Gatlinburg: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Classic Tour

The Gatlinburg: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Classic Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy one of America’s most captivating natural wonders. This 3-hour journey promises a guided exploration of the park’s scenic highlights and a fascinating look into its rich history and ecology. With comfortable transportation, snacks, and bottled water included, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free experience as they discover the breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage of the Smokies.

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Key Points

Comprehensive 3-hour tour exploring the highlights of Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg.
Includes guided visits to a historic resort town, scenic photo stops, and Newfound Gap with breathtaking views.
Professional guide provides historical context about the Smokies and early Appalachian pioneers.
Offers snacks, bottled water, parking, and transportation to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Suitable for most guests, with optional walking and discussion of accessibility needs prior to booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Gatlinburg: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Classic Tour offers visitors a comprehensive 3-hour exploration of the region’s natural wonders and historical significance.

Priced from €78.12 per person, the tour accommodates up to 10 participants and is guided in English.

Tours depart from the Gatlinburg Welcome Center’s large upper parking lot. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes snacks, bottled water, parking, a professional guide, and transportation.

Walking is limited to about 0.5 miles on flat surfaces, making it accessible for most visitors, though not suitable for children under 2.

Looking for more options in Gatlinburg? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at 1011 Banner Rd, where participants embark on a guided tour (30 minutes) of a long-gone resort town.

Next, they experience scenic transfers (20 minutes, 40 minutes) to photo stops (10 minutes each) at scenic overlooks.

The highlight is a visit to Newfound Gap (30 minutes), offering breathtaking views of the 5,000-foot-high mountain pass and the 2,200-mile-long Appalachian Trail.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides historical context about the Smokies and the early Appalachian pioneers.

Inclusions

The tour includes snacks and bottled water for participants.

Free parking is provided at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, the tour’s meeting point.

A professional guide accompanies the group throughout the 3-hour excursion, offering their expertise on the Smokies’ history and culture.

All transportation is included, with comfortable vehicles transporting the small group of up to 10 participants between the various stops along the tour’s itinerary.

These inclusions ensure a well-rounded, informative, and hassle-free experience for those exploring the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg.

Accessibility

Approximately 0.5 miles (800 meters) of the tour’s itinerary involves walking on flat gravel and pavement surfaces.

All walking is optional, allowing guests to participate at their own pace. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 years old, as the content and activities may not be appropriate for young children.

Guests with mobility concerns are welcome, but the tour may not accommodate individuals requiring extensive assistance or specialized equipment.

The tour provider is happy to discuss any accessibility needs prior to booking to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.

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Customer Feedback

According to customer reviews, guests have consistently praised the Gatlinburg: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Classic Tour, awarding it an impressive 5/5 overall rating based on 3 reviews. Participants found the tour to be both informative and enjoyable, thanks to the knowledgeable guides who provided engaging discussions about the region’s history and culture. The clean transportation and complimentary water were also appreciated. The tour offered a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to explore the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

| Feedback | Rating |

| — | — |

| Informative and fun experiences | 5/5 |

| Knowledgeable guides | 5/5 |

| Clean transportation and provided water | 5/5 |

| Engaging discussions about the region’s history and culture | 5/5 |

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Exploring the Resort Town

Starting with a guided tour of a long-gone resort town, the Gatlinburg: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Classic Tour gives visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

The guided tour, lasting 30 minutes, explores the remnants of this once-thriving resort, providing insights into the area’s early tourism and the lives of its Appalachian pioneers.

Guests will learn about the town’s heyday, its eventual decline, and how the hotel of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park transformed the region.

This introductory experience sets the stage for the scenic transfers and stops that follow.

Scenic Transfers and Photo Stops

After the guided tour, the tour makes scenic transfers to several destinations within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

During these transfers, the group enjoys:

Breathtaking views of the majestic mountain ranges
Glimpses of the diverse flora and fauna that call the Smokies home
Photo opportunities at strategically placed scenic overlooks

These short but impactful transfers allow participants to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the region, setting the stage for the tour’s culmination at the iconic Newfound Gap.

Newfound Gap and the Appalachian Trail

The tour now makes its way to the iconic Newfound Gap, a 5,000-foot-high mountain pass that serves as the centerpiece of the experience.

Here, visitors have 30 minutes to take in the stunning views across the Great Smoky Mountains. This gap marks the highest point on the 2,200-mile-long Appalachian Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States.

Guests can snap photos and learn about the trail’s history and significance to the region’s early Appalachian pioneers. From this vantage point, the guide provides insight into the natural and cultural heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Covid-19 Safety Protocols on the Tour?

COVID-19 safety protocols on the tour include required face masks, social distancing between guests, sanitation of high-touch surfaces, and temperature checks for all participants. Hand sanitizer is provided, and guests are asked to stay home if they feel unwell.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

There is no option to upgrade to a private tour. The tour is offered as a group experience with a maximum of 10 participants. Private tours are not available for this particular Gatlinburg excursion.

Can We Stop for Lunch During the Tour?

The tour does not include a scheduled lunch stop. However, guests are welcome to purchase snacks or meals on their own during the tour at recommended spots. The guide can provide recommendations for good dining options along the route.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens?

The tour doesn’t currently offer any discounts for senior citizens. However, the tour can accommodate a range of ages and abilities, and seniors are welcome to join. It’s best to check with the tour provider for any updates on potential discounts.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit specific sites. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider, who will try to accommodate requests within the tour’s duration and logistics. Additional fees may apply for customized itineraries.

The Sum Up

The Gatlinburg: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Classic Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. With a focus on scenic viewpoints, historical insights, and seamless logistics, this tour offers an exceptional opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beauty and heritage of the Smokies. The tour’s value, inclusions, and positive customer feedback make it an enticing choice for those seeking a memorable national park experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: