Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

4.5 (6 Viator reviews) 14 hrs – 15 hrs Great Smoky Mountains National Park area

Smoky Mountains National Park
Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour, photo 3
Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour, photo 5

Photos: Viator · 5 more on Viator

About this activity

Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour! Come journey with us as we travel through stunning mountain scenery and explore the historical homes of days gone by.

The Great Smoky Mountains are the most visited national park in the country, often receiving over 14 million visitors every year! We've broken it down with the top things to do, including 14 stops in and around the park!

What you'll get:

Expert Narration: Learn about the park's heritage, ecology, and wildlife.

User-Friendly App: Access the tour easily on your smartphone.

Capture the Moment: Discover ideal photo spots for stunning panoramas and wildlife shots.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with our audio tour. Book now and embark on a journey you'll cherish for years to come!

The remaining hours in the tour details are allotted for the travel time.

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Itinerary

  1. Oconaluftee Visitor Center · 60 min

    Here, you can discover fascinating facts about the park's animals and history. Don't forget to say hello to the friendly farm animals too!

  2. Kuwohi · 60 min

    Clingman's Dome is the park's highest point, and you can reach an observation tower for absolutely breathtaking views of the mountains. Don't underestimate the chill, even in summer; so, pack a jacket!

  3. Newfound Gap Road · 30 min

    Newfound Gap lets you stand right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee! The views are simply jaw-dropping. Pack a picnic and savor the fresh mountain air.

  4. Alum Cave Trail · 60 min

    Alum Cave Trail is an exciting hike leading to a captivating cave. Inside, the cave dazzles with sparkling minerals – a true hidden gem! Make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots.

  5. Chimney Tops Trail · 60 min

    Chimney Tops is another fantastic spot for breathtaking vistas. Though you can't hike to the summit anymore, you can still admire the unique rock formations. Don't forget your camera!

  6. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail · 60 min

    This short, easy walk is a nature lover's dream with an abundance of plants and animals to discover. Keep an eye out for colorful birds and playful squirrels!

  7. Sugarlands Visitors Center · 60 min

    The Sugarlands Visitor Center is a treasure trove of information. Here, you can grab maps, ask questions, and delve into the park's history. Don't be shy; the park rangers are eager to assist you!

  8. Stop 8 · 120 min

    This trail follows a pristine river, and you might even spot some adorable salamanders in the water! Wear water shoes if you'd like to wade in the river.

  9. Laurel Falls Trailhead · 60 min

    Laurel Falls is a stunning waterfall, and reaching it is a short and rewarding hike. Exercise caution on the trail, as it can be slippery.

  10. Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area · 60 min

    Metcalf Bottoms is an ideal spot for a picnic or a game of catch. It's a peaceful place to unwind and relish the great outdoors.

  11. The Sinks · 60 min

    The Sinks is a fascinating spot to watch the water rushes through the rocky terrain – nature's own waterslide! Be cautious and refrain from attempting to slide down the rocks yourself.

  12. Cades Cove · 60 min

    Cades Cove is a sprawling, picturesque valley teeming with wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, bears, and wild turkeys. Drive slowly and stay patient for wildlife sightings!

  13. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail · 60 min

    Roaring Fork is a one-way loop road surrounded by lush forests and cascading waterfalls. Roll down your car windows and relish the symphony of forest sounds. Don't forget to snap some stunning photos!

  14. Gatlinburg · 60 min

    Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town boasting quaint shops and delightful restaurants. It's a fun place to explore and treat yourself to some local delights like fudge and apple cider donuts.

What's included

  • Tours NEVER expire
  • Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
  • Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
  • Take the tour when you want - download the tour and choose the day that works best for you
  • Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
  • Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
  • Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Not included

  • Meals and Refreshment

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Follow Newfound Gap Road west towards the Sugarlands Visitor Center. From there, either turn right towards Gatlinburg and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail or turn left for Cades Cove Scenic Loop. The tour can be taken vice versa.

End point: The tour ends in the city of Gatlinburg, TN, where you can visit quaint shops and delightful restaurants.

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
  • The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
  • Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
  • Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
  • Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
  • No entrance fee, but a $5/day parking tag is required for stops longer than 15 minutes — available at Oconaluftee, Sugarlands Visitor Centers, and Cades Cove kiosk
  • Peak crowds in June–August and October (fall foliage) — plan accordingly
  • Park open year-round but some roads close seasonally
  • Weather is unpredictable — dress in layers, especially for early morning starts
  • Cell service is spotty — better near Cherokee, Gatlinburg, and Townsend
  • All 8 campgrounds require advance reservations
  • ⚠️ Laurel Falls Trail closed for repairs until 2026

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.5/5

6 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor

  • 5 star5
  • 4 star0
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  • 2 star1
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Read the reviews on Viator

Campgrounds near this activity

RV rentals near this activity

7 RV rentals with pickup within 25 miles of the center of Great Smoky Mountains National Park; showing the top 6.

See all RV rentals near Great Smoky Mountains National Park · RV rentals in Gatlinburg

Distances are straight-line from the activity's center of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Viator lists this tour under Great Smoky Mountains National Park; it has no meeting-point coordinates).