Appalachia
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour

Duration
6-8+ hours
Audio Points
99
Tour Stops
37

About The Tour

Let Shaka be your guide through Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Come with us to explore the mountains’ rich and vibrant history, spot the abundant wildlife, and take in the breathtaking views from America’s Most Visited National Park. Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on ...

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Let Shaka be your guide through Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Come with us to explore the mountains’ rich and vibrant history, spot the abundant wildlife, and take in the breathtaking views from America’s Most Visited National Park.

Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!

• Visit Clingman's Dome - the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

• Take in views at Newfound Gap, a popular mountain pass and overlook that straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, providing a stunning vista of the Smoky Mountains.

• Hike a portion of the legendary Appalachian Trail taking in its diverse landscapes and natural beauty.

• Stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center - a gateway to the park that features information, exhibits, and educational resources.

• Drive the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, tour the historic buildings, and experience what life was like for the early settlers of the Smokies.

• Check out Gatlinburg, a charming mountain town located on the edge of the national park, known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, outdoor adventures, and scenic beauty.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Recommended Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
Tour Starting Point(s): Cherokee, NC, and Gatlinburg, TN
Time to complete: Full Day, 6-8+ hours

All Shaka Guide tours come with customer support and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Tours never expire.

Sample Tour Audio

The Thomas Clingman Story
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The Creation of a National Park
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Conserving the Mountains
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Tour Stops

Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Clingman's Dome
Newfound Gap Overlook
Ben Morton Overlook
Alum Cave Trail
Chimney Tops Overlook
Sugarland Valley Nature Trail
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Maloney Point
Elkmont Little River Trail
Laurel Falls Trail
Metcalf Bottoms Rest Area
Primitive Baptist Church
Missionary Baptist Church
The Sinks
The John Oliver Cabin
Elijah Oliver Cabin
Cable Grist Mill
Dan Lawson Cabin
The Tipton Place
Carter Shields Cabin
Gatlinburg, TN
Cherokee, NC

Tour Route


Customer Reviews

(15883)

Why are they called the Great Smoky Mountains?

The Great Smoky Mountains got its name from the natural fog that often shrouds the peaks and valleys of the mountain range. This misty, smoky appearance is a defining characteristic of the region. This haze contributes to the scenic beauty of the ...

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Where are the Great Smoky Mountains?

The Great Smoky Mountains are located in the southeastern United States, primarily along the border between the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. These mountains are part of the larger Appalachian Mountain range and are known for their sceni...

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What to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

From outdoor adventures to historic spots, there’s so much to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hike picture-perfect trails, take a scenic drive, stop at awe-inspiring overlooks, and look out for the park’s unique wildlife! You can do all...

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What is an Audio Tour Guide?

Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here's how it works:

  • GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
  • Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
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Tour FAQs

Where does the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour go?
This tour has 37 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, here’s what you need to know before you go!
What should I pack for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour?
Headphones Camera! (phone cameras are great, but if you wanna snap some incredible wildlife shots, a camera with a zoom lens is your best bet)Car Charger- Very important!Layered Clothing - Easy on and off layers are a must for changing mountain temperatures.Refillable Water BottlesHiking/Walking SticksGood Shoes/BootsSunscreenSnacksHats/SunglassesCamera/Phone Cleanser - Those trails can get pretty dusty!
What should I budget for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour?
There is no fee to enter the parkway, but here are some budgeting tips for your trip: $10 per person: Snacks$10-15 per person: Lunch$20-30 per person: Dinner$20-50 per person: Souvenirs! $5 per vehicle per day: Parking
What are the park hours in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour?
The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, portions of the park are closed in the winter. Visit the NPS website to learn more.
Can I join the Great Smoky Mountains National Park tour en route?
Yes! Feel free to join the tour along the route. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting from.  If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience. 
Can I take the Great Smoky Mountains National Park tour in the opposite direction?
Yes, this tour can be taken from North to South, or South to North. If you’d like to take the tour starting at the northern entrance, you’ll start in Gatlinburg, TN taking it to Cherokee, NC. If you’d like to take it South to North, you’ll begin in Cherokee, NC and end in Gatlinburg, TN.
Can I combine the Great Smoky Mountains National Park tour with any other Shaka Guide tours?
Yes, you can combine this tour with the Blue Ridge Parkway South Tour. The Blue Ridge Parkway South Tour has a starting point in Asheville, NC. If you take Asheville tour from North to South, you can pickup the South tour in Asheville where it leaves off.
Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.

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