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Activity Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

4.3 (4 reviews) 14–15 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

4 reviews

4.3

Smoky Mountains National Park — Photos: the activity supplier, via 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.*

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At a glance

Duration: 14–15 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Operated by: Shaka Guide Apps

What is included

Included

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

Not included

Not included: Meals and Refreshment

Itinerary

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

one hour

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!
Kuwohi

one hour

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!
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.
Alum Cave Trail

one hour

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.
Chimney Tops Trail

one hour

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!
Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

one hour

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!
Sugarlands Visitors Center

one hour

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!
Stop 8

2 hours

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.
Laurel Falls Trailhead

one hour

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.
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area

one hour

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.
The Sinks

one hour

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.
Cades Cove

one hour

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!
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

one hour

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!
Gatlinburg

one hour

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

Using your ticket

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Thank you for purchasing the Great Smoky Mountains Tour.

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

1. Download the Shaka Guide App in the App Store or Google Play Store (or use the link at the bottom of this email)

2. Open the app and sign in/create your account

3. Go to Support → Retrieve Purchases

4. Tap on Redeem Purchases

5. Enter your Redeem Code (10-digit booking reference number on your ticket located under the barcode)

6. Tap on Redeem Purchases

7. Download your tour(s)

Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.

For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

Should you need further assistance or have other questions, email us at [email protected] or call (808) 201-8138

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

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