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20 Available Tour Excursions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spend an afternoon reconnecting with Mother Nature through fun games designed to awake enthusiasm, focus attention and create conditions conducive to deeper insights. We will get our hands dirty playing in the earth, exploring creeks while looking for salamanders, tasting nature's foods and soaking up the fresh air and sounds of the woods. This course is the cure for Nature Deficit Disorder. Be aware, part of the fun is getting muddy and wet!
Price: $55.00
Duration: 2 hours
Customize your Smokies experience with our private day hike option. When you meet your guide they will provide you with an array of options from hikes with waterfalls and views, to history strolls, and stops at scenic vistas for photos. Your adventure might be a mix and match of multiple short experiences, or one long hike that covers it all! All you have to do is pick the best adventure for you, and then sit back, relax and follow your guide on the adventure of a lifetime. Picnic lunch of a deli sandwich, chips, and cookies included.
Price: $325.00
Duration: 8 hours
Take your hike up Clingmans Dome to the next level with this self-guided walking tour. As you make the ascent to the famous observation deck, you’ll discover fascinating facts about this area’s history, geology, and scenery. And once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the lush landscape beyond. This self-guided walking tour of Clingmans Dome serves as an audio companion on this half-mile hike, with plenty of stories to keep you company along the way. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Price: $9.99
Duration: 1-2 hours
Rent a Polaris Slingshot with the comfort andsecurity of renting from an official Polaris Outfitter! Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park or many more incredible routes in this beautiful part of the country. We can help plan the perfect itinerary depending on your time and ability. Explore in style with Appalachian Adventure Rentals!
Price: $280.00
Duration: 3-8 hours
This tour meets at the Sugarlands Visitors Center. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains the largest collection of human artifacts of any park in the country. Travel back to a bygone era as we visit remnants of an early 1900's town following the gorgeous, yet, misnamed, Little River. This tour is lead by a highly trained and skilled professional naturalist guide who is passionate and knowledgeable about the Smokies. For your safety and peace of mind, your guides are certified as Wilderness First Responders and in non lethal bear aversion techniques. **All vehicles will need a 'Park it Forward' Parking Pass**
Price: $85.00
Duration: 3 hours
We have the best location on the Nantahala River being located right at the takeout. This means you'll only ride the bus once and you'll finish at your car. After the river, enjoy one of our two restaurants by the river.
Price: $65.40
Duration: 3 hours
With 3100 miles of streams in the Smokies, there are thousands of beautiful stretches of white water. Adventure awaits as you explore the magic of pristine cascades and waterfalls on a little-known trail. We'll warm up on a more popular trail, pausing to enjoy smaller cascades before turning onto a less traveled section of the Park. In the winter, we'll enjoy beautiful glimpses of the surrounding mountains, during the spring we'll pause to enjoy our famous wildflower display, summer brings refreshing swimming holes, and in autumn the beauty of changing leaves. This hike is considered moderately adventurous as we gain elevation, climb over downed trees and get our feet wet. **Please note: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require parking tags for any vehicle stopping longer than 15 minutes.
Price: $77.00
Duration: 3 hours
Leave the driving to us as we take you to the top of the Smoky Mountains to enjoy the sea of mountains. Your guide will stop along the way for several photo stops as you learn about the human and natural history of the Smokies. Please note that, while we do our best to follow the itinerary listed, we may need to pivot due to road closures or events outside of our control.
Price: $150.00
Duration: 2 hours
Since 1998, our naturalist guides have taken over 100,000 people into the Smokies to experience the sea of mountains. Experience these ancient treasures up close on this once in a lifetime trip! Your tour guides may include a former Park ranger, a former Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker, or biologist and geologists. A Walk In The Woods offers once in a lifetime guided hiking and walking tours in the Smoky Mountains, emphasizing the teaching of natural history. On this tour, we are on a quest to find the best fall color at the time of your tour. Where we go could vary greatly depending on where the leaves are peaking at that time. The hiking can be easy to moderate.
Price: $170.00
Duration: 4 hours
Purchase only one tour per vehicle, not per person. Everyone listens together! Get the full Smoky Mountain experience with this ultimate bundle tour! Explore these picturesque mountains, uncover the rich history of the Cherokee and early settlers, and find out why this is the most-visited national park in the entire country. You’ll discover beautiful overlooks, hiking trails, and waterfalls on one tour, then dive into the pioneer and Civil War history of Cades Cove with the next! If you don’t want to miss a thing, this is the deal for you. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Price: $24.99
Duration: 4-5 hours
Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour! Come journey with us as we travel through stunning mountain scenery and explore the historical homes of days gone by. The Great Smoky Mountains are the most visited national park in the country, often receiving over 14 million visitors every year! We've broken it down with the top things to do, including 14 stops in and around the park! What you'll get: Expert Narration: Learn about the park's heritage, ecology, and wildlife. User-Friendly App: Access the tour easily on your smartphone. Capture the Moment: Discover ideal photo spots for stunning panoramas and wildlife shots. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with our audio tour. Book now and embark on a journey you'll cherish for years to come! The remaining hours in the tour details are allotted for the travel time. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*
Price: $12.79
Duration: 14-15 hours
Purchase only one tour per vehicle, not per person. Everyone listens together! Discover gorgeous natural scenery and rich history at Cades Cove, one of the most popular destinations in the Smoky Mountains. This scenic loop packs a ton of sights into a small space. Check out sparkling waterfalls, lush hiking trails, and historic churches all in one place! Plus, learn the fascinating history behind this cove, including how the Civil War once threatened to tear it apart. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Price: $14.99
Duration: 1-2 hours
Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! 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. There’s no better way to see Clingman’s Dome, Cades Cove, or Rainbow Falls. Plus, enjoy a free bonus tour of Roaring Forks Motor Trail! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Price: $16.99
Duration: 2-3 hours
General admission includes: Main Exhibit: We are a museum in transition! Take a step behind the scenes as we consider how to update our 27-year-old main exhibit to authentically share Cherokee history, culture, and stories from a Cherokee perspective. sov·er·eign·ty: Expressions in Sovereignty of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians illuminates the complexities of tribal sovereignty and the EBCI’s continuing legacy of resilience. ᏗᏓᏂᏏᏍᎩ ᎦᏓᏆᏟ Didanisisgi Gadagwatli: A Showcase of Pottery from the Mud Dauber Community Workshop: Enjoy an exhibition of work by students in the Museum’s annual community learning pottery workshop. Charles George Beloved Veterans Hall: Meet heroes of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Established in 1948, the Museum of the Cherokee People shares the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people through its exhibitions, collections, and programs.
Price: $15.00
Duration: 24 hours
Rent a brand-new Polaris Slingshot from the areas only Polaris Outfitter and enjoy the thrill as you drive one of Americas most famous roads. Twists, turns, and thick woods, this drive isn’t about scenic overlooks or nature. The Tail of the Dragon is about you, the pavement, and two white knuckles grasping the steering wheel. Considered one of the most exciting roads in America, with 318 curves in 11 miles you will figure out why. Come see why it’s world renowned, and why the locals call it “that damn road to Tennessee”. Make sure to see the Fontana Dam, the largest dam east of the Rockies!
Price: $349.99
Duration: 4-8 hours
Explore America’s most visited national park at your own pace with this self-guided scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains. Journey along Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg's lush valleys to the stunning ridges along the Tennessee–North Carolina border. Includes optional side trips to Kuwohi, Cades Cove, and Roaring Fork, where you can expand the adventure for big views, wildlife sightings, and historic cabins. Listen to captivating audio stories about the park's history, from ancient mountain formations to the impact of settlers and conservationists. Whether seeking vibrant fall colors or breathtaking mountain views, this tour unveils the natural and cultural heritage of this biodiverse region. — Self-guided audio tour for flexible exploration — Drive along Newfound Gap Road with scenic detours — Learn about the Smokies' rich history and ecology — Perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike
Price: $14.99
Duration: 2-3 hours
Begin your adventure with a beginner-friendly hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As you walk, your guide will share fascinating stories about the park's history and help you identify plants, including those used by the Cherokee for medicinal purposes. After the hike, set up your painting station and learn to capture the beauty of your surroundings with acrylic paint. Whether it’s a waterfall, a historic cabin, the "troll" bridge, or a sunset vista, your guide will lead you through a step-by-step painting lesson suitable for beginners or the experienced painter. Depending on the time of year, we can try to find elk in North Carolina or witness the magic of rare synchronous lightning bugs. With all painting supplies provided and a forgiving medium like acrylic paint, you can relax and enjoy the creative process.
Price: $125.00
Duration: 3 hours
Bookable on Sundays, other days and times may be accommodated upon request. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a guided hiking tour. Learn about the park's history, wildlife, and medicinal plants as you hike to waterfalls, historical structures, and vistas. You may also customize your trip to suit your interests, walking ability, and desired duration.
Price: $58.00
Duration: 3 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: USD
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Climate: Humid Continental
- Timezone: America/New_York
- Population: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not have a permanent population, as it is a national park. However, it attracts millions of visitors annually.
- Best Time to Visit: times to visit are during spring and fall.
- Visa Requirements Generally, visitors from visa-free countries like the US, EU, and UK do not need a visa to enter the United States. However, they must comply with the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or obtain a non-immigrant visa if required. For other countries, specific visa requirements apply, and it is advisable to check with the U.S. Department of State for the most current information.
About Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. Located along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, it offers stunning mountain vistas, lush forests, and vibrant wildflowers. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 800 miles of hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. Visitors can explore historic log cabins, grist mills, and churches, reflecting the region's Appalachian history. The park's unique biodiversity supports a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Tennessee
- Duration Range: 2 to 10 hours
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: The best times to visit are during spring and fall. Visitors should pack layers for variable weather and comfortable shoes for hiking. It is advisable to bring cash for local purchases, as not all businesses accept credit cards. Be mindful of wildlife and follow park rules to ensure safety.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $200
1. Choose Your Tour
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2. Check Details
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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. **Clingmans Dome**: The highest point in the park offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. 2. **Cades Cove**: A historic valley with preserved log cabins and churches, providing insight into early Appalachian life. 3. **Laurel Falls**: A picturesque 80-foot waterfall accessible via a short hike. 4. **Alum Cave Trail**: Known for its unique rock formations and scenic views. 5. **Oconaluftee Visitor Center**: Offers insights into Cherokee Indian history and culture.
Popular Activities
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the park's rich cultural heritage by visiting historic sites like Cades Cove. The park also hosts festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its natural and cultural significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
The local cuisine in the Great Smoky Mountains area is characterized by traditional Appalachian dishes such as biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, and sweet potato pie. Visitors can enjoy these specialties at local restaurants and cafes. The region is also known for its moonshine and craft beers, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.
Getting Around
To get to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can fly into nearby airports like Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport or Asheville Regional Airport. Local transportation options include renting a car or using the park's shuttle services during peak seasons. Driving is the most convenient way to explore the park, with scenic routes like the Cades Cove Loop Road.
Travel Tips
The best times to visit are during spring and fall. Visitors should pack layers for variable weather and comfortable shoes for hiking. It is advisable to bring cash for local purchases, as not all businesses accept credit cards. Be mindful of wildlife and follow park rules to ensure safety.
Culture & Customs
The Great Smoky Mountains region is steeped in Appalachian culture, with a strong emphasis on community and tradition. Visitors can experience this through local festivals and historical sites. It is important to respect the park's natural environment and cultural heritage by following park rules and being considerate of local customs.
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..