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

Sat 14 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $85.00

Make a reservation

Sat 14 Feb

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)

Danea_A

Nov 2024

My husband and I decided to take this tour on recommendation of someone else’s review. We wanted to see some excellent views of the smoky mountains and possibly some animals and we did that. We saw a mama bear with her baby, we got to walk around Daisytown, which was really neat and built around the 1900s, what a beautiful replica what things used to be like. And we got to stand on the North Carolina, Tennessee border and overlook the mountains. It was a great tour and we had a wonderful tour guide. Kindle was very knowledgeable. The tour lasted about three hours and we saw quite a bit of things and learned a lot of history.

Response from Host

Nov 2024

That’s great to hear. Thanks for sharing your experience

Mary O

Oct 2024

Philip B. gave us a fantastic tour! Many historical points, geared the tour towards our interests. Phil was a fountain of historical information and a downright great person! Enjoyed meeting him and our detailed introduction to the Smoky Mountains! Answered my many questions. Saw some gorgeous fall foliage and incredible views. Saw a couple of wild turkeys, but alas, no bears today! Phil gave it his best shot. Gave us some good info for the remainder of our trip. Lots of photo stops, took our picture many times, and provided a safe, comfortable ride. Highly recommend!

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Glad you enjoyed all the details we have to offer during a great day in the GSMNP

P3623GTgails

Oct 2024

Our guide, Shannon, was amazing. She is a wealth of information and made frequent stops to point out the beauty of these mountains. And she was a good driver.

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Shannon is great. Glad you enjoyed your trip.