Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nature & adventure tours

Two options allow you to choose the perfect flight: The Lake View flight extends past the French Broad River and takes you out to Douglas Lake. Douglas Lake is a 33,000 acre man-made lake with over 450 miles of shoreline. This flight will get you up to 1,500 feet in altitude, allowing you a superb view of the Great Smoky Mountains towards the south. Along the route, you will see areas of farmland and quilt-like patterns of pastures. As you get closer to Douglas Lake you will fly next to Douglas Dam. Lake view is a 6-minute flight covering 12 miles. The most popular option, Extended Lake flight, takes you even further. You will fly directly over Douglas Dam, and then proceed over the lake. In the summer take in astonishing sun-glistening views of the water and the people enjoying their time on the lake. In the winter the water level is lowered, so expect majestic views of exposed islands and coves. As well as the beautiful lake, you will see the Great Smoky Mountains towards the southwest. On this option, you climb to a slightly higher altitude than on the Lake View flight, allowing for better visibility of the National Park. Extended Lake is an 8-minute flight over 16 miles.

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! NOTE: This 47-mile-long tour covers the essentials of the Great Smoky Mountains in 5-6 hours. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover why it’s the most visited National Park in the country. Buckle up and prepare for a deep dive into the most famous stretch of the Appalachians. Enjoy a flexible route that allows you to take all the time you need to admire the timeless wonders of the mountains. Drive through the scenic mountains and hear all about parts of Cherokee history, like the ancient Cherokee monarchy and the revolutionaries who fought against it. Get detailed accounts of Cherokee ancestral legends, from the great buzzard who shaped the Smoky Mountains from clay to the witch whose droplets of blood bloom into stalks of corn. Experience animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms. Be pointed towards some of the most awe-inspiring sights in the park. Gaze at the majestic Rainbow Falls, the breath-taking 360-degree views atop Clingmans Dome, and hear about the deep-rooted history of the Elys Mill. Learn about the complex flora and fauna which call the mountains home. Get to know the creatures of Cades Cove and learn how wildfires form an integral part of the vast and interconnected ecosystem. As you drive, audio stories will automatically pop up and start playing, allowing you to keep your attention on the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

Cruise through the Smoky Mountains on this Pigeon River whitewater rafting adventure. Get up close to nature as you splash your way through exciting rapids that require no previous experience. Get access to a 10-acre island with a nature trail, beanbag toss games, and a playground. Meet your guide at the tour supplier's outpost and get fitted with your helmet and life jacket. Listen as your guide provides you with a safety briefing to ensure you are confident. Head out to the Pigeon River and embark on your whitewater trip. Follow your guide through lively rapids with equally engaging nicknames such as Too Late, Vegamatic, Razor Blade, After Shave, and Lost Guide. After your ride, enjoy the amenities at the rafting outpost which has a nature trail, beanbag toss games, and a playground at the water’s edge.

Go rafting on the Upper Pigeon River and combine whitewater action with epic mountain scenery, great for visitors looking to get outdoors. This guided adventure from Hartford is an accessible option for guests staying in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, or the national park in Eastern Tennessee. Meet the guide at NOC's Pigeon River Outpost in Hartford. After a brief orientation and video, get geared up with a life jacket and paddles and load onto the big blue bus to shuttle to the river put in. Once in the raft, an experienced guide explains the rafting lingo and what to expect. Then go down the river, paddling through bouncy waves, cool mountain water, and fun rapids. With nearly continuous Class II-III+ rapids like Lost Guide and Accelerator and views into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Upper Pigeon is a truly memorable experience.

Discover the thrilling, dazzling, historic, and adventurous with a Tennessee Sightseeing Flex Pass. Access top attractions and tours throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the scenic Smokies all in one pass. Take advantage of full admission to attractions or save up to 30% on entry costs. Let your Flex Pass take you into the great outdoors and see the natural splendor of the Smokey Mountains up close and personal: select between a 3-attraction or a 5-attraction pass and choose what you want to enjoy when you arrive. Coast down whitewater in a raft or take in the sights from a thrilling vantage point on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Ride. Experience the awe-inspiring vision of the Great Smoky Mountains, where colorful fog-rich forests surround majestic Appalachian peaks this renowned Tennessee UNESCO World Heritage Site. Partner Tennessee’s exciting outdoor marvels with family-friendly and group-friendly attractions. Learn the history of the world’s most famous tragic transatlantic ocean liner at the Titanic Museum Attraction, then catch a dazzling magic show at Wonderworks. Whatever activities you choose, enjoy the convenience of an all-in-one pass. Top Attractions: • Beyond the Lens • Escape Game Pigeon Forge • Titanic Attraction • Rocky Top Mountain Coaster • Rainforest Adventure Zoo • Wonderworks

Drive on the Cades Cove Loop Road with a phone app, Navigate with ease through the wooded areas of the Smoky Mountains, visit historic churches, see the Elijah Oliver Cabin, stop by the Cades Cove Grist Mill, and go on the Abram Falls trail. Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 25+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Cades Cove in 3-5 hours. Begin the tour just west of Gatlinburg, by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Library. From there, continue west toward the scenic loop. As you drive, hear about the Cherokee who once lived here, and the clashes between them and the first European settlers to arrive. Using your audio guide, get familiar with some of the wildlife that makes the Smoky Mountains so special. Stop at the first major landmark, the John Oliver Place, once home to some of the first homesteaders to make a living here in Cades Cove. Next, get to the Primitive Baptist Church, one of three churches in the cove dating back to the 1800s. As you visit the next 2—the Methodist Church and the Missionary Baptist Church—learn about the devastating impact of the Civil War on the community, and where these churches stood in the conflict. Then it’s on to the Elijah Oliver Place, a beautifully-preserved homestead offering an authentic look at early pioneer life in the Smokies. After that, you have the option to hike to Abrams Falls, a secluded waterfall. Next up is the John Cable Grist Mill, a still-working mill from the 1800s where you can buy cornmeal ground up on-site. Then, reach Tipton Place, home to not only a Revolutionary War veteran, but a Civil War veteran as well. Finally, arrive at the Carter Shields Cabin, another idyllic homestead from a bygone era. Continue on toward the start of the loop as you hear about the last family to call Cades Cove home. Conclude the drive near the start of the Cades Cove Scenic Loop.

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 550+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Blue Ridge Parkway in 5+ hours. Once downloaded, your tour can begin at any of the following locations: Cherokee, NC; Asheville, NC; Roanoke, VA; Afton, VA. From there, you can drive in either direction. If you want to see the whole parkway, from Great Smoky Mountains National Park all the way to Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, you can do so! But if you’d rather break your trip up into smaller pieces and explore at different times, that’s also absolutely an option. Once you buy this tour, it’s yours for life, so you can explore the Blue Ridge Parkway entirely on your own schedule. While driving, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at countless jaw-dropping overlooks revealing the majesty and beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Some of these also feature incredible hiking trails for travelers looking to stretch their legs and get up close and personal with this lush wilderness landscape. Along these trails, you’ll find mountain views, waterfalls, plentiful wildlife, and more scenery than you can shake a stick at. As you drive, you’ll also get acquainted with the Native tribes of the region, such as the Cherokee. You’ll hear plenty of history and legends belonging to these people and revisit dark yet important periods of time like the infamous Trail of Tears. Along the way, get ready to pass plenty of small, historic towns as well. Looking out across those distant villages, you’ll learn about the history of industry in the Appalachians—the rise, the fall, and the persistence of the hardy residents of these towns. Whether you’re looking to enhance a scenic drive or really dive into the weeds and explore, this tour gives you the tools to do it. So what are you waiting for? Buckle up and hit the road!

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 72+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Great Smoky and Cades Cove Bundle in 4-5 hours. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains at your own pace with a self-guided and self-driving tour. Hike to Alum Cave, enjoy a panoramic view from Charles Overlook, and discover Cades Coves from the comfort of your own car. Drive to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to start your journey. After exploring the Visitor Center, head past the Mingus Mill, a remnant of a once-thriving town. As you drive to Beech Flats Quiet Walkway, hear accounts of the Cherokee people who once lived here. Learn about their legends and their struggle to hold onto their land. Once you arrive, enjoy a meditative stroll through nature. Hop back into your car and head to Charles Webb Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the park. Once you’ve snapped some stunning photos, continue toward Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies, for more unparalleled views of the mountains. Continue to the trail for Alum Cave, one of the most popular hikes in the park. If you wish, take the moderate 4.4-mile roundtrip trail for beautiful panoramas and fascinating rock formations. After your hike, drive to Chimney Tops Overlook, offering more stunning mountain views. Next, enjoy an easy wilderness walk at Balsam Point. As you continue past yet another incredible vista and another secluded walkway, hear little-known park history. Jump back in your car and drive towards Gatlinburg, stopping on the way to check out the pristine Cataract Falls. In Gatlinburg, pass the famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Drive past Ogle Place, an old-timey homestead dating back to the 1800s, before arriving at Rainbow Falls. Continue your drive past several more waterfalls and the historic cabins of Ephraim Bales and Reagan Tub, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. Finally, finish your Great Smoky National Park tour with a visit to the old Ely’s Mill, which is still in operation today. Start the second part of your combination tour, discovering Cades Coves, just west of Gatlinburg. From there, continue west toward the scenic loop. The first landmark on your route is John Oliver Place, once home to some of the first homesteaders to make a living here. After that, pass 3 churches dating back to the 1800s and uncover the devastating impact of the Civil War on this community. Drive to Elijah Oliver Place, a beautifully-preserved homestead offering an authentic look at early pioneer life. If you wish to stretch your legs, hike to Abrams Falls, a secluded, powerful waterfall. Next, drive to Tipton Place. Finally, reach the Carter Shields Cabin, another idyllic homestead from a bygone era. Finish your tour at the start of the loop as you hear about the last family to call the cove home.

Don’t miss a thing as your favorite audio tour narrator guides you throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to not-to-be-missed viewpoints, along with fascinating stories, tips and directions. Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Enjoy the many historic log buildings, wide range of wildlife in diverse ecosystems, extensive hiking trails, and stunning viewpoints from scenic drives and mountain peaks. Major Highlights: Alum Cave Cable Mill Cades Cove Chimney Tops Clingmans Dome Gatlinburg Grotto Falls John Oliver Place Laurel Falls Mingus Mill Morton Tunnel Newfound Gap Oconaluftee Farm Museum The Sinks Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Sugarlands Marvel at the 17,000 species of abundant wildlife from tiny fireflies to colorful and giant salamanders. Witness over 240 species of birds, including woodpeckers, owls and warblers, elk, deer, foxes, bobcats black bears. Explore Cades Cove with its collection of historic homesteads, preserved buildings like Cable Grist Mill and churches. Pause in this scenic valley which is also one of the best and most reliable areas to see wildlife. Witness blue fog rising from the valleys at Newfound Gap and discover the reason why the range is called the Smoky Mountains. Continue on climbing the spur road to Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in Tennessee before taking a trip to the flying saucer-style viewing platform. Traverse the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Discover a landscape of lush hardwood forest, numerous waterfalls including Rainbow Falls and the Place of a Thousand Drips, as well as historic cabins like Noah “Bud” Ogle’s, grist mills, and other preserved buildings.

Start any of these tours by downloading the app that will function as your guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: In this bundle, each tour is 35+ miles long and takes 2-3 hours to complete. This bundle includes: • Grand Canyon • Yellowstone • Grand Teton • Rocky Mountain • Mesa Verde • Shenandoah • Acadia • Sequoia & Kings Canyon • Joshua Tree • Arches • Bryce • Canyonlands • Capitol Reef • Goblin Valley • Zion • Grand Staircase • Monument Valley • Great Smokies • Death Valley • Olympic • Badlands • Glacier • Yosemite • Everglades • Hawaii Volcanoes • Saguaro • Petrified • Red Rock Canyon • Mt Rainier Tour • White Sands NP Also, Enjoy Bonus Tour of : 1. Horseshoe Bend & Page 2. Carlsbad Caverns 3. Salt Lake City Marvel at a mile-deep crack in the earth at the Grand Canyon. Tour the rim, hike eye-popping trails, and learn how this awe-inspiring landscape formed. Watch Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone, but don’t stop there! See Grand Prismatic, observe the nation’s largest bison herd, get the truth about the Yellowstone supervolcano, and more! Travel to new heights in the Grand Teton mountain range, offering unbelievable vistas, dramatic mountain passes, and tons of history. Explore Colorado’s dramatic Rockies, from gorgeous vistas to the enormous Bear Lake. Plus, learn how this park exists thanks to some competent women. Discover why Great Smoky is the most-visited national park. Find sparkling waterfalls, verdant hiking trails, and a rich Cherokee heritage. Plus, explore little-known Civil War history at Cades Cove. Cruise through tree-filled mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive, offering perfect wilderness sights and plentiful wildlife and legends. Get in touch with nature at Acadia, one of the greenest places in the country. Or visit in the fall for a truly unforgettable display of autumn foliage! Visit living giants in Sequoia, home to the largest trees on Earth. Then go beyond those groves to Kings Canyon, boasting dramatic vistas for those seeking the perfect photo op. Cruise through Joshua Tree, where two deserts meet. See great desert hikes, wacky Dr. Seuss-like trees, and some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. Discover the gravity-defying wonder of Arches, named for impossible rock formations millions of years in the making. Hear how they formed and what they meant to the tribes here. Visit the staggering beauty of Canyonlands, home to the stunning red desert and more canyons than you can shake a stick at. Stand atop breathtaking vistas, find a piece of history at Aztec Butte, and much more. See why Mormon pioneers thought Zion was heaven on earth! Visit natural wonders from towering rock temples to emerald pools and a hiking trail. Visit the spot where Forrest Gump ended his famous run at Monument Valley! Explore this valley’s jaw-dropping mesas and spires, which made Hollywood famous.