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Top 6 Gatlinburg Scenic Drives You Won’t Want to Miss

Are you looking to enjoy the breathtaking views around Gatlinburg TN, but don’t feel like leaving the comfort of your car? You’re in luck! Gatlinburg is full of scenic drives for everyone to enjoy. Gather your friends and family, pack some snacks, and hit the road. Here are 6 Gatlinburg scenic drives you won’t want to miss when visiting the area.

1. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

2. Newfound Gap Road

Newfound Gap Road , one of the most popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountain area, stretches from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC. You’ll be able to see many different types of trees and beautiful mountain views during your drive. There are even pull-offs along the road, so visitors can stop and take pictures to capture the scenery.

3. Cades Cove Loop Road

4. Rich Mountain Road

If you’re looking for a more rustic drive through the Smoky Mountains, try Rich Mountain Road. Rich Mountain Road is completely made of gravel and will lead you to Cades Cove. It is guaranteed to bring you closer to nature and is known for its incredible overlook about halfway down the road. Fun fact: For about 100 years, this used to be the only way to reach Cades Cove.

5. Little River Road

6. Wears Valley Road

Wears Valley Road stretches about 15 miles, from Pigeon Forge to Townsend. Because it’s a high mountain valley separated from the city, this scenic drive lets you take a breather and relax from the stress of everyday life and appreciate the nature around you. It’s nicknamed the “Jewel of the Smokies.” When driving down Wears Valley Road, catch glimpses of gorgeous foliage or make a pit stop at a craft shop along the way.

These are just a few of the many Gatlinburg scenic drives. You won’t want to waste any time before embarking on a memorable road trip to experience the Smoky Mountains from the comfort of your car. Wondering what else there is to do while you’re in town? Look through these other things to do while you’re in Gatlinburg!

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5 Best Scenic Drives In Gatlinburg

There’s something about a scenic drive that just relaxes the soul. Maybe it’s the winding roads, the mountain views, or the trees that line the way. Whatever it is, Gatlinburg has some of the best scenic drives around. So if you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening, take one of these drives. Trust us – you won’t regret it!

1. Roaring Fork Motor Trail / Scenic Drives In Gatlinburg

The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The trail is a 6-mile loop that winds through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way, visitors can enjoy stunning scenery, including waterfalls, mountain streams, and old-growth forests. The trail is also home to wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is easy to access from Gatlinburg and is open year-round.

• Plenty of views of mountains, streams, mills, and other historic buildings
• A one-way, scenic loop that is 6 miles long
• Roaring Fork Interpretive Marker 1 Overlook Is A Must See

2. Foothills Parkway West / Scenic Drives In Gatlinburg

The Foothills Parkway West is one of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The parkway winds its way through the Great Smoky Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can drive the parkway for miles, stopping at overlooks to take in the breathtaking scenery. The parkway is also popular with hikers and cyclists, who often use it as a gateway to access the many trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely drive or an adventurous hike, Foothills Parkway West has something for everyone.

• Offers unobstructed views of the Smokies to the south and the Tennessee Valley to the north
• This National Parkway spans 33 miles
• FootHills Parkway West Overlook # 1

3. Newfound Gap Road / Scenic Drives In Gatlinburg

Firstly, Newfound Gap Road is one of the most popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. The road winds its way through the mountains, offering stunning views of the peaks and valleys. There are several pull-offs where visitors can stop to take photos or simply enjoy the view. Newfound Gap Road is also home to some of the best hiking trails in the Smokies, including the Appalachian Trail. The road culminates at Newfound Gap, a high point where visitors can see for miles in all directions. It is even possible to see seven states from the top of the Newfound Gap on a clear day. Above all, given its beauty and accessibility, it is no wonder that Newfound Gap Road is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

• Newfound Gap is the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• 31 Miles of Incredible Mountain Landscapes
• Charles A Webb Overlook Is Stunning

4. Cades Cove Loop Rd / Scenic Drives In Gatlinburg

By far one of my favorites on this list! Cades Cove Loop Road in Gatlinburg is one of the most popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. The 11-mile loop takes you through a valley that was once home to early settlers. Along the way, you’ll see historic cabins, churches, and mills. You might even spot some wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and black bears. Additionally, the drive is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing color. However, Cades Cove can be crowded during peak tourist season. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Park at the visitors center and take the shuttle bus into the cove. That way, you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

• This is the place you want be to see all kinds of wildlife
• 11 miles of stunning scenery
• Highly recommend pulling over and going to Abrams Falls Trail

5. The Tail Of The Dragon / Scenic Drives In Gatlinburg

The Tail of the Dragon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The tail is actually a stretch of Highway 129 that winds through the mountains for 11 miles. The road has more than 300 curves, making it a favorite destination for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts. However, the Tail of the Dragon is also one of the most dangerous roads in the United States, with an average of one death per year. As a result, visitors are advised to use caution when driving on the Tail of the Dragon. In addition, there are several scenic overlooks along the route, so visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains while staying safe.

• Twist and turns throughout on this amazing motor trail
• 11 miles of engaging curves
• The Tabcat Creek Boat Ramp is pretty for water mountain photos

Location Map

Overview of all the options

Share this list of beautiful drives

There are 384 miles of road in the Smokies. Those who travel these charming roads are mesmerized by the beauty that makes up the Great Smoky Mountains. Meander through landscapes from foothills to mountains. Take one of these drives if you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening. Trust us – you won’t regret it! And be sure to share this post with your friends so they can enjoy the scenic routes in Gatlinburg too.

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Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – Auto Tour

Open dates: april 8 to november 28, 2022, roaring fork begins in gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is one of the most popular gateway cities of  Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Gatlinburg hosts up to 35,000 guests a night, turning this quaint mountain town into a crowded vacation wonderland. Just minutes away is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail .

Once you arrive in Gatlinburg , you may want to park your car and walk. In peak season, pedestrians pack the sidewalks making their way to restaurants, museums, attractions, entertainment venues, and souvenir shops. If you are indisposed to crowds, visit in the colder months.

For the most part, we recommend leaving your car in the parking lot and walking when possible; it is part of the Gatlinburg experience. However, there is at least one time you want to grab the keys, a water bottle and snack, and head for the  Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail .

The corner of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail / Airport Road in downtown Gatlinburg is home to burger joints, ice cream parlors, moonshine outlets, donut shops, numerous shopping hot spots, and the Space Needle reaching into the sky.

It is hard to imagine that just minutes away is a forest hideaway where you can escape all the bustle of the streets.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Map | Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Turn onto Historic Nature Trail (Traffic Light #8) and begin your drive into forestry heaven. The road quickly narrows to two lanes, then merges with Cherokee Orchard Road. Welcome to the forest. A short distance more and you enter  Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

Congratulations, you traveled three minutes and less than a mile. Your escape from city life is under way.

IMPORTANT : The National Park Service does not allow buses, RV’s, motor homes, and vehicles with trailers on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. While the road is in great condition, it is too narrow for these type vehicles. DON’T TRY IT!

Noah “Bud” Ogle Place

Technically speaking, this historic landmark is not on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.  The trail officially doesn’t begin until you turn onto Roaring Fork Road.  However, it is on the National Register of Historic Places , and it is worth your time to stop and see it.

Noah “Bud” Ogle Place Guide

The Great Smoky Mountains Association, in cooperation with the National Park Service, printed a guide and made it available next to the parking lot. The cost is 50 cents.

William Ogle and Martha Huskey are the earliest known settlers of European ancestry in Gatlinburg. After arriving in the early 1800’s, they acquired 400 acres of land and began farming.

Before long, the region was well populated with Ogles, apple trees, and corn. By the 1880’s most of the Ogle farm was sub-divided among their offspring.

Noah “Bud” Ogle is the great grandson of these early pioneers and his home is about 1.8 miles inside the park.

The Noah “Bud” Ogle Place is one of the oldest mountain farm houses remaining in the Smoky Mountains, built in the late 1880’s.

Two other structures built by Noah Ogle still exist on the property, a barn and a tub mill. We suggest that you take a walking tour if you have the time.

About a dozen or so parking spaces are available with easy access to the home.

Ogle Cabin | Roaring Fork Motor Trail | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Photo: Marc Bowman

IMPORTANT : Immediately after the Noah “Bud” Ogle Place, the road divides and becomes a one-way road. From this point forward, you are traveling on a one-way road with no ability to turn around. The only way out is to complete the loop.

Roaring Fork Hiking Opportunities

Access two popular hiking trails, Rainbow Falls Trail and Trillium Gap Trail , both with waterfalls, from Cherokee Orchard Road and Roaring Fork Road respectively.

Rainbow Falls Trail  is the first trail where you may want to stop for a hike. If the parking area is full, keep driving, another parking area is just up the road. Do not park your car in the road like in our photo. It is illegal and it blocks traffic.

Illegally Parked Cars | Rainbow Falls Trailhead | Photo: Marc Bowman

The hike to Rainbow Falls is 2.8 miles in each direction and is considered either “moderate” or “strenuous” depending on which hiking guide you are reading. The payoff is an 80’ tall waterfall that produces a beautiful rainbow on sunny afternoons.

In winter, the falls become an exquisite ice formation.

Trillium Gap is the second main hiking trail on the tour, accessible from Roaring Fork Road. Trillium Gap Trail takes you to the 25’ tall Grotto Falls , a very popular waterfall for hikers in the area.

The 1.3 (2.6 RT) mile hike to Grotto Falls is considered “easy” by most hiking guides, as the elevation rises only 520 feet and is a relatively short hike.

However, Trillium Gap Trail does not end at Grotto Falls , it goes all the way to the summit of Mt. LeConte, an additional four miles. This section is also a much more strenuous hike.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail | Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Entrance

Shortly after the last Rainbow Falls  parking area, is the entrance to the  Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail . The entrance is well marked, so unless you are blissfully unaware of your surroundings, you can’t miss it. Turn right for the motor trail or keep left to loop back around and return to Gatlinburg .

The narrow road contributes to the feeling you are hiking on a trail, but without the exertion. Trees rise to the sky mere inches from the road and the canopy provides shade for the drive. White-tail deer and black bears roaming around is not unusual.

More than 1,500 black bears are home in the Smoky Mountains, and you may see one or two.

If you see a black bear, do not get out of your vehicle and NEVER APPROACH A BEAR. It is illegal to get within 50 yards of a bear. Black bears can be dangerous if they feel threatened.

RELATED : What to Do If You Encounter a Black Bear

Historical Buildings

The Roaring Fork Historic District is the heart of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail . While William Ogle created a homestead for his family just a few miles away, other families settled down in an area called the Roaring Fork Community.

In the early 1800’s, the Smoky Mountains saw new faces with dreams of farming and creating something for their families. The land was plentiful, but it was difficult to farm. Rocky soil, steep slopes, and few roads, if any, made farming easier said than done.

Despite all the challenges, a handful of families counted the cost and plowed on.

Jim Bales Place

Jim Bales Place contains the first buildings you approach in the Roaring Fork Historic District . Born a few years after the Civil War ended, in 1869, Jim Bales eventually inherited this land from his father.

Bales continued the family farming tradition until the U.S. government evicted the family in the 1930’s as part of the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

Jim Bales Log Cabin | Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

The house at the Jim Bales Place is not the home the Bales lived in. The Bales home was torn down after the government took possession. The home you see is the Alex Cole Cabin.

It is not original to the current site. Preservationists moved the cabin here from the Sugarlands Community in order to preserve it. Jim Bales owned the corn crib and barn, originally built on this site.

Ephraim Bales Place

Across the street and a short drive up the road is the Ephraim Bales Place, the home of Jim’s older brother. Ephraim, his wife, Minerva, and their nine children called this small cabin home. It is hard to imagine eleven people crammed into this small home, but they managed.

The home remains as it did when they lived there, with the exception of a back porch that no longer exists. Bales’ hog pen, corn crib, and barn are still standing nearby.

Ephraim Bales Log Cabin | Roaring Forks | Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Alfred Reagan Place

Alfred Reagan, like the rest of the Roaring Fork Community , was a farmer by trade; but that is not who he was. Alfred Reagan was a servant at heart and driven to be useful to his community. He used his numerous talents and skills to meet the needs of many.

When Reagan saw a need for a blacksmith shop, he built one. When the community grew in population, he opened a local store so the people could shop without having to travel to Knoxville.

He also built a mill and offered milling services to the Roaring Fork neighbors. Carpentry was another of his skills, and he contributed the resources to build coffins when someone died, and preached regularly at the church he helped build on land he donated.

Alfred Reagan Home | Roaring Forks | Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Alfred Reagan was a remarkable man, facing extraordinary circumstances. Pioneering was a difficult life. Like so many others in the Roaring Fork Community , he worked hard, served his neighbors, and risked his life to make something for his family.

The house and the mill are all that remain on this earth of his handiwork.

These are all points of interest you may want to explore. While some visitors remain in their cars for the entire tour, we recommend getting out and enjoying a walking tour if you are physically able.

Go back in time. Imagine the life they lived. Appreciate the effort it took just for them to eat a hot meal, drink clean water, or wash their clothes. These were extraordinary people.

The Place of a Thousand Drips is near the end of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail . Stop and enjoy this unique waterfall. It is better in the rainy season, but can be enjoyed whenever the trail is open.

As you exit  Great Smoky Mountains National Park , you enter a rural residential area. Roaring Forks Road slowly leads you back to civilization and the East Parkway .

IMPORTANT : Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail  is closed in winter. Please check the National Park Service for closure dates.

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Elkmont, Tennessee

Cataloochee Valley

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Clingman’s Dome

6 Awesome Auto Touring Routes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

• Published on June 25, 2018
• Last Updated on January 28, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

Not everyone has the time, ability, or desire to strap on a pair of trail runners and hike dozens of miles through a rugged mountain terrain. Sometimes all a person wants is to enjoy some scenic beauty along a route from the comfort of a personal vehicle. Fortunately the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has six of those routes, called auto touring routes, throughout various sections of the park.

What is an Auto Touring Route?

An auto touring route is simply a designated highway within the boundaries of a National Park System site that allows people to explore history, culture, and nature with their own personal vehicle. It’s not strictly a driving route; there are usually scenic overlooks, exhibits, information shelters, and hiking trails to enjoy along the route.

The biggest difference with an auto touring route is that they are usually, but not always, one-way roads. This creates a more peaceful atmosphere with just one-way traffic and makes it safer and easier to get that chicken across the road.

Cades Cove is one of the most popular and iconic areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road whisks visitors into a cellphone dead spot in the mountains along a one-lane road winding through a dead end valley.

Cades Cove is the location of popular destinations like John Oliver Place, Abrams Falls, John Cable Mill, and Tipton Place. The early morning hours and late evening hours an abundance of wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and bear will appear along the road in trees and large open fields.

It takes about an hour to drive the eleven mile loop road but that entirely depends on traffic (and people who block traffic). Sparks Lane and Hyatt Lane are the only two-way roads in Cades Cove, both gravel roads that allows visitors to cut the 11-mile loop short.

READ MORE: 8 Fun Things to Do in Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cataloochee Valley Road

Cataloochee Valley is the most remote section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The only way into the valley is a partially paved, partially graveled road from Interstate 40 near Waynesville. The journey into the valley takes a good forty minutes – but the effort could be worth it for the peaceful scenery.

Elk roam the large fields and wild turkey frequently gather along the road. Historic buildings like an old barn and residence are open for visitors to explore. There are a few hiking trails or you could just sit by the creek and listen to the water churn.

Foothills Parkway

The 38.6-mile Foothills Parkway is one of the most overlooked areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Broken into two sections, the length between Wears Valley and U.S. Highway 221 rides along a ridge opposite the national park.

The parkway features scenic overlooks with gorgeous views of the Great Smoky Mountains and a peaceful drive that should not be missed. Spend an evening at Look Rock where you’ll find an observation tower at the end of a short hiking trail.

READ MORE: The Complete Travel Guide to the Foothills Parkway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

National Park Week 2024

Learn about the annual celebration of the National Park System and read my travel guides to national park units across the country.

Little River Road

Beginning at the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg the Little River Road winds twenty-five miles along the Little River across an old railroad path past Townsend and into Cades Cove. This two lane highway is one of two major arteries running through the national park connecting various destinations and campgrounds.

Along the way visitors can discover the not so hidden Elkmont Historic District , learn the history of The Sinks , take a look at the only waterfall in the park visible from your car, and go for a splash in the cool waters at The Townsend Wye.

Newfound Gap Road

Newfound Gap Road (US Highway 441) is the main highway through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park connecting Gatlinburg, Tennessee with Cherokee, North Carolina. The road passes through Newfound Gap, the lowest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 5,046′ in elevation. At 16 miles from Gatlinburg and 18 miles from Cherokee, Newfound Gap is near the middle of the most-traversed section of the national park.

The two lane road is the busiest section of the entire park that sees thousands of vehicles a day travel the road back and forth. Each end of the road is anchored by a visitor center: Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee. Popular trails at Chimney Tops and Alum Cave draw dozens of early morning hikers who eagerly claim the few parking spots for themselves. Mingus Mill in North Carolina is one of only two mills left in the national park.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

My favorite auto touring route in the national park also happens to be the shortest and easiest to access. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is an 8-mile one-way route that begins and ends in Gatlinburg. It’s a popular destination for people who know it is there but ironically, despite the location in town, it remains mostly hidden.

The route begins at Ogle Place, one of many historic homes and structures scattered along the motor trail. Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls are two of the most popular waterfall hikes in the national park, each located along the road here. But the Roaring Fork gets its name from the bubbling creek that runs along the last half of the route; this is a popular place for people to capture photos of the cascading water and take a dip in the cool mountain stream.

READ MORE: Travel Guide to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

6 Responses

All three links provided in Little River Gorge section are broken. Exceptional info otherwise.

Well, thank you for letting me know! That’s what happens so often with web links. I’ll update soon.

Will you be open 8/12/20 till 8/19/30. Rv trailer, what would the price be. Could you give me a ball park figure, thank you.

Roaring Fork is NOT open year round. It’s a seasonal closure and closes in winter every single year. It should also be noted it’s narrow, winding, and no large vehicles (motor homes, pulling trailers, etc.) are allowed.

All very good points! I’ll look into revamping this a little bit and adding in some of that information. This was just a simple roundup, though, and if I start adding notes about all the routes it would get so big!

These are eye-popping pictures Jason. I definitely look forward to a road tip to and through this region. One of my readers lives in this general area and raves about it. I can see why now. Talk about an unending flow of inspired natural beauty to enjoy, in peaceful, chill surroundings. Totally my speed.

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Smoky Mountain Tour: Self-Guided Drive

Incl bonus tour of roaring fork motor trail.

Tour Details

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Welcome to the smoky mountain tour.

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover why it’s the most visited National Park in the country! Tour these famous mountains while learning about Cherokee history and legends, Appalachian life, and much more. We’ll point you to all the best spots to take in the timeless wonders of the mountains. There’s no better way to see Clingman’s Dome, Cades Cove, or Rainbow Falls than on the Smoky Mountains tour!

About the Tour

Explore 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.

As you drive through these scenic mountains, you’ll hear all about parts of Cherokee history you’ve never heard before, like the ancient Cherokee monarchy and the revolutionaries who fought against it! You’ll also get to hear detailed accounts of Cherokee ancestral legends about these mountains, from the great buzzard who shaped the Smoky Mountains from clay to the witch whose droplets of blood bloom into stalks of corn!

The Great Smoky Mountains are so vast that it can be tricky to find all the best spots—that’s where we come in. We’ll point you to all the most breathtaking, awe-inspiring sights in the park. Witness the majesty of Rainbow Falls, the 360-degree views atop Clingmans Dome, and the deep-rooted history of the Elys Mill. Our flexible route allows you to take all the time you need to admire the timeless wonders of the mountains.

Along the way, the Smoky Mountains Tour will fill you in not just on the rich history of the area and the people who have lived here but also on the complex flora and fauna which call these mountains home. Get to know the creatures of Cades Cove and learn how wildfires form an integral part of this vast, interconnected ecosystem.

All this without fussing with a map or adhering to someone else’s schedule! 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.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is situated in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, covering 800 square miles or 520,000 acres.

Upgrade and Save:

Upgrade and save with our bundle options! Get more for your money today!

• Great Smoky & Cades Cove: Explore both for an affordable $24.99, saving 22%.
• Great Smoky, Cades Cove, Shenandoah & Blue Ridge Parkway Bundle: Experience the beauty of the Appalachian with self-guided driving tours for $39.99 per car and save 44%.
• East Coast Fall Foliage: Immerse yourself in 25+ self-guided driving and walking tours for $74.99 and save 67%.
• 25+ National Parks Bundle: At $84.99, access 25+ National Parks and save 80% on the total value.

Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+ :

• An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 160+ tours.
• Unlimited use throughout the year.
• Includes free access to new tours as they are released.

Road Closures Due to Weather Conditions / NOTICE Weather and road conditions can vary greatly at different elevations. For current information about temporary closures, alerts, or warnings related to roads, facilities, trails, or backcountry areas, please visit the page linked below.

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/ planyourvisit/temproadclose. htm

Where to start?

Start Point Addresses:

Great Smoky (From Gatlingburg):   1151  Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Great Smoky Reverse tour (From Cherokee):   1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719

How does it work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome - oconaluftee visitor centre.

Your drive through the beautiful, majestic Smoky Mountains begins at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Get ready to explore the Smokies and discover why this is the most visited National Park in the country!

Mingus Mill and Trail

As you drive, you'll have the option to take a detour to the Mingus Mill, an 1886 grist mill which, believe it or not, is still fully functional! If you're here on weekends, you can even see the mill operators grind corn just like they did back in the 1800s.

Beech Flats Quiet Walkway

Your first major stop is the Beech Flats Quiet Walkway, a perfect spot for anyone who wants to soak up the natural beauty of the mountains without having to hike an arduous trail.

Your route takes you next to Webb View, a spectacular overlook offering unmatched views of the Smokies. It's the perfect spot to snap a few photos!

Clingmans Dome

Next, you'll have the option to visit Clingman's Dome. Standing at over 6,600 feet above sea level, this peak offers an unbeatable panorama of the Smokies.

Clingmans Dome Tower

Heading toward Clingman's Dome, you'll soon see its famous observation tower. You really haven't seen the Great Smoky Mountains until you've seen them from up here!

Clingmans Dome VC

Then you'll arrive at the Clingman's Dome Visitor Center, where you'll find the trail leading the final half-mile to the top of the dome.

Newfound Gap Story

From there, your drive continues to Newfound Gap, a stunning mountain pass with huge historical significance. Hear the story of how trappers, farmers, and merchants used to cross the Smokies, and how this gap changed all of that.

Rockefeller Memorial

Up next is the Rockefeller Memorial, where you'll learn more about Rockefeller's importance to the park! This memorial was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt himself.

Morton Overlook

After that, you'll reach Morton Overlook, hugely popular for its unbelievable sunsets.

Morton Tunnel

Continuing on, you'll pass through the heart of a mountain using the Morton Tunnel. Here, you'll also hear about how a politician named Ben Morton got his name all over the park.

Next you'll pass the Alum Cave Trail, which takes hikers to the remains of an old salt mine packed with fascinating history.

Chimney Tops Overlook

Your route takes you next to Chimney Tops Overlook, where you'll hear all about wildfires in the Smokies and how they cause lasting damage to mountains like this one.

Turn for Cade Coves Tour Ahead

After that, you'll have the option to head to Cades Cove for a separate, in-depth tour of that beautiful and historic part of the park.

Balsom Point Quiet Walkway

Up next is Balsam Point Quiet Walkway, offering nature-filled solitude and lovely views of Pigeon River.

Carlos Campbell Overlook

The next overlook on your route is Carlos Campbell Overlook, which serves up panoramic views of towering mountains and lush forests.

Sugarlands Valley Trail

Next up is the most accessible trail in the park: Sugarlands Valley Trail! This scenic trail can be accessed by wheelchair or stroller, and offers a great way to venture into the wilderness.

Sugarlands Visitor Centre

The tour leads next to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, a perfect rest stop and the site of a few trailheads.

Cataract Falls

Your drive continues to Cataract Falls, a beautiful, secluded set of waterfalls tucked beneath a shaded canopy of beech trees.

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Our next stop is perfect for anyone amused by kitschy oddities. This funky museum displays everything from shrunken human heads to rare animal skeletons. We'll get the inside scoop on how it started as a simple one-panel comic strip and grew into a national phenomenon.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Continue following the road to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This driving trail invites you to slow down and enjoy the forest and historic buildings of the area. It also features three of the park's most famous waterfalls!

Next, we'll pass by the Ogle Place, the historic home of one of Gatlinburg's earliest families, which offers us a fascinating glimpse into how people lived a couple hundred years ago.

Rainbow Falls

Our route takes us next to the Rainbow Falls Trail, which leads to the park's most popular waterfall. Standing at 80 feet, Rainbow Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Smokies, but that's not all! When the sun hits it right, it glimmers like a rainbow--hence the name.

Grotto Falls

Keep driving until you reach the Grotto Falls trail. While it's not quite as grand as Rainbow Falls, this secluded, less crowded waterfall is absolutely worth a visit. On your way, hear about a rare salamander you can only find right here!

Place of a Thousand Drips

Why settle for one waterfall when you can have several? Our next stop is the Place of a Thousand Drips, where numerous narrow falls come together to form a stunning torrent.

Baskin Creek Falls

Our drive takes us next to the Baskin Creek Falls, a sparkling waterfall where we'll hear about the amusing, and slightly misguided history behind the name of these falls.

Ephraim Bales Cabin

Up next, we'll pass the Ephraim Bales Cabin, a portal back in time to the 19th century. We'll hear all about the family that lived here, and why there's a big hole in the middle of their cabin!

Reagan Tub Mill and Cabin

The road brings us next to the Reagen Cabin, which displays a perfect example of old-timey technology in the form of the so-called "tub mill." Hear all about what that is and why it was useful here.

Next, our drive takes us to Ely's Mill, a historic mill on the outskirts of Gatlinburg which gives us another window into the lives of the early Appalachian settlers. Here, we'll learn about Andrew Ely, the bigshot lawyer who upended his entire life after his wife died, abandoned his law practice, and moved to Gatlinburg to start over and live a simpler life.

Gatlinburg - Conclusion

Finally, you'll arrive in the picturesque mountian town of Gatlinburg, where your tour will conclude.

Preview The Tour

  how did the great smoky mountains get their name.

It was actually a publicity stunt from Charles Webb, a newspaper editor in the 1920s. To encourage tourism to the Smokies, he hired a journalist and a photographer to capture the mountains’ natural beauty. Webb thought “The Smoky Mountains” was too boring; he needed to capture the grandeur, the scope, the sweeping majesty. So all his advertisements and brochures were emblazoned instead with “Visit the Great Smoky Mountains!” And that’s the name that stuck when the mountains were turned into an official national park.

  Are dogs allowed in the Great Smoky Mountains?

You can bring your dog to campgrounds, picnic spots, and along paved roads, as long as you keep them on a leash. But please, DON’T bring your pet along the walking and hiking trails. 

  Can you drive through Great Smoky Mountain National Park?

Yes! The Smokies have a vehicle route that allows you to observe the mountains on your Great Smoky Mountains driving tour. 

  When is the best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains?

Visit in September or October for stunning fall foliage. 80% of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is covered in hardwood forests: trees like birch, beech, and maple. Each of these trees flares up in vibrant colors in early fall. Whether you’re looking down at them from a scenic overlook or walking among them on one of the park’s many trails, there’s no understating how incredible it is to see the Smokies in fall.

  Which side of the Smoky Mountains is best?

How can you pick just one? Both the Tennessee side and North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park have so much to offer.

  How long does it take to drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

A driving tour through Great Smoky Mountains National Park only takes about two hours.

  How do you avoid crowds in the Smoky Mountain National Park?

Most visitors come to the Great Smoky Mountains for summer vacation. July is by far the busiest month for the park. The park will reach its busiest point between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Try visiting before or after those times for a more relaxed experience.

  What is the most popular destination in the Smoky Mountains National Park?

The location in the Great Smoky Mountains that attracts the most tourists every year is the fabulous Cades Cove Loop Road.

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Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Enjoy historic buildings, leaf-peeping views, trails and waterfalls..

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile one-way scenic road just inside the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Starting from outside the park on Gatlinburg’s outskirts, drive through the lush greens of summer and the colors of fall, stopping at pioneer homesteads of the past and trailheads beckoning you to gushing waterfalls.

Passenger cars and trucks are allowed on this seasonal road from April 7 through November 26, 2023, weather permitting. Buses, trailers, and RV motor homes are not permitted on the motor nature trail.

From Gatlinburg, take the Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard Road which is the entrance to the national park. On the way, make a stop at Ogle Place and stretch your legs on the Noah “Bud” Ogle self-guiding nature trail. It’s a walking tour of an old mountain farmstead complete with tubmill and wooden flume plumbing system.

Proceed down the road to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail’s entrance near the Rainbow Falls trailhead parking lot. Enjoy leaf-peeping, hiking trails and waterfalls along the way until the road exits the park at the end of the loop.

Historic Buildings on Roaring Fork

Ogle’s “saddlebag” cabin, twin dwellings joined with a shared chimney, sits on a historic homestead along with a four-pen barn and a tub mill in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Alex Cole Cabin

While now located at the Jim Bales Place, the Alex Cole cabin was originally located just below Cole Cemetery, near the heart of the Sugarlands area of the park. Cole was one of many mountain guides from the Sugarlands. The cabin was probably built around 1850 by Cole’s parents or in-laws. The cabin is located within the Roaring Fork Historic District, but has its own listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ephraim Bales Cabin

Alfred Reagan Tub Mill

A plumbing flume diverted water from Roaring Fork, which splashed over and turned the mill’s tub-wheel turbine. The turbine turned a grindstone in the millhouse which broke down corn and wheat into corn meal and flour. The mill, constructed around 1900, is still operational.

Waterfalls Accessed Through Roaring Fork

Rainbow falls.

Rainbow Falls is a 5.4 mile roundtrip moderately strenuous hike from the Trillium Gap/Rainbow Falls Trailhead.

Grotto Falls

Grotto Falls is a 3 mile roundtrip moderate hike on the Trilium Gap Trail.

Place of a Thousand Drips

The Place of a Thousand Drips is viewable from the road near the exit of the motor nature trail. The waterfall is most scenic after a healthy rain.

Rainbow Falls Trailhead Bullhead Trailhead Baskins Creek Trailhead Trillium Gap Trailhead Grapeyard Ridge Trailhead

Visitor Facilities

Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion is on the way to the Roaring Fork entrance with restrooms and picnic tables.

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Roaring Fork features two of the most popular waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Which one is better? It’s like picking a favorite child for us, so you’ll have to be the judge. The moderate 5.4 mile roundtrip hike to Rainbow Falls is well worth the workout. When you get to the end of the rainbow, you’ll know it: the massive 80-foot tall waterfall is the highest single-drop falls in the park. The Trillium Gap Trail leads to the 25-foot high Grotto Falls where you can walk behind a wall of water as it cascades to the ground. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and the only spot in the Smokies where you can do this. And while it may not carry the same cache as Rainbow or Grotto Falls, the Place of a Thousand Drips is no less spectacular. Go after a downpour and see thousands (OK, OK, maybe just dozens) of wee waterfalls.

Play In The Past

Explore the early days of southern appalachia..

No trip to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is complete without getting a history lesson by visiting the old cabins, barns and working tub mills that have been preserved and restored. See the early settlers’ ingenuity firsthand at the Noah “Bud” Ogle homestead. The one-time Ogle farm features a handcrafted wooden flume plumbing system as well as one of the few working tub mills still in existence. The historic district of Roaring Fork includes the Jim Bales place, the Ephraim Bales place, and the Alfred Reagan place.

Before you head back to town, remember to pull into Ely’s Mill to score a jar of delicious honey. You’ll also find locally-made antiques and crafts that make for fun keepsakes and presents, as well as cabins available for rent.

To access Roaring Fork, turn off the main parkway in Gatlinburg, TN at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard entrance to the national park. Just beyond the Rainbow Falls trailhead, you have the option of taking the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (closed in winter). Please note that buses, trailers, and motor homes are not permitted on the motor nature trail.

Discover the History

Discover more in the smokies, parking tags, black bears, hiking trails, plan your trip to gatlinburg, what's new in gatlinburg, webcams in gatlinburg, free things to do, free gatlinburg trolley, gatlinburg tv.

• Mount LeConte Lodge
• Old Settlers Trail
• Chimney Tops
• Alum Cave Bluffs
• Abrams Falls

Greenbrier Road Auto Tour

The Greenbrier area is less visited than many areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once people have visited, they return each time they visit the Smokies. It’s most known for the Ramsey Cascades waterfall area, but there are many other reasons to visit the Greenbrier area.

About the Greenbrier Road Auto Tour

If you really like the forestry and trees of the mountains, you can find a variety of large hemlock trees and maple trees along this Smoky Mountain driving tour. The trail is about 6 miles long, so it generally doesn’t take too long to drive, but you’ll want to plan for plenty of time to enjoy the area. Here’s a couple of places that are popular along this tour:

John Messer Barn

The John Messer Barn is one of the most popular structures in the Greenbrier area because it is the only remaining structure (that was built before the creation of the national park) in the Greenbrier Cove. This barn is a cantilever barn which were not popular in many places outside of Sevier County. Fortunately, the structure still stands today. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Tyson McCarter Place

The Tyson McCarter Place features a barn, a smokehouse and springhouse. This was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and is located along the Old Settlers Trail. The Old Settlers Trail is popular for anyone who wants to experience the forestry and history of the Greenbrier area.

Directions to Greenbrier Road Driving Tour

Getting to Greenbrier Road is easy! From Gatlinburg, you’ll travel to light #3. At light #3, you will head east on Highway 321. You’ll follow this road for about 7 miles and you’ll take a right onto Greenbrier Road to begin the Smoky Mountain driving tour.

9 Best Tennessee Honeymoon Cabins (Reviewed for 2024)

H eading to Tennessee for your honeymoon is one of the best decisions you can make – besides your new spouse that is! With the majestic beauty of the mountains, green trees and abundant wildlife, Tennessee is as beautiful as it is welcoming.

Best Tennessee Honeymoon Cabins

Honeymoon cabins are the way to stay in Tennessee for your honeymoon . With plenty of privacy, you’ll have a chance to really unwind after the big day! There’s a variety of options, sizes, and locations to choose from. Looking for something cozy? No problem! Feel the need to splurge?

There’s a cabin for that too! Honeymoon cabins in Gatlinburg have all the romantic amenities that you are looking for in a romantic escape like hot tubs, a fire pit, a wood-burning fireplace, a king-size bed, a swimming pool, and jacuzzi tubs.

Ah-Mazing Cozy Cabin

This cabin was built for two! This beautiful one-bedroom cabin features everything you’d want from a honeymoon cabin rental. Beautiful location, rocking chairs on the deck, and even a jacuzzi tub. You can even enjoy the outdoors from your very own hot tub on the deck. Enjoy some competition with the pool table or dartboard. This is the quintessential luxury destination.

Heart-to-Heart Cabin

Plenty of room for two, this beautiful cozy cabin is a great place to spend your honeymoon with your sweetheart. Relax in front of the fireplace, try your luck fishing in the pond, or soothe your muscles in the outdoor hot tub. This luxury cabin comes equipped with everything honeymooners need for a romantic vacation!

Smoky Mountain Splash

Looking for something really unique? How about a beautiful cabin with its very own private indoor pool ? Enjoy the three-bedroom cabin with mountainside views. Rock away on the deck to recover from a day hiking or Dollywood. Then challenge your partner to a game of air hockey! This cabin has plenty of room to spread out.

Add the romantic retreat package to your stay and enjoy a bed of roses, a candlelit dinner for two in your cabin, a romantic picnic basket with enough to feed two with plenty leftover as well as tickets to Dollywood and Dolly Parton’s Stampede. All the luxury amenities you are looking for with a spectacular mountain view.

Barefoot by The River

In the heart of the smoky mountainrs, this riverfront cabin boasts a wrap-around deck and a heart-shaped jacuzzi tub! The river location and cozy interior make this a great place to unwind after a busy day in Pigeon Forge.

Plan a romantic trip to this single story cabin. A perfect honeymoon spot! Minutes to downtown Pigeon Forge this beautiful cabin is conveniently located.

Out on a Limb Treehouse Cabin

Thie new modern cabin will take your breath away! In addition to it being completely unique to stay is a “treehouse” for your honeymoon, it is ao well-appointed and you won’t ever want to leave. All the amenities you need to have a beautiful Gatlinburg dream honeymoon.

With a hot tub and wooded views, you might not even want to leave to visit the outdoor resort pool you have access to with your reservation. Honeymoon here we come!  

Once Upon A Time Cabin

Built right into the mountain, this beautiful log cabin will have you telling stories about it long after the honeymoon is over. An a-frame design, the two-story cabin is completely open between the master and the main living area. This cabin offers a jetted tub in the master area as well as a pool table in the main area. Relax in the outdoor hot tub.

A Romantic Hilltop Cabin

This honeymoon cabin was built for two! Just the right size for a couple you’ll have plenty of space to relax in without getting lost on your way to the kitchen! Features hilltop views as well as a newly furnished interior with plenty of things to keep you comfortable. Try out the raised jetted tub in the master with decorative lighting, or the hot tub just steps away on the balcony. Shoot a little pool or just relax on the balcony.

Lumber Jack Lodge

Head up the hills and into this perfect secluded honeymoon cabin. Two bedrooms give plenty of room to spread out and you can relax at the end of the day next to your outdoor fire pit. S’mores anyone? A jetted tub in the master for you to soak in if you get tired of the brand new hot tub on the deck. A game room for some competitive honeymoon fun includes arcade games and a pool table.

Landmark Lodge

Looking for someone to house not just the two of you but 75 of your closest friends? Then this honeymoon cabin might be for you. It’s not just the amount of bedrooms that make it special (25) or the indoor pool, or the theater room with tiered level seating. It includes an arcade and has its own wedding facilities in case you want to roll the wedding and honeymoon into one easy location.

Why A Romantic Getaway in Gatlinburg is The Perfect Honeymoon

Gatlinburg is the perfect place to stay for your honeymoon! Gatlinburg is located on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park has waterfalls, hiking, trails, and wildlife just waiting to be explored.

Don’t feel like taking a hike? Do a driving tour! Drive Cades Cove which is a guided, one-way loop through the park. At 11 miles long, you’ll feel like you’ve left civilization behind.  If you’re a little more adventurous, you can even rent a bicycle to enjoy the scenery.

No trip to Gatlinburg would be complete without a trip to Dollywood. Scream, laugh, and eat all while taking in some great entertainment.

You can do as much or as little as you want!

About Great Smoky Mountains National Park In Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains is America’s most visited National Park for a good reason! With beautiful trees, bears, and other wildlife, this park offers a lot for every visitor.

You’d expect to hike at a National Park but did you know that you can also bike, walk or drive an 11-mile trail? The name is Cades Cove and one day a week the road used to drive the loop is open to bikes and walkers. One of the best ways to see and encounter wildlife in the park, you could see deer, bears, raccoons, skunks, turkeys, or even coyotes. Cades Cover also has a wide variety of historical buildings, the most diverse of any national park including three different churches, barns, and log cabins which you can tour.

Is there anything to do that isn’t nature-related in Gatlinburg?

There are plenty of things to do. Gatlinburg has amazing shopping, restaurants, and a busy nightlife. Feel like seeing how the other half live? Take a tour of the Biltmore Estate, where the Vanderbilts lived, only an hour or so drive from Gatlinburg.

What unique things can you do in Gatlinburg for your honeymoon?

Well if river rafting, ziplines, amusement park rides, scenic drives, and restaurants aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty MORE to do. How about observation tram tours, helicopter rides, fishing, wineries, hiking, spas, horseback riding, or shopping. Gatlinburg is a great honeymoon location because of the huge variety of things to do.

Where’s the best place to eat in Gatlinburg?

There are so many fantastic places to eat in Gatlinburg but a few of our favorites are

• Buckhorn Inn – American with great food! Try the grits and biscuits for breakfast and the Salmon for lunch.
• Tennessee Jed’s – Grab some homemade BBQ sauce along with your favorite sandwich.
• Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar – Oysters, snapper, and crab claws are all on the menu and this specialty restaurant.
• Red Oak Bistro – Great spot for a romantic dinner. Upscale international and contemporary food (think Duck Foie Gras).
• New Orleans Sandwich Company – Grab a sandwich, gumbo, or red beans and rice
• Taste of Italy – Home of excellent pizza, chicken piccata, and garlic knots.

The post 9 Best Tennessee Honeymoon Cabins (Reviewed for 2024) appeared first on honeymoons.com .

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour

• GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 180 Points
• Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
• Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
• Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
• Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
• One-Time Purchase: No time or date use limit or expiry
• Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
• Entry/Admission - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA Start at one of the official tour introduction points (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cherokee or Townsend) or join anywhere along the route and pick up the commentary at the next audio point. Open the GuideAlong app to preview the tour route and browse the suggested itineraries and trip planner.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States Commentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where and when you want to start and end your tour anywhere along the tour route.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Gatlinburg Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA Start at one of the official tour introduction points (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cherokee or Townsend) or join anywhere along the route and pick up the commentary at the next audio point. Open the GuideAlong app to preview the tour route and browse the suggested itineraries and trip planner. See address & details
• 1 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Stop: 8 hours - Admission excluded See details
• 2 Cades Cove Stop: 2 hours See details
• 3 Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Stop: 2 hours See details
• 4 Grotto Falls Trail Stop: 2 hours See details
• 5 Mingus Mill Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 6 Newfound Gap Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 7 Gatlinburg Stop: 4 hours See details
• 8 Clingmans Dome Stop: 60 minutes See details
• You'll end at Great Smoky Mountains National Park United States Commentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where and when you want to start and end your tour anywhere along the tour route. See address & details

• dianacG4551WQ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Marriage and Vacation Saver! The best money you'll spend if you're on a budget but want a local guide. The Road to Hana has a reputation of being scary, difficult, and long. With my husband driving, we were able to enjoy the twists, turns, views and the kids were thoroughly entertained by the narrator. Using your GPS, it will let you know when a turn is coming up with a point of interest. It tells you local history, describes towns and neighborhoods, and picks up where you left off if you get out of the car and explore one of the many suggested stopping spots. For a few dollars, this was the best buy we could have purchased for a self guided tour that created no stress, was on our time table, and made our first time visiting Maui and conquering The Road to Hana a do-able feat. It is exciting to note that the narrator is an actual resident of Maui, so local knowledge was shared throughout. There are many stops that you won't know about, even if you had a guide book. You can skip a "point of interest" and the audio will move on based on your GPS location. The narrator/guide will even say, "Ok, you can come back and visit this on your way out". Worth every penny--and the best part is my husband and I didn't fight on navigation issues. Marriage and vacation saver! Hahaha. Read more Written April 3, 2024
• ChitownSuburbanMom66 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Experience This was a wonderful way to explore the Outer Banks on our own. The audio began exactly where we started our journey and would pick up when we returned to the car. (Note: We began our trip at the Wright Brothers National Park since it was closest to where we were staying.) The audio provided interesting facts about the locations we were visiting and pointed out items to look out for. We used Bluetooth and played the audio through our car. Was definitely worth the money. Read more Written April 2, 2024
• Christine S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome!!! Wonderful tour guide, I can’t imagine the trip without out it! Even my teenage daughters were asking when is he going to talk again. Read more Written April 2, 2024
• theresagO5666EF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great The narration was terrific! I learned a lot of interesting things about Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. The instructions were easy to follow. Read more Written March 29, 2024
• ARJ5488 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Worth doing!! This was so easy to use and had great insight as we were driving through so many places out west! Dad jokes weren’t bad either - lol Read more Written March 29, 2024
• DanielR743 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Useless Useless. It took 4 hours (and customer service) to download the tour to the ap. Once in Sedona, we turned on the ap. We had audio for about 10 minutes. We stopped to purchase water and lost all audio from that point on. Only screenshots and static descriptions. We stopped at a local visitor center and received fantastic descriptions and great maps. The NO REFUND cancellation policy should have been enough to avoid this junk but they hide it well. To add insult to injury, Viator is now sending us daily emails to rebook the tour ! And, of course, no unsubscribe button anywhere. Avoid. Read more Written March 29, 2024
• Tourist34912304253 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good driving companion We thoroughly enjoyed this audio tour on our terms and pace. Our knowledge of the area was nicely and easily enhanced in this way. Read more Written March 28, 2024
• Jacquelyne H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Easy way to tour on your own! If you just want to tour on your own without hiring tour guides, and rent a car this is the way to go. The narrator has a pleasant voice, he's so informative. We learned so much Hawaiian history. We did two tours on the Big Island. Best $16.99 I've ever spent. The set up was easy, yes even seniors can do it. I love to travel. I will probably use this audio tour again. Oh and he even let you know when to show down and take it easy. It was like he was in the car with us, oh wait he was! Read more Written March 27, 2024
• Mobile801846 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Drove north from key westbound Self guided tour was not continuous. Had to drive many miles between comments. No mention of places to eat. Maybe I booked the wrong guide. The help chat was excellent to get the guide going. Very impressed with timeliness and knowledge of the help chat! Read more Written March 21, 2024
• Geoteach7 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Long route 1 drive Great way to learn about tge jeys. We enjoyed the long, slow ride from Key West. We wished we had more time to check out more of the stops mentioned. The voice was easy to listen to and loved the expression of his voice. Read more Written March 20, 2024
• Monica G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So glad we got this audio tour. This tour was amazing. The guide was engaging and the historical content was very interesting. We are able to see several places that we would not have been aware of but for this audio tour. The audio tour also allowed us to go back to places and explore when we had more time. We’re looking forward to using the app for other cities. Read more Written March 18, 2024
• Kelly S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Adventure Audio Tour! This tour was amazing! This was our first time to the Outer Banks and my husband and I got to experience so many places, learn some great facts, and history thanks to this tour. It worked perfect with GPS. The tour guide even has different facts, places, and stories for on the way back. He was very knowledgeable and you could tell he really knew the area well! His directions were easy to follow also. We bought a more expensive audio tour too and this was so much better! Read more Written March 13, 2024
• margs99 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Big Island self guided tour Great guided tour. Lots of interesting information. We were able to stop where we wanted and skip where we didn't. I would definitely use a self guided tour for other vacations. Read more Written March 10, 2024
• jkolbly 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Top Notch Audio Tour very thorough and detailed audio tour. the narrator had some great insight on area history which made the drive that much better. Highly Recommended! Read more Written March 8, 2024
• Q9338ZRpaulak 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Overall, worth the investment! The program itself is great. Hits all the highlights and gives you some detail about various locations. The narration was cheerful and pleasant to listen to, as though you were on a live guided tour. The only negative was the reception on the island. While it’s not a direct reflection on the program itself, reception in the area past Hanalei is poor, so the GPS is spotty and the narrative kept stopping. Overall, worth the price. Read more Written March 7, 2024

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