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The "Classic" National Park Tour

4.8 (101)

Gatlinburg, US

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Experience the breathtaking beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the "Classic" National Park Tour. Hop aboard our comfortable and eco-friendly vans as we embark on a journey through time and nature. We'll start by exploring the remains of a historic resort town, diving into the rich history of the Smokies and the early pioneers of the Appalachian region. As we ascend the mountains on one of the most scenic roads in the Southeast, we'll make stops at picturesque overlooks to capture the majestic landscapes and delve into the area's fascinating stories. The pinnacle of our adventure awaits at Newfound Gap, where you'll stand on the 5,000-foot-high border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Marvel at the iconic Appalachian Trail and the spot where President Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the park in 1940. Join us for an unforgettable tour that unveils the wonders and history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
3 hours
Suitable for 2-10 Participants
Small Group Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Explore the history of logging in the Smokies
Learn about the lives of early Appalachian pioneers
Experience the stunning views along Newfound Gap Road
Learn about the 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail
Stand on the state line and admire the mountain vistas

Included

Bottled water
Snacks

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More about this experience

Introduction

The "Classic" National Park Tour is a captivating journey through the scenic wonders and rich history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This guided tour invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of this majestic landscape while discovering intriguing stories of the past.

What to expect?

During this 180-minute tour, you can expect to explore the park's highlights and delve into its fascinating history. The adventure begins as you are picked up at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and travel in comfortable and eco-friendly vans. Along the way, your expert guide will share insights and knowledge about the unique flora, fauna, and cultural heritage of the area.

Who is this for?

This tour is designed to appeal to nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a memorable experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a family, this tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It's an opportunity to connect with nature and gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of this incredible national park.

Why book this?

Embark on this tour to unlock the extraordinary beauty of the park and learn about its captivating history. The "Classic" National Park Tour offers a unique blend of scenic drives, hiking opportunities, and educational insights. It's a chance to witness breathtaking panoramic views, visit historic sites, and stand on the state line at Newfound Gap. The knowledgeable guides ensure an engaging and informative experience, making this tour an ideal choice for anyone who wants to create lasting memories in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Good to know

Before joining the tour, it's important to note that the meeting point is the upper parking lot behind the Gatlinburg Welcome Center. The tour duration is approximately 180 minutes, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the park's highlights. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended to fully enjoy the outdoor experience. Remember to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking vistas and unforgettable moments throughout the tour.

Reviews

This tour has received rave reviews from individuals who have embarked on the "Classic" National Park Tour. Guests have praised the knowledgeable guides who bring the park's history to life and provide fascinating insights into the surrounding nature. Many have marveled at the awe-inspiring views from Newfound Gap and appreciated the time spent exploring the scenic overlooks along the way. Overall, guests have expressed their satisfaction with the immersive and enriching experience this tour offers.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Meeting point & End point

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

Gatlinburg Welcome Center, 1011 Banner Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, US

Your Itinerary

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.

Additional information

Reviews

(101)

4.8 (101)

penguinempress

My husband and I did the classic 3 hour tour on a wet Monday in May and we had a wonderful time. Wes was a fantastic guide - extremely knowledgeable and committed to making sure the tour covered everything we wanted to see. He got us to all the perfect vistas before the crowds arrived and took some great photos of us as well. Would absolutely recommend this tour (and Wes) to anyone interested in touring the Smoky Mountains.

Kevin_C

Tour was excellent. We had Wes White as our guide. He was very informative and very friendly. Would definitely book another tour. Thank you Wes!

VJIrvine

Fantastic tour in comfortable air conditioned van. Our guide, Clayton, was simply wonderful! Very knowledgeable, and customized the tour to meet our preferences. If we book another tour, it will definitely be with Rock Mountain Guides, and we will request Clayton. But judging by Clayton’s professionalism, I imagine all of their guides are terrific!

Bill M

What a wonderful and informative trip! Wes was a fantastic tour guide!! He is very personable and knowledgeable! He is engaging and, IMHO, a great asset to the company. I would take tour after tour with him!! The vistas we saw were incredible!

betsyanded

Had a great tour with Wes - learned a lot about the area and saw some beautiful scenery, while leaving the driving to someone else. Only way to improve the tour would be the addition of a microphone - those in the front seats could hear Wes talking and answering questions … but not so much in the back

Suzanne_H

Wes, our guide was great! He took pictures for us and the rest of the group. He shared his knowledge without it being a script which made it more personalized and interesting. Would recommend it to anyone.

sandybI7728NJ

Guide Wes was outstanding. He made trip informative and fun. We enjoyed his stories about the park. I would recommend this tour for anyone.

129cherylz

Our driver, Wes, was an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable about the area & showed us places that were very beautiful & historic to the area. He made the tour fun & very memorable. This was our first visit to the area & we are so glad that we signed up for the tour. Would highly recommend this tour!

O8060GPdianeb

Wes was the best. Knowledgeable, so pleasant. The sights where so beautiful and I like that it was unscripted and we weren't rushed at all. He answered all our questions and made it fun Definitely recommend!!! Diane Bailey and Mary Burke

Amy V

This was an excellent tour for us Smoky’s first timers! There were several stops for great views, pictures, and even a touch of hiking/climbing. We learned so much from our tour guide, Wes. He was informative, funny, and so helpful. He gave some great hiking and restaurant recommendations that did not disappoint. The value of the tour far exceeded the cost and our expectations - do not hesitate to book this one!

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2024-06-19 23:59