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38 Available Tour Excursions in Gatlinburg
Designed for curious kids and families, Exploring Nature with Children turns the forest into a living classroom. This hands-on guided nature walk helps children slow down, look closely, ask questions, and connect with the natural world in a meaningful way through nature games, stories and fun activities. Depending on the season and trail conditions, children may explore streams, plants, salamanders, animal signs, textures, forest sounds, leaves, insects, and small wonders along the trail. The goal is not to rush or cover big miles, but to help kids build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the outdoors. Caution: Side effects may include dirty knees, happy faces, deep curiosity, and stories they’ll still be telling at dinner. Best for: Families with children, homeschool groups, young explorers, first-time hikers, and kids who enjoy hands-on discovery.
Price: $55.00
Duration: 2 hours
This tour focuses on Cades Cove and the 11-mile loop road that circles the valley. Along the way we'll stop at several historic buildings and scenic vistas as we learn about the mountaineers and moonshiners that called this place home. Historic buildings include a cabin built in 1822, a cemetery with the graves of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 veterans, and a working grist mill. And of course we'll keep our eyes open for wildlife including deer, turkeys, bears, and coyotes. Most stops on the tour require limited or no walking, but two stops include a half mile walk on pavement. Bring lunch or buy lunches through Smoky Mountain Guides
Price: $150.00
Duration: 6 hours
Spend a full day exploring the Smokies your way. Best of the Smokies: Full-Day Private Guided Adventure is customized around your group’s interests, pace, and sense of adventure, making it one of the most flexible ways to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your day may include waterfalls, mountain views, historic sites, scenic drives, quiet trails, wildflowers, wildlife stories, old-growth forest, or a custom mix of the park’s best experiences. Because this is a private tour, your guide can adapt the day to your group and help you make the most of your time in the Smokies. Transportation and lunches are included. Best for: Private groups, families, couples, photographers, first-time visitors, mixed-interest groups, and guests who want a full-day custom Smoky Mountain experience. Duration: 7-8 Hours | Difficulty: Your Choice | Ages: Your Choice Meeting Location: Sugarlands Visitors Center or Pick-up from Downtown Gatlinburg Location
Price: $325.00
Duration: 8 hours
Step away from the busiest park corridors and into a wilder side of the Smokies. Blue Creek Cascades follows brilliant mountain water, whitewater cascades, forested trail, and a beautiful waterfall while revealing the quieter beauty of the Big Creek area. This guided hike combines water, forest scenery, natural history, and traces of the region’s past. It is a strong choice for guests who want cascades and waterfalls but also want to explore beyond the most crowded destinations. Best for: Waterfall lovers, moderate hikers, photographers, Big Creek visitors, and guests looking for a quieter Smoky Mountain hike. Duration: 4.5 Hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Mileage: 4.5 | Elevation Change: 500' | Ages: All Meeting Location: Big Creek Ranger Station
Price: $125.00
Duration: 4 hours
On this hike a knowledgeable guide will take you down the famous Appalachian Trail to one of the best views in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way guests will learn about the history of the early settlors in the mountains, the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians, and the founding of the most visited national park in the country.
Price: $400.00
Duration: 6 hours
“The Mountaineers Way” tour is a casual stroll with a local/professional guide. Hear the stories of how the first settlers entered this area when the Native Indians were still using the land. This area was a large mountain community. We will have the opportunity to see physical structures used for farming, cemeteries, and beautiful streams along the way.
Price: $230.00
Duration: 3 hours
The River Remembers is an easy guided walk in the more quiet section of the Smokies, along a cascading mountain stream where nature and history meet. This relaxed Smoky Mountain tour follows an old roadbed through forest beauty, seasonal wildflowers, historic cabins, old rock walls, a springhouse, and the traces of families who once lived in these mountains. This is more than a history walk. It is a gentle riverside hike with moving water, forest sounds, mountain plants, and meaningful stories woven together by an experienced guide. It’s a strong introduction to the Smokies for guests who want scenery, interpretation, and a relaxed pace. Best for: History lovers, families, seniors, beginners, wildflower lovers, and guests who want an easy Smoky Mountain walk with pristine streams, nature and cultural history. Duration: 3 Hours | Difficulty: Easy | Mileage: 2.5 | Elevation Change: 347' | Ages: All Meeting Location: Greenbrier Parking Area 1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Price: $95.00
Duration: 3 hours
This is a powerful Smoky Mountain hike for guests who want the real thing: ancient trees, rhododendron tunnels, moss-covered boulders, rushing cascades, mountain streams, and a destination waterfall deep in one of the park’s most beautiful old-growth forests. Into the Ancient Forest is a more strenuous guided adventure that rewards effort with a rich, immersive landscape. Along the way, your guide will help interpret the old-growth ecosystem, stream life, forest layers, and the natural forces that shape this lush mountain environment. Best for: Strong hikers, waterfall lovers, old-growth forest enthusiasts, active travelers, and guests who want a more challenging Smoky Mountain adventure. Duration: 8 Hours | Difficulty: Strenuous | Mileage: 7.8 | Elevation Change: 2200' | Ages: 12 and up Meeting Location: Greenbrier Entrance | Greenbrier Parking Area 1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Price: $215.00
Duration: 8 hours
Celebrate the magic of the season this year with Holly Jolly Hunt. Holly Jolly Hunt is an app based scavenger hunt that you can play anywhere of your choosing. Explore the city and look for holiday related items, both traditional and not so traditional. Take a photo through the app to score points for your scavenger hunt team. Perform fun, holiday challenges that will bring laughter to your team. See your score on the leaderboard compared to other teams from all over. Holly Jolly Hunt is guaranteed to provide lasting holiday memories. Whether you play with friends, family, or even co-workers, Holly Jolly will put a smile on your face for the rest of the year!
Price: $20.00
Duration: 1 hours
Experience the Smoky Mountains like never before in a premium street-legal 4-seater Polaris RZR built for scenic adventures around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Unlike crowded guided tours, self-guided rentals give travelers the freedom to explore at an individual pace, stop for photos, discover hidden mountain roads, and enjoy the beauty of the Smokies with family, friends, or pets. Rentals are beginner-friendly and include a safety orientation, recommended scenic routes, national park parking pass, and local tips to help maximize the adventure. Whether looking for mountain views, peaceful forest drives, or a fun outdoor experience, Smoky Motorsport Rentals delivers a unique and flexible way to explore East Tennessee.
Price: $190.00
Duration: 2-24 hours
Our Gatlinburg location is right along the Parkway conveniently close to countless entertainment options, perfect for adding an escape room to a day or night out! Some of our top spots for a meal are Mellow Mushroom and Smith & Son Corner Kitchen. The Escape Game Gatlinburg features five unique games including The Depths, our underwater-themed escape room, and Prison Break, our hardest game. Each family-friendly option includes multiple rooms and can hold up to 8 players. These adventures offer a one-of-a-kind premium experience. Follow clues and solve puzzles to complete your mission together. We offer the best escape rooms and the fastest customer support. Come see why our escape rooms win awards.
Price: $45.81
Duration: 1 hours
Slow down beside one of the Smokies’ biggest and among the most beautiful mountain rivers. River Magic is an easy guided walk designed for guests who want the peace of moving water, forest shade, deep pools, sparkling cascades, wildflowers, and stories of the landscape without a demanding climb and without the crowds. This gentle riverside experience blends natural beauty with interpretation from an expert guide. You’ll learn about the plants, wildlife, stream life, and human history connected to these mountain valleys while enjoying one of the most approachable ways to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Best for: Families, beginners, seniors, first-time visitors, nature lovers, and anyone who wants an easy guided river walk near Gatlinburg. Duration: 3.5 Hours | Difficulty: Easy | Mileage: 4.2 Miles | Elevation Change: 300’ | Ages: All Meeting Location: Sugarlands Visitors Center
Price: $109.00
Duration: 3 hours
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the best trout fishing in the Southeast. Whether you are a first-timer or a lifelong fly fisher, let Smoky Mountain Guides take you to the best fishing spots in the park. Once booked, our guide will contact you to arrange the details of your trip. We’ll work with you to plan a four-hour fishing trip based on your fish preference (rainbow, brown, or brook trout) and your hiking preference. SMG provides all the gear needed for fishing, including rods, flies, line, waders, and boots. Participants should bring a valid fishing license issued by either Tennessee or North Carolina and a Great Smoky Mountains parking pass.
Price: $162.50
Duration: 4 hours
What’s included in the Mountaintop zipline tour? 11 Unique Adventures 6 SIDE-BY-SIDE ZIPLINE RUNS Zip higher and ride longer than ever before on our six dual lines that allow you to enjoy the experience right next to friends or family. Our platforms stand high above the treetops to offer panoramic mountain views you won’t find anywhere else. 4 SKY BRIDGES AND FUN ENDING Along the 2 hour tour you’ll traverse high above the ground on four aerial bridges and end your adventure by rappelling from the final platform. But don’t worry, we send you down at a steady controlled speed! ATV RIDE TO THE TOP Start the tour off with an ATV ride (6 passenger) up the mountainside where you’ll gain 400 vertical feet over a half mile.
Price: $123.42
Duration: 2 hours
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.
Price: $85.00
Duration: 3 hours
Sightseeing in the “high elevations” of the Great Smoky Mountains can be an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. We travel past the Appalachian Trail and traverse the Crest of the Smokies as we take in the sights above 5000 ft. You will gain facts of the area from your guide that will make these mountains come alive with Native American stories and geographical facts. We travel into the North Carolina side of the National Park to take in the vistas and learn about the impact logging had to the area. You will be amazed how the forest has reclaimed itself over the years. Our goal for this trip is to arrive at the Clingmans Dome parking area and gift shop. This is the highest point in the National Park at 6,643′. If the weather permits, we'll take an optional short walk through the spruce-fir forest and learn about this unique environment.
Price: $85.00
Duration: 3 hours
Check out our reviews! This is an experience not offered like any other and cannot be experienced the same way on your own. Visit multiple distilleries...not just one! We created this tour to share our passion of local (SMALL BUSINESS) moonshine and wine locations! People love this tour because you will be visiting as friends! From private VIP backstage to sampling, its all included! I will be showing you real life working stills and getting behind the scenes where people can't go. You will be treated as VIP guests at all the locations we visit. During our walk we will have a couple of stopping points where we will go over the fun (NOT DRY) history and tidbits of moonshine and of course talk about "how the old-timers did it". This tour will be action packed for the full 3 hours you are with me with the goal of trying different wines and over 15 different flavors of all proofs and even a moonshine cocktail! - Mobility scooter accessible
Price: $52.00
Duration: 3 hours
Step into the shadows of the Smoky Mountains with Grave Intentions, an adults-only walking tour blending haunting true crime, Southern ghost stories, and historical legend. Designed for ages 16 and up, this 90-minute nighttime tour takes you beyond the tourist charm and deep into Gatlinburg’s darker past.
Price: $34.99
Duration: 1 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: USD
- Languages: English, Spanish (commonly spoken by tourists)
- Climate: Humid subtropical
- Timezone: America/New_York
- Population: Approximately 4,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: times to visit are spring and fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Gatlinburg must comply with U.S. visa regulations. Citizens from visa waiver countries such as the UK, EU member states, Canada, Australia, and Japan can enter the United States for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days under the ESTA program. Other travelers may require a tourist visa (B-2). U.S. citizens do not need a visa. It is advisable to check the latest U.S. visa policies before travel.
About Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town nestled at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and quaint small-town charm. Visitors are drawn to its scenic mountain views, vibrant arts and crafts community, and a wide variety of attractions and activities. The town serves as a gateway to the Smokies, providing easy access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and waterfalls. Gatlinburg’s lively downtown features shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that reflect Appalachian culture. Its year-round appeal includes winter skiing, summer festivals, and colorful autumn foliage. This combination of nature, culture, and hospitality makes Gatlinburg a compelling destination for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Gatlinburg Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Tennessee
- Duration Range: 2-8 hours
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best times to visit are spring and fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Pack layers as mountain weather can change quickly. Respect wildlife and stay on marked trails in the national park. Carry cash as some small shops and eateries may not accept cards. Be prepared for busy weekends and holidays by booking accommodations early. Use sunscreen and insect repellent for outdoor activities.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $45
Highest Price Tour: $200
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – The most visited national park in the U.S., offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking vistas. 2. Ober Gatlinburg – A ski area and amusement park with year-round activities including skiing, ice skating, and alpine slides. 3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – A top-rated aquarium featuring underwater tunnels and interactive exhibits. 4. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park – Offers a scenic chairlift ride and a sky bridge with panoramic mountain views. 5. Sugarlands Visitor Center – The main gateway to the national park with educational exhibits and trail access.
Popular Activities
Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching in the national park. Adventure seekers can try zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and skiing in winter. The town also offers cultural experiences such as visiting artisan shops, attending music festivals, and exploring local museums. Family-friendly activities include visiting aquariums, mini-golf, and amusement parks. Food tours and craft distillery visits provide a taste of local flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Gatlinburg’s cuisine reflects Southern Appalachian traditions with hearty dishes like barbecue, trout, and country ham. Signature foods include biscuits and gravy, fried green tomatoes, and cornbread. Local specialties often feature fresh mountain trout and wild game. Popular dining spots include The Peddler Steakhouse for steak lovers and The Pancake Pantry for breakfast classics. Visitors should try local moonshine and craft beers for a true taste of the region.
Getting Around
Gatlinburg is accessible by car via U.S. Highway 441 and is about an hour’s drive from McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville. Local transportation includes trolley services that connect major points in town and the national park. Walking is popular downtown due to the compact layout. Taxi and ride-share services are available but limited. Parking is available but can be challenging during peak seasons.
Travel Tips
The best times to visit are spring and fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Pack layers as mountain weather can change quickly. Respect wildlife and stay on marked trails in the national park. Carry cash as some small shops and eateries may not accept cards. Be prepared for busy weekends and holidays by booking accommodations early. Use sunscreen and insect repellent for outdoor activities.
Culture & Customs
Gatlinburg’s culture is rooted in Appalachian traditions with a strong emphasis on hospitality and community. Visitors will find friendly locals and a relaxed pace of life. Important customs include polite greetings and respect for nature. Annual events such as the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair and Winter Magic Festival celebrate local arts and heritage. It is customary to tip service workers generously, reflecting Southern hospitality.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..