Embark on a self-driving discovery tour of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited National Park in the country. Learn about Cherokee history, Appalachian life, and more!
Embark on a self-driving discovery tour of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited National Park in the country. Learn about Cherokee history, Appalachian life, and more!
- Gatlinburg - The journey concludes in the charming mountain town of Gatlinburg, offering a picturesque end to the tour.
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Mingus Mill - On the way, there’s an option to detour to the Mingus Mill, an 1886 grist mill that remains fully operational! On weekends, visitors can watch the mill operators grind corn just as it was done in the 1800s.
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- Gatlinburg - The journey concludes in the charming mountain town of Gatlinburg, offering a picturesque end to the tour.
- Mingus Mill - On the way, there’s an option to detour to the Mingus Mill, an 1886 grist mill that remains fully operational! On weekends, visitors can watch the mill operators grind corn just as it was done in the 1800s.
- Clingmans Dome Visitor Contact Station - Approaching Clingman’s Dome, the iconic observation tower comes into view. The Great Smoky Mountains are best appreciated from this vantage point!
- Quiet Walkways - The first major stop is the Beech Flats Quiet Walkway, ideal for those wishing to enjoy the mountain’s natural beauty without a strenuous hike.
- Morton Overlook - Next is Morton Overlook, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets.
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center - The scenic drive through the majestic Smoky Mountains begins at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Prepare to explore the Smokies and understand why it’s the most visited National Park in the nation!
- Rockefeller Memorial - Following that is the Rockefeller Memorial, where visitors can learn about Rockefeller’s significant contribution to the park. This memorial was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt.
- Carlos Campbell Overlook - The route continues to Carlos Campbell Overlook, offering sweeping views of towering mountains and lush forests.
- Morton Mountain Tunnel - The journey proceeds through the Morton Tunnel, cutting through the heart of a mountain. Here, the story of how politician Ben Morton left his mark on the park is shared.
- Alum Cave Trail - The next point of interest is the Alum Cave Trail, leading hikers to the remnants of an old salt mine rich with history.
- Chimney Tops Overlook - The route then leads to Chimney Tops Overlook, where the impact of wildfires in the Smokies and their lasting effects on the mountains are discussed.
- Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail - The next stop is the most accessible trail in the park! The Sugarlands Valley Trail is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, providing a wonderful way to explore the scenic wilderness. The trail also offers a historical perspective on the valley and its early settlers.
- Clingmans Dome - The next destination is the most accessible trail in the park: Sugarlands Valley Trail! This beautiful trail is accessible by wheelchair or stroller, offering a fantastic way to explore the wilderness.
- Sugarlands Visitors Center - The tour then heads to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, an ideal rest stop with several trailheads.
- Rainbow Falls Trail - The route continues to the Rainbow Falls Trail, leading to the park’s most popular waterfall. At 80 feet, Rainbow Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Smokies, and when the sun hits it just right, it sparkles like a rainbow, hence the name.
- Cataract Falls - The drive proceeds to Cataract Falls, a stunning, secluded waterfall nestled beneath a canopy of beech trees.
- Newfound Gap Road - From there, the drive continues to Newfound Gap, a breathtaking mountain pass with significant historical importance. Learn about how trappers, farmers, and merchants once traversed the Smokies, and how this gap transformed their journeys.
Purchase once and enjoy for a year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
The tour spans over 45 miles, featuring more than 40 audio stories, and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! - The next stop is ideal for those intrigued by quirky oddities. This unique museum showcases everything from shrunken human heads to rare animal skeletons. Discover how it evolved from a simple comic strip into a national sensation.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail - Continue along the road to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This driving trail encourages a leisurely pace to appreciate the forest and historic buildings. It also highlights three of the park’s most renowned waterfalls!
- Alfred Reagan Tub Mill - The road leads to the Reagan Cabin, showcasing old-time technology with the “tub mill.” Learn about its purpose and significance here.
- Grotto Falls Trail - Continue driving to the Grotto Falls trail. While not as grand as Rainbow Falls, this secluded, less crowded waterfall is worth visiting. Along the way, hear about a rare salamander unique to this area!
- The Place of a Thousand Drips - Why settle for one waterfall when you can experience several? The next stop is the Place of a Thousand Drips, where numerous narrow falls converge to create a stunning cascade.
- Baskins Creek Falls - The drive continues to Baskin Creek Falls, a sparkling waterfall where the amusing and slightly misguided history behind its name is shared.

- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
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Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
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- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Park Passes
- Park Passes
Recommendation: Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. Everyone can listen together!
Discover the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and find out why it’s the most visited national park in the United States! Experience these renowned mountains while learning about Cherokee history and legends, Appalachian culture, and much more. There’s…
Recommendation: Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. Everyone can listen together!
Discover the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and find out why it’s the most visited national park in the United States! Experience these renowned mountains while learning about Cherokee history and legends, Appalachian culture, and much more. There’s no better way to explore Clingman’s Dome, Cades Cove, or Rainbow Falls. Additionally, enjoy a complimentary bonus tour of Roaring Forks Motor Trail!
After booking, check your email or text messages to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.
Purchase once and use for an entire year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Please note, this is not an entrance ticket. Verify opening hours before your visit.
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car’s stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.