Best of the Smokies Custom Private Tour

Exploring the Best of the Smokies: A Practical Review of the Private Tour Experience

If you’re considering a day in the Great Smoky Mountains and want more control over what you see and do, the Best of the Smokies Custom Private Tour might be worth a look. It’s designed for those who prefer personalized experiences — whether you’re after waterfalls, panoramic views, or a little bit of history — all wrapped into an 8-hour adventure.

We really like how this tour offers customization. Instead of being led on a set route, you can pick what interests you most, and the guide will craft a day around your preferences. Second, the quality of guides shines through based on reviews, with many mentioning knowledgeable, helpful, and engaging personalities who make the day both fun and educational.

One consideration to keep in mind is the price point — at $325 per person, it’s on the pricier side for a day hike, but that generally includes private transportation, a picnic lunch, and the expertise of your guide. For travelers who value flexibility and personalized attention, this could feel like good value.

This tour suits those who want a tailored, hassle-free day in the mountains, especially if you’re comfortable with a private guide and appreciate a more intimate experience. It’s a solid pick for those who want to avoid big crowds, have specific interests, or simply love the idea of a flexible, guided outing.

Key Points

• Flexibility: You choose your preferred hikes or scenic stops, making each trip unique.
• Guides: Highly praised for their knowledge, helpfulness, and ability to tailor the experience.
• All-Inclusive: Includes private transportation, a picnic lunch, and snacks.
• Weather & Conditions: Operates rain or shine, with the possibility of needing to adjust plans.
• Family Friendly: While not explicitly marketed for kids, the tour can be tailored to various ages and abilities.
• Cost & Booking: Book about two months in advance on average; it’s an exclusive experience that warrants planning ahead.

What to Expect from the Tour

The Best of the Smokies Private Tour is all about customization. Meeting at the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg at 8:00 am, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who also drives the vehicle. This means you can relax knowing transportation and guiding are taken care of, eliminating the hassle of navigating park roads or figuring out logistics.

The actual route and stops depend on your preferences. Whether you want to chase waterfalls, enjoy sweeping mountain vistas, or learn about the area’s natural or cultural history, your guide will help craft the perfect itinerary. You might fit multiple short experiences or opt for one longer hike covering everything. The flexibility here is a major perk.

Inside the Itinerary

The tour’s general location is within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is free to enter, so no additional park fees are involved. The guide may take you to a variety of scenic spots, trailheads, and viewpoints, all selected to match what you want.

The highlight for many is the opportunity to explore at your own pace. The guides are praised for their ability to make the hikes accessible for different ability levels and to share interesting tidbits along the way. Based on reviews, guides like Kels, China, Sam, and Samantha are noted for their helpfulness, storytelling, and attention to safety.

Lunch and Snacks

Included in the experience is a deli-style picnic lunch — think sandwiches, chips, and cookies. The guide will reach out to confirm your order, but it’s recommended that you bring your own water, which is a thoughtful touch considering the importance of hydration. Snacks such as trail mix, peanut butter crackers, and fruit snacks are also provided, with a note to inform the guide of any allergies.

Transportation and Group Size

Since this is a private tour, only your group will participate, with the guide serving as both driver and guide. This makes the experience more personal and flexible. The vehicle is air-conditioned — a comfort, especially on warmer days — and provides a convenient way to hop between different trailheads or vistas.

The Value of a Personalized Day in the Mountains

Let’s talk about price for a moment. At $325 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option, but it’s important to look at what you’re getting: private transportation, a full day with a knowledgeable guide, custom planning, and a picnic lunch. For travelers who want a more exclusive, tailored experience, that can justify the cost.

Reviewers highlight that guides are well-informed. One shared that their guide, Samantha, was a fantastic storyteller, making the day both enjoyable and educational. Others appreciated how guides like Mike handled groups of varied ages and abilities, making sure everyone had a good time.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Customizable itinerary tailored to your interests
– Private transportation and personal guide
– Knowledgeable guides with good storytelling
– All-day fun with scenic views, hikes, and cultural insights
– Included lunch and snacks

Cons:
– Price might be steep for some travelers
– You need to plan ahead and book about two months in advance
– Subject to weather, but operate rain or shine

Deep Dive into the Highlights

Perfect for Flexibility and Personalization

One of the best aspects of this private tour is that it caters to your preferences. Want a moderate hike with waterfalls? No problem. Looking for vistas and photo stops? Done. Interested in a history stroll? Your guide can include that. The reviews confirm this flexibility — one reviewer mentioned a guide who “pleased a group of 19 seasoned travelers” with just the right mix of activities.

Guided Expertise

The guides are often cited as a standout feature. They’re not just drivers but storytellers and educators. Whether sharing local flora, fauna, or history, they elevate the experience beyond just walking in the woods. Several reviews praise guides for their helpfulness, safety, and ability to make the day fun for everyone.

Scenic Variety and Accessibility

The tour’s location within the park means you can expect a combination of breathtaking mountain views, lush forests, and possibly waterfalls if that’s your focus. The flexibility allows you to choose stops that suit your energy and interest levels, making it accessible for different ages and abilities.

Food and Hydration

The included picnic lunch is a nice touch, especially on a full-day adventure. Having a deli sandwich, chips, and cookies means you’re fueled up without having to hunt for food during the day. The recommendation to bring your own water is sensible — many reviews note that guides have filters if needed, which is a thoughtful detail emphasizing care for the environment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private experience is best for travelers who want a bespoke day in the Smokies, avoiding the crowds and rigid schedules of larger tours. It’s well-suited for small groups, couples, or even families with older children who can handle short hikes and outdoor activity. If you value a guide who can adapt the day based on your interests and pace, this tour ticks that box.

However, those on a tighter budget or who prefer to explore independently might find it less appealing. Also, if you’re looking for a more intense, multiday backpacking trip, this is a day trip, though the reviews do mention other longer trips offered by the same provider.

Final Thoughts

The Best of the Smokies Custom Private Tour offers a thoughtful, flexible approach to exploring one of America’s most beautiful national parks. With guides praised for their knowledge and storytelling, combined with the convenience of private transportation and tailored experiences, it’s a compelling option for those eager to create their perfect day amid stunning scenery.

While the cost might be a consideration, the level of personalization and the quality of guiding make it a worthwhile experience for travelers who want to make the most of their time in the Smokies. Whether you’re after breathtaking views, waterfalls, or a mix of both, this tour lets you set the pace and focus on what matters most to you.

If you’re someone who appreciates a guided day that feels like a custom adventure, and you’re okay with planning a couple of months in advance, this could be just the ticket. It’s especially suited for those who want comfort, flexibility, and a knowledgeable guide by their side to enhance their Smokies experience.

FAQs

How far in advance should I book this tour?
Most travelers book about 68 days ahead, which gives you enough time to plan and secure your preferred date, especially during busy seasons.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes private transportation, an in-person guide who is also the driver, a picnic lunch with sandwiches, chips, and cookies, and snacks like trail mix and fruit snacks. Parking fees are not included.

Can I customize what I see during the tour?
Yes, the tour is designed to be personalized. Your guide will offer options like hikes with waterfalls, scenic vistas, or history strolls, and you choose what interests you most.

What should I bring for the hike?
While food and snacks are provided, it’s recommended to bring your own water. Comfortable hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are also advisable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the flexibility of the itinerary and the ability for guides to tailor the experience could accommodate older children or teens. Check with the provider if you have specific needs.

What happens if the weather turns bad?
The tour operates rain or shine. Guides may adjust the route if necessary, but outdoor experiences are weather-dependent, so be prepared for changing conditions.

If you’re after a personalized, relaxed day exploring the Smokies with knowledgeable guides and scenic stops tailored to your interests, this private tour offers a compelling option. Just remember to plan ahead, bring a water bottle, and enjoy the mountain views at your own pace.