If you’re considering a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains and want a way to explore without the constraints of a guided group or crowded tour bus, a self-guided driving experience might be just what you need. This particular tour, offered by Travel with Action, promises to combine the freedom of driving your own vehicle with the engaging storytelling of an audio guide. With a solid rating of 4.0 based on 266 reviews, it’s clearly a popular choice among travelers looking to make the most of their time in this beloved national park.
What we really like about this experience is how accessible and flexible it is. You can start it anytime during park hours, pause whenever you want, and go back to certain stops as often as you like within a full year of purchase. Plus, the price—just $16.99 per vehicle—means it’s a budget-friendly way to add some educational fun and scenic beauty to your trip. On the flip side, a potential downside is that the success of the tour depends heavily on your phone’s GPS signal and the proper setup, which isn’t always foolproof.
This tour will suit travelers who love to explore at their own pace, appreciate good storytelling, and are comfortable using a smartphone app. It’s not a traditional tour with guides or group stops, so it’s best for those who want independence and flexibility. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned park enthusiast, this experience offers a convenient way to see the highlights and learn some interesting facts along the way.
Key Points
- Flexible self-guided exploration: Create your own schedule and revisit stops anytime within a year.
- Affordable price: Cost is per vehicle, making it accessible for small groups or families.
- Engaging storytelling: Audio narration covers history, legends, and noteworthy sights.
- Offline access: Download the tour and maps beforehand, so no signal is needed once you’re in the park.
- Variety of stops: From scenic overlooks to cultural sites, the route covers a good mix.
- User reviews highlight mixed experiences: While many loved the content, some faced technical hiccups.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary
The tour begins along Newfound Gap Road, a route steeped in historical significance. Here, you’ll learn how early trappers, farmers, and merchants used this mountain pass long before it became a national park highlight. The story about how this gap changed the movement through the mountains adds a layer of understanding to this scenic drive. It’s a great starting point for grasping the importance of the area, even if the initial instructions aren’t crystal clear (as some reviewers noted).
Next, you can choose to take a short detour to Mingus Mill, a still-functioning 1886 grist mill. If you happen to visit on a weekend, you might catch the real operators grinding corn the way they did over a century ago. The mill offers a glimpse into Appalachian life, and even if admission isn’t included, the visual of the historic structure and how it operates is quite atmospheric.
As you approach the Clingman’s Dome area, the tour takes you to the Kuwohi Visitor Center and then to the Clingman’s Dome Observation Tower. This is arguably the highlight of the drive—standing atop the tallest point in the park, offering panoramic views that stretch for miles. The audio stories here include details about the landscape, the flora and fauna, and the history of the park’s development, making it a must-visit stop for anyone wanting a real sense of place.
The tour also features a number of easier, less strenuous spots like the Beech Flats Quiet Walkway, perfect for those who want to soak up mountain scenery without lengthy hikes. The Morton Overlook is another favorite, especially at sunset, offering stunning vistas that have been praised for their breathtaking beauty.
Further into the route, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center introduces visitors to the park’s natural majesty and serves as a hub for exploring more. Nearby are key sites like the Rockefeller Memorial, a tribute to the man behind the park’s preservation, personally dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt. It’s these little touches that deepen your understanding of the park’s heritage.
Driving further, you’ll pass through the Morton Mountain Tunnel, a historic passage through the mountains, and learn about local figures like Ben Morton. The Alum Cave Trail offers a peek into old salt mines, adding a dash of mining history to the experience. Overlooks like Chimney Tops and scenic spots like Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail provide picturesque views and easy access to nature—ideal for quick photo stops or a gentle stroll.
The Rainbow Falls Trail leads you to the park’s tallest waterfall, Rainbow Falls, which is at its most dazzling when sunlight hits it just right. Nearby, Cataract Falls offers a quieter, more secluded waterfall experience, perfect for escaping the crowds.
As the tour winds down, the route takes you to the charming town of Gatlinburg, where you can explore local shops and grab a bite. Then, it continues to attractions like Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, which adds an element of quirky fun, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a scenic drive through more lush forest and waterfalls.
Finally, you’ll visit historic structures like the Alfred Reagan Tub Mill and the peaceful Grotto Falls trail, which is less crowded and offers a tranquil waterfall experience. The route concludes back in Gatlinburg, leaving you with a well-rounded glimpse of the Smokies’ natural beauty and cultural history.
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What the Reviews Say
The overall reviews paint a picture of a tour that’s appreciated for its storytelling and value but also has room for improvement. Many users praise the interesting, vivid stories and the ability to go at their own pace. Comments like “The stories were very informative and vividly described” highlight the engaging narration, and “Great value for the money” suggests the price point is reasonable for what’s included.
Several reviewers also mention how the tour enhances their understanding of the park, noting that they learned things they wouldn’t have otherwise. “The app provided interesting history details,” one reviewer said, emphasizing how the audio guide adds depth to your visit.
However, not everyone has a smooth experience. Some mention technical issues, such as audio not syncing properly, maps sometimes not working offline, or the app not lining up with actual locations. For example, one reviewer said, “The virtual tour did not line up with where the spots were,” which can be frustrating when trying to follow along. It’s clear that proper setup—downloading everything in advance, enabling location permissions, and following instructions—is key to unlocking the full potential of the tour.
A few users found the initial instructions confusing or the starting point unclear, which underscores the importance of reading the setup instructions carefully. Yet, even with these hiccups, many still enjoyed the experience, often citing the stunning scenery and interesting facts as highlights.
Duration, Price, and Practical Tips
The tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, which makes it perfect for a half-day adventure without feeling rushed. Since it’s self-guided, you can start whenever you choose during park hours (9 am to 5 pm). The price—$16.99 per vehicle—is quite fair considering you can use it multiple times over a year, making it a good investment if you plan to revisit or explore multiple parks.
One of the biggest perks is that the tour is downloadable; once you have the app and tour files, you don’t need cell service to enjoy it—ideal for areas with spotty reception. Just remember to download everything before entering the park and switch the app to offline mode to avoid interruptions.
Keep in mind that attraction tickets or entry fees are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to visit specific sites like Clingman’s Dome or Rainbow Falls. Also, the tour doesn’t provide actual park maps, so bringing a park map or using the park’s information is encouraged, especially for those who want to double-check locations.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This self-guided driving tour is particularly suited for travelers who value independence and want the flexibility to explore on their own terms. It’s perfect for those who enjoy learning through stories and want to enhance their drive with some background without feeling tied to a guided group.
It works well for small groups, couples, or even families with older children comfortable navigating with their smartphones. If you’re someone who’s technically savvy, comfortable with downloading apps and managing GPS, you’ll get the most out of this experience.
However, if you’re after a completely hassle-free, guided experience or aren’t comfortable troubleshooting app issues, you might find this a bit frustrating. It’s also less ideal if you’re not prepared to download and set up the tour before arriving, as some reviewers experienced difficulties with the app’s setup.
Final Thoughts
The Great Smoky Mountains Self-Guided Driving Tour offers a cost-effective, flexible way to explore one of America’s most visited national parks. It combines scenic drives with engaging storytelling, providing a richer context for your visit. While a few technical hiccups can occur, many users find that the stories, views, and overall experience make it worth trying.
If you’re looking for a way to learn about the Smokies at your own pace and don’t mind a bit of setup beforehand, this tour provides excellent value. It’s an especially good fit for travelers who want to avoid guided bus tours but still enjoy the depth of interesting tales and scenic spots along the way.
For those seeking a more relaxed, independent adventure with the option to revisit as often as you like, this could be just what you’re looking for. Pair it with your own park map or other resources, and you’re set for a memorable day in the mountains.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour
“The starting point for our tour was not as clear as we would have hoped, but we had a great time. The information provided was very informative.”
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour is primarily designed for self-paced exploration and doesn’t specify family-friendly features, it can be enjoyed by older children and teens who are comfortable with smartphone apps. The scenic stops and stories make it engaging for those interested in learning more about the park.
Do I need to purchase entrance tickets separately?
Yes, this tour does not include park entrance fees or attraction tickets. You’ll need to buy these in advance or at the park entrance.
Can I use this tour multiple times?
Absolutely. Once purchased, your tour is valid for an entire year. You can use it multiple times over that period, making it ideal for repeat visits or multiple trips.
Is there a group size limit?
The price is per vehicle, accommodating up to four people. It’s a private experience, so only your group will participate.
What should I do if the app isn’t working properly?
Make sure you download the tour and maps before arriving at the park, and enable location permissions. If issues persist, contact the support team available from 5 am to 5 pm EST for help.
Are the stops accessible?
Many stops are accessible and include options like the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, which can be accessed by wheelchair or stroller. Check specific sites for accessibility details if needed.
What happens if I lose signal?
Once the tour is fully downloaded and set to offline mode, you won’t need cellular service to continue. Just ensure everything is downloaded before entering areas with poor reception.
In summary, this self-guided driving tour offers an affordable, flexible way to experience the highlights of the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy independence, good storytelling, and scenic views, provided they’re comfortable with some initial setup and potential technical quirks. If that sounds like you, it could add a nice layer of depth to your Smokies adventure.