Elkmont's historic buildings.

Volunteers removed trees, repaired roofs and ceilings, and added insulation to the cabins, Knox News reported.

During my visit, I explored the insides of all the cabins lining the pedestrian street.

There are 16 of them, 10 News reported.

The oldest cabin in town was built in 1830 and then moved in 1932 to serve as a guest house in the resort community, according to NPS on-site information.

The one-story building stood out to me because I thought it looked older than the rest with a distressed, wooden facade that remained unpainted.

Inside, there was a single, large room with nothing but a stone fireplace.

I thought the weathered, empty home felt eerie. 

In fact, all the cabins were free of furniture.

But I thought details like built-in kitchen counters and cabinets gave them a sense of a past life.

Looking out the windows of these historic cabins, I thought about what it would have been like to vacation here a century ago.

I pictured waking up to natural views with no agenda. I thought it seemed like the ideal getaway for city dwellers like me.

On my way out of Elkmont, I noticed a handful of families wandering the street. This made me think that the site is no longer the ghost town it once was.

I left Elkmont with a sense of what the once-abandoned resort community was like and felt grateful for the preservation crew that made it possible for me to visit.

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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.

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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.

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• About this activity

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour

• 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
• Sat, May 25 $15
• Sun, May 26 $15
• Mon, May 27 $15
• Tue, May 28 $15
• Wed, May 29 $15
• Thu, May 30 $15
• Fri, May 31 $15
• Sat, Jun 1 $15
• Sun, Jun 2 $15
• Mon, Jun 3 $15
• Tue, Jun 4 $15
• Wed, Jun 5 $15
• Thu, Jun 6 $15
• Fri, Jun 7 $15
• Sat, Jun 8 $15

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour in English

• Activity duration is 1 day 1d 1d
• Opening hours: Sat 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: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Unbeknownst to many, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park harbors a treasure trove of history and natural beauty waiting to be explored. Imagine enjoying a world where the echoes of the past meet the tranquility of untouched landscapes.

As visitors journey through this self-guided audio driving tour, they will uncover hidden gems and encounter the inhabitants of this majestic wilderness. Stay tuned to discover how this innovative tour unveils the secrets of the Great Smoky Mountains, offering a unique perspective on this renowned national park.

• Flexible and fully-automatic audio tour for exploring the Smokies at your own pace.
• Discover historic cabins, mills , wildlife, and diverse ecosystems in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Easy-to-use GuideAlong app with 180+ audio points for stories, tips, and directions.
• Convenient meeting points in Gatlinburg, Cherokee , or Townsend for a hassle-free experience.

Booking Details

Want to secure your spot for the Great Smoky Mountains Audio Driving Tour hassle-free? Booking flexibility and convenient payment options make it a breeze.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the ability to reserve now and pay later, travelers can keep their plans flexible. The tour is wheelchair accessible for added convenience, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience.

Experience Highlights

Enjoy the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a flexible and fully-automatic audio driving tour experience. Discover the following highlights:

Wildlife Spotting : Keep your eyes peeled for bears, elk , salamanders , and fireflies as you drive through the park.

Scenic Drives: Enjoy the picturesque views along Newfound Gap Road and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Historical Landmarks: Learn about the rich history of the park as you explore historic cabins and mills in Cades Cove.

This interactive experience allows you to explore the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of the Great Smoky Mountains at your own pace, offering a unique and engaging way to connect with this beautiful natural environment.

More Great Things To Do Nearby

Detailed Tour Description

Discover the captivating journey that awaits as the audio tour seamlessly guides you through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, unveiling intriguing stories and providing clear directions to immerse you in its rich history and natural wonders.

The tour allows you to explore historic log buildings, wildlife, hiking trails , and scenic viewpoints . Be prepared to witness abundant wildlife and diverse bird species along the way. Make sure to visit the scenic overlooks for breathtaking views of the park’s beauty.

Explore the history of the area by exploring Cades Cove with its historic homesteads and preserved buildings. Traverse the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to discover waterfalls and historic landmarks, offering a truly immersive experience in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Included in the Great Smoky Mountains Audio Driving Tour is a link to download the GuideAlong app for the audio tour experience. This app enhances the tour by providing 180+ audio points with stories, tips, and directions. The tour offers flexible itineraries or the option to create your own journey, making it suitable for all types of adventurers. Plus, the app features GPS-based location autoplay, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for all participants.

Equipment suggestions : Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera for capturing the stunning scenery, and binoculars for wildlife spotting .

Scenic viewpoints : The tour includes stops at breathtaking scenic viewpoints where you can take in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and capture memorable photographs.

Logistics and Preparation

For a smooth and enjoyable Great Smoky Mountains Audio Driving Tour experience, participants can easily be added to the tour by checking availability for their desired date and selecting a meeting point in Gatlinburg, Cherokee , or Townsend.

Once the booking is confirmed, it’s essential to prepare adequately for the adventure. Packing tips include bringing comfortable walking shoes for exploring the various stops, such as historic log buildings, scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails . Participants should also consider packing water, snacks , sunscreen , and insect repellent to stay hydrated and protected from the elements.

Plus, carrying a fully charged smartphone with the GuideAlong app downloaded will ensure easy access to the 180+ audio points with stories, tips, and directions throughout the tour.

Audio Tour Features

The audio tour features an immersive and convenient way to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with engaging stories and precise directions provided throughout the journey. Visitors can enjoy the following benefits:

• Interactive engagement
• Audio commentary
• Detailed insights into the park’s history and natural features

Through the GuideAlong app, participants can explore the park’s rich narratives while receiving navigational cues, making it an enriching and seamless experience. The audio commentary ensures that travelers aren’t only informed but also entertained as they traverse the stunning landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Wildlife and Ecosystem Exploration

Set out on an immersive journey through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where diverse ecosystems and captivating wildlife await discovery at every turn.

Bird watching enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of species that call this park home, from colorful warblers to majestic birds of prey soaring overhead.

Nature photography opportunities abound as well, with picturesque landscapes , cascading waterfalls , and unique flora providing the perfect subjects for capturing the beauty of the Smokies.

From black bears to salamanders , the park’s wildlife is rich and varied, offering visitors a chance to observe these creatures in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or just beginning to explore the wonders of the outdoors, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park promises an unforgettable wildlife and ecosystem exploration experience.

Common questions

Are There Any Specific Restrictions or Rules to Be Aware of When Driving Through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on This Audio Tour?

When driving through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this audio tour, there are no specific restrictions or driving rules to be aware of. Visitors can enjoy the tour at their own pace.

Is There a Recommended Time of Day to Embark on the Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour for the Best Experience?

For the best experience on the self-guided audio driving tour, the recommended time of day is early morning or late afternoon. These times offer stunning scenic views , optimal wildlife sightings , and cooler temperatures for a comfortable journey.

Can the Audio Tour Be Enjoyed in Languages Other Than English?

Yes, the audio tour offers language options for a multilingual experience . With translation availability, visitors can enjoy a cultural journey in various languages. This enhances the tour’s accessibility and provides a more inclusive experience for all.

Are There Any Specific Safety Tips or Precautions to Keep in Mind While Exploring the Park on This Self-Guided Tour?

When exploring the park on this self-guided tour, visitors should remember safety precautions such as staying on designated paths, keeping a safe distance from wildlife, and being prepared for changing weather conditions .

How Long Does the Audio Tour Typically Take to Complete, and Is There a Suggested Pace for Visitors to Follow?

The average duration of the audio tour typically ranges from 3-5 hours, depending on the visitor’s pace. There is no strict timeline, allowing for an optimal speed that caters to individual preferences and the desire to fully explore.

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

• Appalachian Mountain Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle
• Pigeon Forge: Whitewater Rafting Tour in the Smokies

Set out on a self-guided audio driving tour of the Great Smoky Mountains and learn about the beauty and history of this national park. From historic sites to stunning landscapes, this tour offers a flexible and educational experience for all adventurers.

With the convenience of an automatic audio guide, you can explore at your own pace and encounter diverse wildlife along the way. Get set for an unforgettable journey through this enchanting natural wonderland.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour

• GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 180 Points
• Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
• Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
• Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
• Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
• One-Time Purchase: No time or date use limit or expiry
• Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
• Entry/Admission - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA Start at one of the official tour introduction points (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cherokee or Townsend) or join anywhere along the route and pick up the commentary at the next audio point. Open the GuideAlong app to preview the tour route and browse the suggested itineraries and trip planner.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States Commentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where and when you want to start and end your tour anywhere along the tour route.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Gatlinburg Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA Start at one of the official tour introduction points (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cherokee or Townsend) or join anywhere along the route and pick up the commentary at the next audio point. Open the GuideAlong app to preview the tour route and browse the suggested itineraries and trip planner. See address & details
• 1 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Stop: 8 hours - Admission excluded See details
• 2 Cades Cove Stop: 2 hours See details
• 3 Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Stop: 2 hours See details
• 4 Grotto Falls Trail Stop: 2 hours See details
• 5 Mingus Mill Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 6 Newfound Gap Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 7 Gatlinburg Stop: 4 hours See details
• 8 Clingmans Dome Stop: 60 minutes See details
• You'll end at Great Smoky Mountains National Park United States Commentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where and when you want to start and end your tour anywhere along the tour route. See address & details

• Stayz R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome! I was glad i got this for our trip. Will plan to use it more when we go to our trips in the future. I was surprise it still kept going even if i didn’t have phone service! Read more Written May 20, 2024
• darmasmom 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well worth the cost This was a fabulous alternative to paying for a tour. Commentary automatically comes on when you reach a designated point. We really enjoyed the information and stories presented. Insider tips were also appreciated. There was even commentary on Routes 9 & 89 during the two-hour trip between Zion and Bryce. Read and practice how to set it up with your car's audio system before you start out. And how to switch from the car to the phone speaker. Be aware that on the shuttle bus in Zion, you will need earbuds or headphones or you will not be able to hear on your phone's speaker due to the number of people and noise from the bus itself. We didn't have them with us and missed out on some things. I booked directly through their website and had no trouble with my purchase being downloaded onto the app. Next time I travel, I will definitely be looking to see if GuideAlong has a tour for it. Read more Written May 19, 2024
• JWilcoxRN 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very Helpful Very easy to follow directions with added commentary. Able to preview route/stops ahead of time so we knew what we wanted to stop at prior to arriving. Read more Written May 18, 2024
• 657MarkP657 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Charged twice for tour Charged twice for this experience, once with TA and second with App they referred us to. Want a refund for the $12.99. Thanks Read more Written May 18, 2024
• Happiness64776063978 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Grand Canyon Southern Rim Audio Driving’s Guide The audio recording added knowledgeable history of the Grand Canyon and surrounding area. Tour recording kept us entertained while driving to and from destinations The recording worked perfectly at every point on our trip. My husband is a history buff and he extremely enjoyed the historical parts of the recording. We will buy other tours from this company in the future. Read more Written May 17, 2024
• Sandrajacobusshore 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Terrible experience. We were not able to access and play the section of the tour we were interested in. It was very frustrating. I would not recommend to anyone Read more Written May 16, 2024
• Pioneer35475039713 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Works for handicapped car travelers just great. The narrator was funny and informative: geology, history, culture, art, anything having to do with Yosemite was there. It worked beautifully in range of sites and did not repeat, though we ran into road construction traffiic It works on your phone, wherever it is; on the trail or on the road. Just fine for handicapped folks limited to car travel. Read more Written May 13, 2024
• A9531PMsusanm 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Ok We entered at West glacier and were enjoying the commentary until about 45 minutes in where the road closed. We got out to take pictures, and then we couldn’t get the commentary to play again at all. Read more Written May 12, 2024
• Navigator64290831495 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Works great without having to join a large group tour We were amazed how well this audio worked for us and was automatically tuned in to any location that we were at. In fact, it gave us more precise directions than our cars GPS as far as location. It was very informative and worked well for those of us who are a little bit more independent in our travels without having to join a large group tour. And was certainly cost efficient. Read more Written May 12, 2024
• ROGERC616 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour We enjoyed our trip to Acadia. The self guided audio tour was great and loved all the stories included in it. The only downside was Cadillac mt road was closed so not able to venture there Read more Written May 11, 2024
• SunnyS2574 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Necessary for a full experience. Reasonable cost and wonderful info and guide. You can’t go wrong. We learned a great deal and it guided every turn. I used the same in Hawaii for the Road to Hana. Read more Written May 9, 2024
• Chuck O 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great first time using a tool like this? We have driven around Oahu a few times before and wanted to do a tour on our own pace and learn more about the area. The tour was very helpful in driving by keeping us in the correct lane for all the turns. The GPS was very accurate and we had no problems. It does drain the cell phone battery so keep your phone charging for the entire time. We learned very much history about the area and found a few places that we drove past before since that were great new spots to learn about. I’ll do this again on future vacation spots. Read more Written May 7, 2024
• Andrew S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best touring assistant This app was well worth the money! We lived the narrator and all the information provided. It was easy to use anywhere on the island. I highly suggest getting this app! Read more Written May 6, 2024
• Extraordinary556093 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Must Travel Companion The audio tour of Kauai was very informative and really helped us visit areas of the island we hadn't planned. Hearing the history, stories, and food recommendations was well worth the low price of the application. It is a MUST have companion wherever you travel and saves on pricey tours and tour guides. Read more Written May 1, 2024
• DonC235 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Guide Along Audio Tours - The Famous 5 We were pleasantly surprised by Guide Along. Our host or tour guide has good expression in his voice. He uses feelings. He told us stories along the way that were both educational and entertaining. We toured the mighty 5 (National Parks) of Utah. Our guide suggested some hikes that we had not considered. We took some of his recommendations and found them excellent. He made suggestions for hikes and commented that some of them may be too strenuous unless we were at a specific fitness level. He also frequently said to go the 1/4 mile along this strenuous path because that section is flat and easy along with the view being extremely rewarding. I was extremely impressed that the tour is GPS activated and our guides information was automatically played at the correct time based on our location. The GPS activation is a huge bonus as it doesn't require Internet or cell signal as well as you let the app decide when to make the important annoucements. You can focus on the driving or the ride. Read more Written April 30, 2024

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour provided by GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide)

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Last updated: February 10, 2024

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