All Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

Learn about the history and culture of the Cherokee people with access to the Museum of the Cherokee People. Book your ticket in advance to guarantee entry, and then visit on your own schedule. The museum is full of informative and interactive exhibits that are both kid-friendly and engaging for adults.

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.

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!

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

No need to sidle up to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor center at 9am to catch that ranger-led tour—with this self-paced audio guide, you have your own expert at your disposal, right on your phone. As you drive through the park, stories, tips, and more automatically play, getting you the most out of your Smoky Mountain adventure.

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.

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains with your self-guided tour through America’s most visited national park. Walk through the stunning Newfound Gap Road past misty peaks and ancient forests, walk behind a waterfall at Grotto Falls, and stand atop Kuwohi at 6,643 feet, the highest point in Tennessee. Discover Cades Cove’s preserved pioneer cabins, churches, and mills that tell the story of Appalachian mountain life. Watch for black bears in misty meadows and learn why these mountains are the salamander capital of the world with thirty species. Hear the powerful story of the Cherokee people who called these peaks home for thousands of years before the park was created. Beyond the park, explore Gatlinburg’s arts and crafts community, Pigeon Forge’s famous Dollywood, and Townsend’s peaceful trails. From moonshine history to mountain music, synchronous fireflies to spectacular fall foliage, the Smokies reward curious visitors with natural wonders and deep Appalachian culture at every turn.

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.

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.*

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.

Explore beautiful Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains on this private self-guided audio driving tour via a GPS-powered app. Experience natural beauty and rich history on this popular loop, including cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, and historic churches. Learn how the Civil War cast its shadow over this serene cove while enjoying lifetime access and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Embark on the US East National Park Self-Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tours Bundle! Explore Acadia, Asheville, and the Smoky Mountains. Visit Cades Cove, Shenandoah, and Cuyahoga Valley, then experience the Everglades and Hot Springs. Cruise the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway (currently closed temporarily) and hike to Clingmans Dome. This bundle offers a diverse mix of nature, history, and adventure in some of the East's most iconic national parks. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, entering your unique password, and accessing your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

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

Get wet and muddy when exploring the Cosby Picnic area and the Great Smoky Mountains with kids and a nature guide, awakening enthusiasm and reconnecting with mother nature. The aim is to focus attention through games, while soaking up fresh air, looking for salamanders, and just having some good outdoor fun in the forest.

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains with a small-group guided van tour that includes hotel pickup. Set out on a sightseeing and nature-themed trip featuring a stroll along the Appalachian Trail. Skip the hassle of driving and learn about the history and wildlife of the Smokies while enjoying mountain views and several photo stops.

Rent a Polaris Slingshot with the comfort and security 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!

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.

⭐ Top-Rated Vacation Photoshoots 2025 We’re not just photographers, we’re storytellers capturing your holiday exactly as it feels. With over six years of experience photographing travellers around the world, our small team specialises in authentic, natural photography that truly reflects your trip. In Smoky Mountains, we combine creativity with local knowledge to show you hidden gems, secret angles, and the best light. You’ll not only get beautiful, professional photos but also insider tips to make the most of your time here. We’re proud to be recognised among the top-rated photography tours of 2025, trusted by travellers worldwide for our relaxed style and stunning results.

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.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour bundle to make the most of your Eastern USA road trips. As you drive, hear stories play automatically as you explore scenic drives, national parks, lakeshores, and historic parks. This is the ultimate collection of 14 iconic destinations, including Acadia, Blue Ridge Parkway, Catskills, Florida Keys, Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Superior, Outer Banks, Shenandoah, and Vermont’s Route 100. A memorable adventure awaits on America's iconic roads. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one bundle per vehicle.

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.