High Points Driving Tour: Great Smoky Mountains Sightseeing
5.0
26 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
(26 Ratings)
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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
Happiness51536642351
Oct 8, 2023
High Points Driving Tour - Our group had an amazing time on our tour. Clayton was our guide, and happens to be the owner. He want above and beyond to make sure we saw everything we were interested in, and was very informative. Highly recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q2571jjjackm
Sep 20, 2023
GREAT EXPERIENCE - GREAT TOUR-PHIL BATEMAN WAS OUTSTANDING AS A TOUR GUIDE AND SEASONED DRIVER. 4 HOURS OF HISTORY AND INFORMATION WAS OUTSTANDING. GREAT TRIP!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R2502gosandram
Sep 17, 2023
Great experience! - Our tour guide, Phillip, was excellent. Very knowledgeable and prompt. He told us many stories about the area, and we learned things we would have otherwise never learned. He included us in the decision making of what we wanted to see and do.
We saw many beautiful sights and throughly enjoyed ourselves. Would definitely recommend to others.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ajtithikkat
Sep 5, 2023
Awe inspiring experience. - We thoroughly enjoyed our trip . Wes, our Tour guide took special care of us to ensure our well being and safety. The views and scenery are simply awe inspiring . We highly Recommend this trip to all nature lovers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matthew_m
Aug 26, 2023
The Smokies were... - The Smokies were beautiful. We had an amazing time. Clayton, the tour guide, was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Review provided by Viator
252yinkaa
Aug 25, 2023
A fantastic experience with an amazing guide! - Phil our tour guide was excellent! He is very knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoys being a tour guide. He knows so much about the Smoky Mountains and shared the stories and history with such passion. I went on this tour with 2 teenagers, a 7-year-old and my husband. We did not get a chance to get breakfast before the tour. To our surprise and delight, Phil had snacks, breakfast bars and cold water waiting for us. The refreshments held us until lunch time, and we were able to enjoy our tour with no complains of hunger from the kids. Phil also took some amazing photos during the tour. Such a great experience overall. I highly recommend this tour company. Thank you again Phil!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
