The "Classic" National Park Tour

Overview

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.

City: Gatlinburg

Fri 20 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $85.00

Make a reservation

Fri 20 Jun

Starting at $85.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Bottled water

Snacks

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Elkmont Ghost Town

We'll hike along one of the mightiest rivers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as we learn about the history of the founding of the park and how the lives of loggers, CCC workers, pioneer farmers, and the earliest mountain recreational visitors intersected.

Newfound Gap Road

Newfound Gap Road is one of the most scenic drives in the southeast. We'll make the 13-mile long drive out of the Sugarlands Valley while we learn about the people, plants, animals, and history of the Great Smoky Mountains. Along the way we'll stop at several scenic overlooks for photos of the towering mountains and dark, shaded valleys.

Newfound Gap

Deep in the mountains at a height of more than 5,000 feet we'll stand on the state line while looking down the the Sugarland Valley to our north and the Oconaluftee Valley to the south. The famous 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail passes through this point next to the stone stage where President Franklin Roosevelt gave the Great Smoky Mountain National Park dedication.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (158)

Andrew L

Mar 2025

Our tour guide John was so intelligent and made the trip fun. We did the classic tour and went to an old town (Elkmont) and newfound Gap. We went inside some cabin homes and learned a lot. John took us to a few beautiful scenic overlooks and was gracious taking pictures for us. The drive was beautiful and it was nice not driving.

25desireep

Mar 2025

My husband and I found this to be a wonderful tour. Wes was a very knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. He shared so many interesting facts and you could tell by his enthusiasm that he really loves the Smoky Mountains. This was one of the best tours we have ever been on.

Response from Host

Mar 2025

So great to hear your review. Wes Sure does take pride and delivering high-quality experiences. Thanks for noticing the efforts. We look forward to hosting you again

Stacy_B

Mar 2025

Wes and Hannah were amazing!! Very knowledgeable and a lot of fun! Definitely recommend for a family fun adventure.

Response from Host

Mar 2025

That’s great to hear. We look forward to hosting you again. Thanks for taking the time for this review.