Gatlinburg , United States

The "Classic" National Park Tour

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(253 reviews)

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

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About this experience

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.

Available options

The "Classic" National Park Tour

What's included

Bottled water

Snacks

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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 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.

Stop 3

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.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

77 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

176 reviews

5★

173

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We'll meet you in the upper parking lot behind the Gatlinburg Welcome Center.

About Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a charming mountain city nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for its stunning natural beauty, family-friendly attractions, and rich Appalachian culture, it's a year-round destination offering outdoor adventures, scenic views, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most visited national park in the US, offering stunning mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails.

Nature Half day to full day Free entry

Gatlinburg Space Needle

A 400-foot observation tower offering panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Moderate

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

A popular aquarium featuring a wide variety of marine life, interactive exhibits, and a penguin habitat.

Entertainment 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive

Ober Gatlinburg

A year-round amusement park and ski area offering activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and an alpine coaster.

Entertainment Half day to full day Moderate to Expensive

Anakeesta

An outdoor adventure park with treetop trails, zip lines, and scenic views of the Smoky Mountains.

Adventure Half day to full day Moderate to Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fried Catfish

Crispy fried catfish, often served with hushpuppies and coleslaw

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan

Biscuits and Gravy

Fluffy biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy

Breakfast Can be made vegetarian with vegetable gravy

Mountain Trout

Freshly caught trout, often grilled or fried

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan

Apple Stack Cake

A traditional Appalachian cake made with layers of spiced apples and cake

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains Zip-lining at Anakeesta Mountain coaster rides Scenic drives through the Smokies Visiting spas and wellness centers Dining with a view Exploring the Arts and Crafts Community Visiting local museums

Best Time to Visit

June to August, October (fall foliage season)

Summer brings warm weather and outdoor activities, while fall offers stunning foliage and cooler temperatures. Crowds are highest during these times, especially in October.

18-30°C (summer), 5-20°C (fall) 64-86°F (summer), 41-68°F (fall)

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (GMT-5:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Gatlinburg is generally a safe destination, but visitors should take common precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas

Getting there

By air

McGhee Tyson Airport • 45 miles (72 km) from Gatlinburg
Knoxville Airport • 50 miles (80 km) from Gatlinburg

By bus

Gatlinburg Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

A convenient and scenic way to get around town. Trolleys are frequent and easy to use.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community The Village

Day trips

Pigeon Forge

7 miles (11 km) • Half day to full day

A nearby town known for its entertainment attractions, shopping, and dining.

Cades Cove

16 miles (26 km) • Full day

A scenic valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with historic cabins and wildlife.

Cherokee National Forest

30 miles (48 km) • Full day

A vast forest offering hiking, camping, and scenic drives.

Festivals

Gatlinburg's Winter Magic • November to February Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair • August (annual event) Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Christmas • November to January

Pro tips

Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and see wildlife
Take the aerial tramway or scenic chairlift for stunning views of the mountains
Explore the Arts and Crafts Community for unique souvenirs and to support local artisans
Try local specialties like fried catfish, biscuits and gravy, and apple stack cake
Book accommodations and popular attractions well in advance, especially during peak seasons