High Points Driving Tour: Great Smoky Mountains Sightseeing
5.0
29 Ratings
Gatlinburg
Embark on a high points driving tour in the Great Smoky Mountains, exploring the breathtaking sights above 5000 ft. Learn about Native American stories, geographical facts, and the impact of logging on the area. Reach the highest point in the National Park and discover the unique spruce-fir forest.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- 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.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
Additional Information
A tour of the lofty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains can be a memory that stays with you for a long time. We journey beyond the Appalachian Trail, traversing the Ridge of the Smokies while admiring the views from elevations exceeding 5000 ft. Your guide will enrich your understanding of the region with tales from Native American heritage and geographical trivia. Our travel proceeds into the North Carolina portion of the National Park, where we appreciate panoramic views and explore the legacy of logging in this area. You’ll be astonished by the natural rejuvenation of the forest over time. Our aim is to reach the Clingmans Dome parking lot and souvenir shop, which is situated at the park’s summit at an altitude of 6,643 feet. Weather permitting, an additional brief stroll through the spruce-fir woodlands would offer insights into this distinctive ecosystem.
Location
Gatlinburg Welcome Center
Banner Road
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(29 Ratings)
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Millie
May 23, 2024
Great tour - Wes is a great guide. I wanted to take a tour of the Smokey Mountains but wanted someone else to drive so I could enjoy the views. This was the perfect tour for that. We did go on a day that was misting and slightly overcast but still enjoyed it. Wes was very knowledgeable and told us many facts and stories I was unaware of about the Park. I will take this tour every time I come to the Great Smokey Mountains Park.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
720iainc
May 15, 2024
Clingmans Dome Trip - I booked this trip as I wanted to visit Clingmans Dome, Wes was a great guide very humorous and knowledgably identifying many plants and points of interest along the way. He was very supportive and there was no rush to the top it was all done at a slow steady pace enabling me to meet my goal of getting to the top. There was some cloud cover but this started to clear allowing the amazing views to penetrate through. Wes knowledge continued even at the top. It was a great trip that went by too quickly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Silvester_v
May 8, 2024
History and views - Wes gave a terrific historical perspective to the your. And even though it was cloudy, great views! Really enjoyed it.
Review provided by Viator
B1362ojellenf
May 3, 2024
THE BEST - I was visiting with my sister, my Aunt and cousins. Wes was AMAZING!! He was knowledgeable, informative and friendly. We all had a wonderful time and will remember our first visit to the Smokey Mountains always. A great day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_p
Apr 21, 2024
Phillip's availability was a stroke of good fortune. - Hiking to Clingman's Dome was challenging but a great experience. Phillip was a great guide. He knew his stuff and was very accommodating. He was made for the job.
Review provided by Viator
Bourne1967
Apr 3, 2024
A great way to see the Smokey Mountains! - We have an autistic adult son and our driver's (John) warmth and personality immediately put our son at ease letting us as parents relax. The driving tour was great. John's insight into the ecosystem of the Smokey Mountains made the trip very interesting. His flexibility enabled us to see great sites prior to the cloud coverage fully moving in that morning. Normally, I am the one driving through a National Park and I then miss seeing all the sights as I have to be attentive to the road. This Driving Tour let me relax, enjoy my family and take great pics.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Butterflylady60
Dec 28, 2023
Great Driving Tour - Thanks to our tour guide Kindel. - My husband and I really enjoyed this tour with Kindel as our guide. Although it was mid-October, we experienced unexpected snow at Newfound Gap, with the road closed to the Clingman Dome. ( Made for fun photos.) Kindel used the opportunity to chat about the weather in the Smokies and her experiences. She was always friendly and upbeat and sharing anecdotes definitely added to the charm of the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sumant_p
Nov 5, 2023
Natural beauties of the Smokies. - Clingmans Dom was the highlight of the tour plus the vie points along the way were excellent photo opportunities for the Smokey mountains and the valleys.
Review provided by Viator
C7356dclisam
Oct 26, 2023
High Points Tour - It was an amazing tour. The mountains were full of color and the temperature was perfect. Philip was a knowledgeable guide and excellent driver. Loved this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcipro
Oct 25, 2023
Awesome tour! - Phillip was an Amazing tour guide. He asked us what we wanted to do and what we wanted to hear about. His knowledge about the area and it's history was phenomenal. Clingsman Dome and Newfound Gap were beautiful. We stopped at a few overlooks on the way up. Phillip offered to take our pictures. We have beautiful pictures to remember our trip. I highly recommend this tour. Thank you to Phillip for a great tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
