High Points Driving Tour

About this activity

Sightseeing in the “high elevations” of the Great Smoky Mountains can be an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. We travel past the Appalachian Trail and traverse the Crest of the Smokies as we take in the sights above 5000 ft. You will gain facts of the area from your guide that will make these mountains come alive with Native American stories and geographical facts. We travel into the North Carolina side of the National Park to take in the vistas and learn about the impact logging had to the area. You will be amazed how the forest has reclaimed itself over the years. Our goal for this trip is to arrive at the Clingmans Dome parking area and gift shop. This is the highest point in the National Park at 6,643′. If the weather permits, we'll take an optional short walk through the spruce-fir forest and learn about this unique environment.

Itinerary

1. Newfound Gap Road · 105 min

   Newfound Gap Road is one of the most scenic drives in the southeast. We'll make the 13-mile long drive out of the Sugarlands Valley while we learn about the people, plants, animals, and history of the Great Smoky Mountains. Along the way we'll stop at several scenic overlooks for photos of the towering mountains and dark, shaded valleys.

2. Kuwohi · 30 min

   The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this mountain provides sweeping views of as many as seven states. We'll walk among the spruce and fir trees and enjoy the cool mountain air as we learn about the place the Cherokee called Kuwahi.

3. Newfound Gap · 15 min

   Deep in the mountains at a height of more than 5,000 feet we'll stand on the state line while looking down the the Sugarland Valley to our north and the Oconaluftee Valley to the south. The famous 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail passes through this point next to the stone stage where President Franklin Roosevelt gave the Great Smoky Mountain National Park dedication.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Good to know

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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

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