Top Gatlinburg Half-day Tours

Since you’re probably not traveling with a park ranger in your car, this private audio tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park lets you discover the history of spots like Cades Cove, plus get intel on the best hiking trails, overlooks, and waterfalls. Use it only when you need, traveling at your pace—with a pro in your pocket.

The Great Smoky Mountains boast scenic views and this hiking tour takes you on a journey to find them. Join a small group and traverse through the lush landscapes to discover several streams, cascades, and creeks. Each season of the year puts on a different show for hikers so there's always something to enjoy. This is a moderately adventurous hike that gains elevation and climbs over downed trees.

Skip the hassle of following a map and focus your attention on the sweeping views with this scenic driving tour through the Great Smoky Mountains. Head to the highest elevations as you traverse the Crest of the Smokies with your driver-guide, learning about the area’s history and ecosystem in the North Carolina side of the national park. Stop at the most dazzling overlooks, including Clingmans Dome—the park's highest point.

Combine the convenience of a guided tour with the freedom of independent travel with this self-guided driving tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Download the tour onto your phone and learn about Cherokee history and legends, Appalachian life, and more. See several of the park's best spots such as Clingman's Dome, and Rainbow Falls. Note: this does not include entrance to the park or attractions.

Rather than exploring an unfamiliar environemnt on your own, explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a small-group hike that takes you deep into the forest and along a pristine mountain river. You'll also see two waterfalls and learn all about the flora and fauna from your naturalist guide.

Discover a bygone era on a 3-hour tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hear stories about the Cherokee people and settlers that lived and worked in the mountains, and learn how they survived off the land. See a small family cemetery, 19th-century barn and an old fashioned spring house, then get a glimpse of settlers’ daily lives in a small restored cabin. Enjoy a relaxed nature walk with a guide that brings the Smoky Mountains’ distinctive wildlife, plants and geology to life at every turn.

Discover Gatlinburg distilleries and wineries on this guided moonshine and wine tasting walking tour with a small group. Enjoy VIP treatment and go behind the scenes at a working distillery to learn how moonshine is traditionally distilled. You'll try plenty of samples along the way, too, including a moonshine cocktail, and learn about the history of moonshine.

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

This tour travels over the crest of the Smokies from Tennessee into North Carolina. Along the way we'll experience one of the most scenic roads in the Southeast along with several panoramic mountain vistas. When we arrive in the Oconaluftee Valley we'll visit historic structures learning about the culture of the native Cherokee and European-descended mountaineers. While exploring this historic valley, we'll keep an eye out for elk. The largest animal in the Smokies, they were reintroduced by the park service in 2001.

Experience one of the most peaceful hikes in the Smoky Mountains on a guided, family-friendly adventure. Follow a wide, winding forest trail alongside a rushing mountain creek, cross gentle streams, and explore historic remnants tucked deep in the woods. Perfect for beginners, families, and groups, this relaxing hike offers an immersive introduction to the beauty, sounds, and serenity of the Smokies—without steep climbs or crowded overlooks. 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.

For the curious traveler who wants more from their travels, this fall foliage tour can’t be beat. Following your guide—a biologist, ecologist, or park ranger—you’ll get a deeper understanding of this gorgeous area, walking or hiking through the scenic Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Get ready to learn, have fun, and scout out some brilliant autumn color and incredible Smoky Mountain views.

Discover a different side of Gatlinburg on this haunted ghost walking tour. Learn all about the spooky history of this town during this nighttime tour, during which you’ll look for supernatural spirits and possibly communicate with the local "residents" yourself using ghost hunting equipment.

Embark on a flavorful journey through Gatlinburg, TN, with our Walking Food Tour! Over the course of the tour, we'll visit 4 iconic local spots, sampling mouthwatering dishes that showcase the unique flavors of the Smoky Mountains. As we stroll, you'll not only indulge in delicious bites but also discover the rich food history of this charming mountain town. By the end of the tour, you'll have enjoyed a full meal while experiencing the best of Gatlinburg’s culinary scene. Perfect for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike! Over the course of the tour, guest will walk about 1 mile total.