Classic National Park Tour: Historical Gatlinburg Exploration

Embark on a historical exploration of Gatlinburg, TN, and discover the rich heritage of the Smoky Mountains. Learn about logging, pioneers, and the founding of the national park on this classic national park tour.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Elkmont Ghost Town - Visitors will have the chance to explore one of the most powerful rivers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park while learning about the park’s founding history and the lives of loggers, CCC workers, pioneer farmers, and early mountain recreational visitors.
  • Newfound Gap Road - Known as one of the most picturesque drives…
What's Included
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Tasty snacks included
Additional Information

Our journey commences with pickup from our base in Gatlinburg, TN. We’ll be traveling in eco-friendly, comfortable vans to our first destination - the ruins of an erstwhile resort town over a century old. Here, we explore the history of logging in the Smoky Mountains, the lifestyle of the initial Appalachian settlers, and the establishment of the…

Location
Gatlinburg Welcome Center
Banner Road
We'll meet you in the upper parking lot behind the Gatlinburg Welcome Center.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(276 Ratings)
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1 star
Linda
Mar 25, 2026
Learned so much - The guide was extremely knowledgeable about the park and the surrounding areas. He was open to questions and we learned a lot. Even though the weather was on and off rainy/foggy, we stopped throughout the tour at a variety of locations. We got some excellent photos
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jaime_b
Mar 22, 2026
Outstanding day at the Park. - Get a better understanding of the history this National Park. Wes did an outstanding job of educatiing us about the park.
Review provided by Viator
David_b
Mar 20, 2026
Amazing tour despite the weather! - Top Notch Tour. When the weather didn't cooperate, the tour company gave us the option to cancel. We had no other available time so we said let's make the best of it. Despite not being able to see some of the main attractions (i.e., the views at high elevations), Phillip met us with a couple of hot beverages to battle the cold weather and we had a great talk about what we should go see. Phillip knows so many stories about the park and its history, we learned a ton and enjoyed every minute of it, while getting snowed on! The tour company was worried that we would be disappointed, but the scenery in this park covered with a layer of snow was amazing! We saw waterfalls, historic old cabins, a river that's scenic at every turn, wildlife, and heard stories of the people that called this park home so many years ago (and even relatively recently!) This was one of the best tours I have ever taken. The tour company was so caring and didn't want to disappoint, warmed us up, fed us snacks, and stuck with us for several hours to give us a tour we won't forget! Thanks Phillip and Clayton! You're the best!
Review provided by Viator
Melissasf7423lr
Mar 19, 2026
Snow - Kindel took us on a wonderful drive to view mountains and snow. She’s knowledgeable and friendly. We would request her again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielle_d
Mar 15, 2026
Great tour extremely pleased! - Phillip was a great tour guide! So Friendly and Knowledgeable. Definitely recommend! Answered all questions!
Review provided by Viator
Steve_j
Mar 6, 2026
Great introduction to the... - Great introduction to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Great history of the park. Gives a great starting point to touring the park. We've taken quite a few guided tours of National Parks, and our guide today, Wes, was one of the top guides we have had.
Review provided by Viator
345susanz
Feb 20, 2026
Wonderful tour of Great Smoky National Park with Wes B! - Our family of 4 really enjoyed this tour and still talk about it months later! Our tour guide Wes B was great, knowledgable and funny, and gave us a relaxing and beautiful time in the National Park. He took the time to take wonderful and scenic pictures for our family. I would recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patty1313
Jan 8, 2026
Highly recommend! - This was a great tour and our driver/tour guide Lydia was fantastic! I think this is a nice way to see the Smoky Mountains and not have to be worried about driving. Just sit back and listen to Lydia as you look at the beautiful views. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E1131uzvanessac
Jan 5, 2026
Great Smokey Mountain Tour - We visited the Great Smokey Mountain National Park on Nov. 26, 2025. We desired to view and learn about this part of God's creation and were blessed with Lydia as our guide. We were surprised to receive a text from Lydia the day before our tour stating she was looking forward to being our guide. We responded we were looking forward to the tour as well, that Larry used a walker and if that would be a problem. Lydia responded that would not be a problem at all; she would accommodate us. Lydia was thoughtful, friendly, very knowledgeable about the park and an excellent driver; truly a very professional guide. She made our tour, our visit to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park an enjoyable experience. Larry & Vanessa Chase, Chesapeake, VA.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tyeshiatf
Jan 4, 2026
Awesome. Great guide. Comfortable van. - Our tour was awesome! Kindel was the best guide, super friendly and knowledgeable. Great views, nice and comfortable van. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $60
up to 10 guests
2 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).