Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour
Travel with Action
4.1
Debbie T
15 days ago
Loved the stories! I did wonder if there was an emergency how would ambulances get to those affected.
It wasn’t very crowded so the ride was pleasant.
Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover why it’s the most visited National Park in the country! Tour these famous mountains while learning about Cherokee history and legends, Appalachian life, and much more. There’s no better way to see Clingman’s Dome, Cades Cove, or Rainbow Falls. Plus, enjoy a free bonus tour of Roaring Forks Motor Trail! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Departure Point
- Start on US-441 Parkway in Gatlinburg near 1151 Parkway, with the parking lot and gas station on your right. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the lot or nearby businesses. The audio starts automatically as you pass—check your email/text for setup details.
- The US-441/Newfound Gap Road is open on the North Carolina side, allowing access to Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome, and other scenic spots. To visit Gatlinburg, Cades Cove, or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, take I-40, which adds approximately 2 hours to your drive, with no tour commentary.
- Start on US-441 Parkway in Gatlinburg near 1151 Parkway, with the parking lot and gas station on your right. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the lot or nearby businesses. The audio starts automatically as you pass—check your email/text for setup details.
- The US-441/Newfound Gap Road is open on the North Carolina side, allowing access to Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome, and other scenic spots. To visit Gatlinburg, Cades Cove, or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, take I-40, which adds approximately 2 hours to your drive, with no tour commentary.
- Audio guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: GatlinburgGatlinburg, TennesseeFinally, you'll arrive in the picturesque mountian town of Gatlinburg, where your tour will conclude.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Mingus Mill, 1/2 Mile North of Oconaluftee Visitor Center, North CarolinaAs you drive, you'll have the option to take a detour to the Mingus Mill, an 1886 grist mill which, believe it or not, is still fully functional! If you're here on weekends, you can even see the mill operators grind corn just like they did back in the 1800s.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Clingmans Dome Visitor Contact StationClingmans Dome Road, Bryson City, NC 28713Heading toward Clingman's Dome, you'll soon see its famous observation tower. You really haven't seen the Great Smoky Mountains until you've seen them from up here!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Quiet WalkwaysTennesseeYour first major stop is the Beech Flats Quiet Walkway, a perfect spot for anyone who wants to soak up the natural beauty of the mountains without having to hike an arduous trail.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Morton OverlookUs-441, TennesseeAfter that, you'll reach Morton Overlook, hugely popular for its unbelievable sunsets.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Oconaluftee Visitor Center1194 Newfound Gap Road, , TennesseeYour drive through the beautiful, majestic Smoky Mountains begins at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Get ready to explore the Smokies and discover why this is the most visited National Park in the country!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Rockefeller MemorialNewfound Gap Stae Line Marker, 13.75 Miles from Gatlinburg, TennesseeUp next is the Rockefeller Memorial, where you'll learn more about Rockefeller's importance to the park! This memorial was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt himself.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Carlos Campbell OverlookNewfound Gap Rd, A little over 2 miles from Gatlinburg on Newfound Gap Rd, TennesseeThe next overlook on your route is Carlos Campbell Overlook, which serves up panoramic views of towering mountains and lush forests.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Morton Mountain TunnelU.S. 441, Gatlinburg, TN 37738Continuing on, you'll pass through the heart of a mountain using the Morton Tunnel. Here, you'll also hear about how a politician named Ben Morton got his name all over the park.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Alum Cave TrailTennesseeNext you'll pass the Alum Cave Trail, which takes hikers to the remains of an old salt mine packed with fascinating history.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Chimney Tops OverlookU.S. 441, Gatlinburg, TN 37738Your route takes you next to Chimney Tops Overlook, where you'll hear all about wildfires in the Smokies and how they cause lasting damage to mountains like this one.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Sugarlands Valley Nature TrailTennesseeNext up is the most accessible trail in the park! Sugarlands Valley Trail can be accessed by wheelchair or stroller, and offers a great way to venture into the scenic wilderness. We'll also turn back the clock to get an in-depth look at the complicated history of this valley and the settlers who once lived here.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: KuwohiClingmans Dome Trail, About 19.6 Miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center, TennesseeNext up is the most accessible trail in the park: Sugarlands Valley Trail! This scenic trail can be accessed by wheelchair or stroller, and offers a great way to venture into the wilderness.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Sugarlands Visitors Center2 miles south of Gatlinburg on US-441, , TennesseeThe tour leads next to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, a perfect rest stop and the site of a few trailheads.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Rainbow Falls TrailTennesseeOur route takes us next to the Rainbow Falls Trail, which leads to the park's most popular waterfall. Standing at 80 feet, Rainbow Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Smokies, but that's not all! When the sun hits it right, it glimmers like a rainbow--hence the name.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Cataract FallsCove Mountain Trail, TennesseeYour drive continues to Cataract Falls, a beautiful, secluded set of waterfalls tucked beneath a shaded canopy of beech trees.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Newfound Gap RoadBetween Sugarlands and Oconoluftee, 13.2 MIles from Sugarlands Visitor Center is the state line marker overlook, TennesseeFrom there, your drive continues to Newfound Gap, a stunning mountain pass with huge historical significance. Hear the story of how trappers, farmers, and merchants used to cross the Smokies, and how this gap changed all of that. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months. The tour is over 45+ miles long, with more than 40+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Ripley's Believe It or Not!800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738Our next stop is perfect for anyone amused by kitschy oddities. This funky museum displays everything from shrunken human heads to rare animal skeletons. We'll get the inside scoop on how it started as a simple one-panel comic strip and grew into a national phenomenon.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Roaring Fork Motor Nature TrailUS-441, TennesseeContinue following the road to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This driving trail invites you to slow down and enjoy the forest and historic buildings of the area. It also features three of the park's most famous waterfalls!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Alfred Reagan Tub MillRoaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738The road brings us next to the Reagen Cabin, which displays a perfect example of old-timey technology in the form of the so-called "tub mill." Hear all about what that is and why it was useful here.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Grotto Falls Trail, , TennesseeKeep driving until you reach the Grotto Falls trail. While it's not quite as grand as Rainbow Falls, this secluded, less crowded waterfall is absolutely worth a visit. On your way, hear about a rare salamander you can only find right here!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: The Place of a Thousand DripsRoaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738Why settle for one waterfall when you can have several? Our next stop is the Place of a Thousand Drips, where numerous narrow falls come together to form a stunning torrent.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Baskins Creek FallsBaskins Creek Trail Trailhead, Baskins Creek Trail, TennesseeOur drive takes us next to the Baskin Creek Falls, a sparkling waterfall where we'll hear about the amusing, and slightly misguided history behind the name of these falls.Duration: Not AvailableAdditional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
- ⚠️ Important Note: The U.S. Government Shutdown has ended, but some National Park services, visitor centers and facilities may reopen in phases. Please check official park updates before visiting.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Park Passes
Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover why it’s the most visited National Park in the country! Tour these famous mountains while learning about Cherokee history and legends, Appalachian life, and much more. There’s no better way to see Clingman’s Dome, Cades Cove, or Rainbow Falls. Plus, enjoy a free bonus tour of Roaring Forks Motor Trail! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Departure Point
- Start on US-441 Parkway in Gatlinburg near 1151 Parkway, with the parking lot and gas station on your right. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the lot or nearby businesses. The audio starts automatically as you pass—check your email/text for setup details.
- The US-441/Newfound Gap Road is open on the North Carolina side, allowing access to Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome, and other scenic spots. To visit Gatlinburg, Cades Cove, or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, take I-40, which adds approximately 2 hours to your drive, with no tour commentary.
- Start on US-441 Parkway in Gatlinburg near 1151 Parkway, with the parking lot and gas station on your right. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the lot or nearby businesses. The audio starts automatically as you pass—check your email/text for setup details.
- The US-441/Newfound Gap Road is open on the North Carolina side, allowing access to Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome, and other scenic spots. To visit Gatlinburg, Cades Cove, or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, take I-40, which adds approximately 2 hours to your drive, with no tour commentary.
- Audio guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: GatlinburgGatlinburg, TennesseeFinally, you'll arrive in the picturesque mountian town of Gatlinburg, where your tour will conclude.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Mingus Mill, 1/2 Mile North of Oconaluftee Visitor Center, North CarolinaAs you drive, you'll have the option to take a detour to the Mingus Mill, an 1886 grist mill which, believe it or not, is still fully functional! If you're here on weekends, you can even see the mill operators grind corn just like they did back in the 1800s.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Clingmans Dome Visitor Contact StationClingmans Dome Road, Bryson City, NC 28713Heading toward Clingman's Dome, you'll soon see its famous observation tower. You really haven't seen the Great Smoky Mountains until you've seen them from up here!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Quiet WalkwaysTennesseeYour first major stop is the Beech Flats Quiet Walkway, a perfect spot for anyone who wants to soak up the natural beauty of the mountains without having to hike an arduous trail.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Morton OverlookUs-441, TennesseeAfter that, you'll reach Morton Overlook, hugely popular for its unbelievable sunsets.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Oconaluftee Visitor Center1194 Newfound Gap Road, , TennesseeYour drive through the beautiful, majestic Smoky Mountains begins at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Get ready to explore the Smokies and discover why this is the most visited National Park in the country!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Rockefeller MemorialNewfound Gap Stae Line Marker, 13.75 Miles from Gatlinburg, TennesseeUp next is the Rockefeller Memorial, where you'll learn more about Rockefeller's importance to the park! This memorial was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt himself.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Carlos Campbell OverlookNewfound Gap Rd, A little over 2 miles from Gatlinburg on Newfound Gap Rd, TennesseeThe next overlook on your route is Carlos Campbell Overlook, which serves up panoramic views of towering mountains and lush forests.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Morton Mountain TunnelU.S. 441, Gatlinburg, TN 37738Continuing on, you'll pass through the heart of a mountain using the Morton Tunnel. Here, you'll also hear about how a politician named Ben Morton got his name all over the park.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Alum Cave TrailTennesseeNext you'll pass the Alum Cave Trail, which takes hikers to the remains of an old salt mine packed with fascinating history.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Chimney Tops OverlookU.S. 441, Gatlinburg, TN 37738Your route takes you next to Chimney Tops Overlook, where you'll hear all about wildfires in the Smokies and how they cause lasting damage to mountains like this one.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Sugarlands Valley Nature TrailTennesseeNext up is the most accessible trail in the park! Sugarlands Valley Trail can be accessed by wheelchair or stroller, and offers a great way to venture into the scenic wilderness. We'll also turn back the clock to get an in-depth look at the complicated history of this valley and the settlers who once lived here.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: KuwohiClingmans Dome Trail, About 19.6 Miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center, TennesseeNext up is the most accessible trail in the park: Sugarlands Valley Trail! This scenic trail can be accessed by wheelchair or stroller, and offers a great way to venture into the wilderness.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Sugarlands Visitors Center2 miles south of Gatlinburg on US-441, , TennesseeThe tour leads next to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, a perfect rest stop and the site of a few trailheads.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Rainbow Falls TrailTennesseeOur route takes us next to the Rainbow Falls Trail, which leads to the park's most popular waterfall. Standing at 80 feet, Rainbow Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Smokies, but that's not all! When the sun hits it right, it glimmers like a rainbow--hence the name.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Cataract FallsCove Mountain Trail, TennesseeYour drive continues to Cataract Falls, a beautiful, secluded set of waterfalls tucked beneath a shaded canopy of beech trees.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Newfound Gap RoadBetween Sugarlands and Oconoluftee, 13.2 MIles from Sugarlands Visitor Center is the state line marker overlook, TennesseeFrom there, your drive continues to Newfound Gap, a stunning mountain pass with huge historical significance. Hear the story of how trappers, farmers, and merchants used to cross the Smokies, and how this gap changed all of that. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months. The tour is over 45+ miles long, with more than 40+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Ripley's Believe It or Not!800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738Our next stop is perfect for anyone amused by kitschy oddities. This funky museum displays everything from shrunken human heads to rare animal skeletons. We'll get the inside scoop on how it started as a simple one-panel comic strip and grew into a national phenomenon.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Roaring Fork Motor Nature TrailUS-441, TennesseeContinue following the road to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This driving trail invites you to slow down and enjoy the forest and historic buildings of the area. It also features three of the park's most famous waterfalls!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Alfred Reagan Tub MillRoaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738The road brings us next to the Reagen Cabin, which displays a perfect example of old-timey technology in the form of the so-called "tub mill." Hear all about what that is and why it was useful here.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Grotto Falls Trail, , TennesseeKeep driving until you reach the Grotto Falls trail. While it's not quite as grand as Rainbow Falls, this secluded, less crowded waterfall is absolutely worth a visit. On your way, hear about a rare salamander you can only find right here!Duration: Not AvailableStop At: The Place of a Thousand DripsRoaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738Why settle for one waterfall when you can have several? Our next stop is the Place of a Thousand Drips, where numerous narrow falls come together to form a stunning torrent.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Baskins Creek FallsBaskins Creek Trail Trailhead, Baskins Creek Trail, TennesseeOur drive takes us next to the Baskin Creek Falls, a sparkling waterfall where we'll hear about the amusing, and slightly misguided history behind the name of these falls.Duration: Not AvailableAdditional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
- ⚠️ Important Note: The U.S. Government Shutdown has ended, but some National Park services, visitor centers and facilities may reopen in phases. Please check official park updates before visiting.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Park Passes
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and SavingsCustomer Reviews
4.1
based on Groupon 290 reviews
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RMVMARTINEZ
It was a little rough getting started as I didn’t know where the starting location was and I couldn’t get the audio to work on the car. I wish they would’ve let us know if we could also use the audio from our phone. Didn’t know if it was going to work for us. Also wish we were told that there were no gas stations throughout the trip nor bathrooms except for at the very top. Enjoyed the audio stories and tips on where to turn off.
Debbie T
Loved the stories! I did wonder if there was an emergency how would ambulances get to those affected.
It wasn’t very crowded so the ride was pleasant.
Anthony_K
The experience was really good and the information was very informative. Wasn't sure if the narration was keeping with the Android auto GPS, but it was good to use the play button to keep narration. I recommend this if you're not from the area and want to be on your own. Great job 👏🏾
Moira_H
What a fantastic weekend! The hosts are very kind and they made sure they were as accommodating as they could be. I am looking forward to coming back!
elizabethrR5783EK
This was such a great experience compared to just randomly driving around. We flew in from Arkansas and rented a car and all I knew was I wanted to see the park and we love NOT traveling with groups of strangers so this was great for us. I think it would have been interesting for our kids if they'd been with us. Very cool! If we had more time I def would have explored the Cove area that added a few hours. One thing I would note for people out of state is that if you start in Gatlinburg and end in Cherokee, the only way BACK to where you started is back through the park with 24-35 mph speeds. So my husband was kind of annoyed there wasn't a "regular highway" around the park. We did however make pretty good time going back through since we weren't stopping at any of the spots. Still very much worth it.
Side note; we came for the fall colors and the park did not disappoint! So GLAD I planned the timing out just right. The fall show was as spectacular as I had hoped!