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Blue Ridge Parkway Tour: Self-Guided Drive

From cherokee & roanoke.

Tour Details

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Welcome to the blue ridge parkway tour.

Experience the beautiful southeast along the Blue Ridge Parkway! Cruise from the edge of the Great Smokies National Park to Shenandoah on this scenic highway bathed in blue mist. Snap photos from jaw-dropping overlooks, spot incredible wildlife, and uncover the fascinating history and legends of the Cherokee as you drive. This self-guided driving tour reveals the parkway’s best sites and the hidden history behind them all!

Begin your tour in Cherokee, Asheville, Roanoke, or Afton, and drive in either direction.

About the Tour

Your Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive tour can begin at any of the following locations: Cherokee, NC; Asheville, NC; Roanoke, VA; Afton, VA. From there, you can drive in either direction.

The tour is broken up into three sections: Cherokee to Asheville, Asheville to Roanoke, and Roanoke to Skyline Drive. If you want to see the whole parkway, from Great Smoky Mountains National Park all the way to Shenandoah National Park, you can do so! But if you’d rather break your trip up into smaller pieces and explore at different times, that’s also absolutely an option. Once you buy this tour, it’s yours for life so that you can explore the Blue Ridge Parkway entirely on your own schedule.

Cherokee to Asheville

Discover North Carolina’s stunning beauty along the westernmost stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway. While driving, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at countless jaw-dropping overlooks such as Cowee Mountain and Cherry Cove Overlooks. Some of these also feature incredible hiking trails, like Skinny Dip Falls Trail, which leads to a sparkling wilderness waterfall.

As you drive, you’ll also get acquainted with the Native tribes of the region, such as the Cherokee. You’ll hear plenty of history and legends belonging to these people and revisit dark yet important periods of time like the infamous Trail of Tears. Plus, dig into the history of Asheville as you approach North Carolina’s most picturesque city!

Asheville to Roanoke

Watch the serenity of North Carolina give way to the ruggedness of Virginia along this middle stretch of the Parkway. Experience stunning vistas at Chestoa Viewpoint and Grandview Overlook, visit critical monarch butterfly migration routes, and uncover unlikely local heroes like a bear named Mildred.

Along the way, get ready to pass plenty of small, historic towns as well. Looking out across those distant villages, you’ll learn about the history of industry in the Appalachians—the rise, the fall, and the persistence of the hardy residents of these towns.

Roanoke to the Skyline Drive

Bridge the gap between the Blue Ridge Parkway and the breathtaking Skyline Drive with this easternmost portion of your tour. Cruise across scenic mountain landscapes that were tourist hotspots even before the ubiquity of the automobile, like the Peaks of Otter. Check out parts of the famous Appalachian Trail. Get to know the Seneca and the adventures of a little-known 1700s wilderness pioneer. And end it all at another national park well worth exploring!

Whether you’re looking to enhance a scenic drive or really dive into the weeds and explore, this 3-part tour gives you the tools to do it. So what are you waiting for? Buckle up and hit the road!

This tour also includes a bonus walking tour of Asheville.

NOTE: Learn more about the road conditions, admission fees, and other pertinent information here .

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Where To Start?

Starting Address:

Blue Ridge Parkway – Part 1 (Cherokee to Asheville)

Cherokee to Asheville: 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719

Asheville to Cherokee: 195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Blue Ridge Parkway – Part 2 (Asheville to Roanoke)

Asheville to Roanoke: 195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Roanoke to Asheville: 3627 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24014

Blue Ridge Parkway – Part 3 (Roanoke to Afton)

Roanoke to Afton: 118 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA

Afton to Roanoke: 24JR+CQ Afton, Virginia

How Does It Work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome - oconaluftee visitor center.

Discover the numerous scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing breath-taking views of the Appalachian Mountains and opportunities for photos, picnics, and exploration.

Ballhoot Scar Overlook

Learn about the scarred landscape at Ballhoot Scar Overlook, a result of logging practices in the early 20th century, where logs were rolled downhill, leaving a lasting mark on the mountain.

Ancestral Cherokee Land

Explore the rich history of the Cherokee people who inhabited this land for thousands of years, their culture, and their connection to the natural environment.

Thomas Divide

Encounter the legend of ghost lights at Thomas Divide Overlook, where mysterious orbs have been reported, sparking tales of the supernatural in this area.

Big Witch Overlook

Discover the story of Big Witch, a Cherokee medicine man and eagle hunter, whose role in Cherokee culture and the end of an age-old tradition is recounted.

Ancient Medicine

Learn about the Cherokee's deep knowledge of herbal remedies and natural resources, including aluminum potassium sulfate, used for various purposes, and how these remedies continue to influence Appalachian culture.

Bunches Bald Overlook

Explore the concept of Appalachian Balds, unique mountaintop areas where trees are scarce, and hear the Cherokee legend of Ulagu, the monstrous wasp-like creature.

Plott Balsam Overlook

Uncover the origin of the Plott Hound, an American breed of hunting dog, and the remarkable story of how Henry Plott's family bred them into existence.

An Animal Conspiracy

Delve into Cherokee folklore explaining the connection between humans, plants, and animals, highlighting the importance of respect for nature.

"The Ambush Place": Learn about the strategic significance of Soco Gap in Cherokee history, where the Cherokee defended their land from invasion by the Shawnee tribe.

Thunderstruck Ridge Overlook

Enjoy the potential for stunning sunset views from this overlook while gaining insight into the varying forest ecosystems of the Blue Ridge Mountains at different elevations.

Why Trees Lose Their Leaves

Hear the Cherokee legend explaining why some trees lose their leaves in winter while others, like the pine, remain evergreen, emphasizing the importance of kindness and sharing.

Waterrock Knob Visitor Center

Enjoy stunning long-range mountain views at the Blue Ridge Parkway's highest visitor center, where you can also picnic and stargaze on clear nights.

Yellow Face Overlook

Get the best view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, dominated by the 6,000-foot Yellow Face Mountain, offering a panoramic scope of the Appalachian Mountains.

The Indian Removal Act

Learn about the tragic history of the Cherokee people's forced relocation from their ancestral land to Oklahoma due to the pursuit of valuable natural resources.

Trail of Tears

Understand the heartbreaking journey of the Cherokee during the Trail of Tears, where thousands lost their lives in the brutal march westward.

Cherokee Rose

Discover the legend of the Cherokee Rose, symbolizing the tears shed during the Cherokee's removal, and its resilience in the face of destruction.

Learn about the decline and resurgence of bald eagles in the Blue Ridge region, from near-extinction to their successful return, thanks to conservation efforts.

What's In a Name?

Uncover the science behind the Blue Ridge Mountains' distinctive bluish haze, caused by the emission of isoprene from its abundant trees.

Blue Ridge Becomes a Park

Explore how the Blue Ridge Mountains transitioned from industrial exploitation to a tourist destination, aided by President Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives.

Building the Parkway

Understand the lengthy construction process of the Blue Ridge Parkway, connecting Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, and its final completion.

Acknowledge the pivotal role of Abbie Rowe's photography in promoting the Blue Ridge Parkway and attracting visitors to the region.

Roy Taylor Forest Overlook

Learn how Congressman Roy Taylor's conservation efforts preserved this forested area, preventing it from becoming a pulpwood source.

Richland Balsam Overlook

Reach the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering a fragrant forest of red spruces and Fraser firs at 6,053 feet above sea level.

Cowee Mountain Overlook

Capture breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views from one of the parkway's highest spots, providing a picturesque vista.

The Milky Way

Hear the Cherokee legend of the Milky Way's formation, involving a celestial dog and the scattering of cornmeal grains as stars.

The Pleiades

Discover the Cherokee legend of the Pleiades, or "The Seven Boys," who ascended into the sky to play forever, leaving blazing campfire stars in their wake.

Rough Butt Bald Overlook

Discover the geological origins of the term "butt" in topography and enjoy the view of the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains.

Cathedral Falls And French Broad Falls

Explore a peaceful hiking trail leading to picturesque waterfalls and an abandoned mill.

Hidden Gems of the Blue Ridge

Learn about the billion-year-old history of the Blue Ridge Mountains and their wealth of minerals, including precious gems.

Black Balsam Knob

Experience a diverse Appalachian hike with fragrant fir trees, meadows, and breathtaking mountaintop vistas.

Creation of the World

Hear the Cherokee legend of how the world and its mountains were formed by the Great Buzzard.

Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead

Visit a waterfall where swimming is encouraged, complete with a natural diving board.

Birds of the Blue Ridge

Learn about the diverse bird species in the Blue Ridge Mountains, from herons to peregrine falcons.

Salamander Capital of the World

Explore the unique creatures of the mountains, including the spruce-fir moss spider and various salamander species.

Fryingpan Mountain

Climb a retired fire watchtower for a 360-degree panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Pisgah Inn and Observation Deck

Enjoy a scenic overlook from the highest developed area on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Pisgah Inn.

Mills River Valley Overlook

Experience a 360-degree panoramic view of Chestnut Ridge and Big Ridge, ideal for birdwatching.

Forest Fires

Learn about the low risk of forest fires in the Blue Ridge Mountains due to the region's cool and moist climate.

Bad Fork Valley

Enjoy a serene view of the Bad Fork Creek and its surrounding laurel blossoms.

George Washington Vanderbilt

Delve into the story of George Washington Vanderbilt and his sustainable estate, the Biltmore Estate, the largest house in the USA.

A Green Estate

Learn about George Vanderbilt's pioneering efforts in sustainability, from self-sustaining agriculture to early renewable energy.

Preview The Tour

  what is the blue ridge parkway scenic drive tour.

It covers a vast stretch of this scenic highway, from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park, revealing stunning overlooks, wildlife sightings, and the rich history and legends of the Cherokee people.

  Where can I start the Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive Tour?

You can start this tour from multiple locations: Cherokee, NC; Asheville, NC; Roanoke, VA; or Afton, VA. You have the flexibility to choose your starting point and drive in either direction along the parkway.

  How is the tour structured?

The journey goes from Cherokee to Asheville, Asheville to Roanoke, and Roanoke to Skyline Drive. Each segment has unique sights, overlooks, hikes, and historical lessons. You can walk the parkway in one go or in smaller sections, depending on your inclinations.

  Are there specific points of interest along the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The Blue Ridge Parkway has several attractions, including Cowee Mountain and Cherry Cove Overlooks, Skinny Dip Falls Trail, monarch butterfly migration paths, and historic communities.

  Can I explore the Blue Ridge Parkway at my own pace?

Absolutely! The Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive Tour is self-guided, allowing you to explore the parkway entirely at your own pace. You can take your time at each location, stop for hikes or photos, and enjoy the scenic drive on your schedule.

  Is there a bonus walking tour included?

Yes, this tour includes a bonus Asheville walking tour. You can walk around the city and discover its distinctive attractions, history, and culture, as well as drive the Blue Ridge Parkway.

  Is this tour suitable for all ages and times of the year?

The Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive Tour is suited for all ages. No matter the season, this excursion is fun, but seasonal and weather concerns should be considered.

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Narrated Driving Tour App by GuideAlong

Plays automatically as you drive..

Wish you had a guide while touring Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Download the GuideAlong (previously GyPSy Guide) app.

Highlights include the hike to Clingmans Dome, driving the historic Cades Cove loop dotted with pioneer churches, cabins and a working mill, plus where to watch for wildlife such as bears, elk, salamanders and fireflies.

“We recognized that travelers preferred to set their own pace and itinerary, but still enjoyed a fun, informative and educational guided experience” says Rick Bulich of GuideAlong. “That became our inspiration. How do we recreate that experience for people who want remain independent and self tour in their own vehicle?”

The narrated driving tour app uses your device’s location service to automatically play entertaining commentary about the behind-the-scenes stories, historical events and notable geologic formations as you drive. In doing so, it tells you about upcoming sights, so you have time to make an informed decision as to whether you want to stop. Because the app relies on your phones GPS signal, not cell towers, no cell, network or WiFi is required while touring.

For more information: guidealong.com/tour/great-smoky-mountains/

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Scenic Drives

Sometimes the best way to experience all that the Smoky Mountains have to offer is on a driving tour. With so many routes to take, you can lose yourself in the scenic beauty, unique foliage and animal sightings.

As you enjoy the view, don’t forget to take advantage of many of the scenic pullouts  throughout the park. You will be able to take in endless views of ridges and valleys, as well as mountain streams and waterfalls. Don’t forget your cameras! With so many wildlife in the park, you never know when you will come across an elk, deer or even a wild hog. You can also take advantage of our 800 miles of trails for hiking, exploration and plenty of sightseeing.

Weather conditions in the mountains tend to be moderate making it a favorite vacation spot for couples and families alike. However, weather can be unpredictable and we recommend you plan accordingly by checking out our  weather page before you set out on your scenic drive.

ROAD CLOSURE ALERT

For current road, facility, trail & backcountry updates.

Scenic Drives in the Great Smoky Mountains

Cades Cove Loop Road

Newfound Gap Road

Upper Tremont Road

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Explore the great smoky mountains.

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Clingmans Dome

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THE BEST OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE IN THE SMOKIES!

We offer guided Jeep tours of the Smoky Mountains National Park! Let us take you on a journey to experience the breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains National Park from our comfortable custom-made Jeeps.

Our Jeep adventures blend the best of luxury, safety and fun so you can experience all the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains.

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5 of the Best Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains You Don’t Want to Miss

When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you don’t even have to get out of your vehicle to explore all the stunning sights! There are a number of scenic drives that allow you to experience the beauty of the national park from the comfort of your car. Here are 5 of the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains that you don’t want to miss:

1. Cades Cove Loop Road

The Cades Cove Loop Road is the most popular scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains. It is an 11-mile, one-way loop road that circles the cove. Along the tour, you will see wildlife, historical sites and scenic mountain views. Cades Cove is one of the best spots to see wildlife in the park. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes and more! The auto tour takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete. Keep in mind that only bicycle and foot traffic are allowed on the road until 10 a.m. every Saturday and Wednesday morning from early May until late September. Otherwise, the road is open to motor vehicles from sunrise to sunset daily, weather permitting.

2. Cataloochee Valley

The Cataloochee Valley auto tour is on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is considered to be North Carolina’s “Cades Cove.” Along your scenic drive, you’ll see historic buildings, including a school, church, barn and a few homes, as well as elk! The elk can best be seen in the early morning or late evening, and on cloudy summer days before and after storms. Viewing the elk from your car is the safest option because you don’t want to get too close! One of the best parts about Cataloochee Valley is that there are less crowds, so there won’t be as much traffic as there may be on other scenic drives.

3. Newfound Gap Road

With an elevation of 5,046 feet, Newfound Gap Road is the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. People often compare the trip over Newfound Gap Road to a drive from Georgia to Maine because of the variety of forest ecosystems. You’ll pass through a cove hardwood forest, pine-oak forest, northern hardwood forest and even an evergreen-spruce fir forest. At 33 miles long, this curvy road usually takes about an hour to travel one way. As you reach Newfound Gap Overlook, you’ll notice the temperature drop almost 15 degrees! This is because you’ll be making a climb of about 3,000 feet, and temperatures are cooler in higher elevations.

4. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a favorite among visitors. It’s narrow and winding, so make sure to go slow! The trail is a 5.5-mile, one-way loop that includes views of rushing mountain streams, old-growth forests and more! There are a number of historic log cabins, homes and buildings that have been preserved, along with grist mills. The trail is narrow and winding, so make sure to go slow and and take your time exploring the sights. Right before you get to the motor nature trail, make some time for a quick stop at the Noah “Bud” Ogle self-guiding nature trail, which offers a walking tour of an authentic mountain farmstead and surrounding hardwood forest.

5. Upper Tremont Road

Upper Tremont Road is lesser known than the other scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, but it has just as many gorgeous views. It’s a must-do for nature-lovers. Along this gravel road, you’ll see fun hiking trails, waterfalls, the Middle Prong of the Little River and other scenic views! There are even post markers on the road that point out areas of historical or cultural significance. This auto tour is especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves have changed colors, and it is not nearly as busy as the other roads, so you can move along at your own pace. There are even spots where you can pull off and enjoy an afternoon of fishing!

You’ll love exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the comfort of your car when you do these scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains! Find out the top things to know about the national park before you go , and start planning your visit.

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Cataloochee Valley

Cataloochee valley beginnings.

In 1776, America was a newly established country. With the ending of the Revolutionary War, America was awash in opportunity. However, the eastern seaboard was getting a bit crowded as ships arrived daily from Europe.

Already having crossed an ocean for the New World, Americans proved to be risk takers and many of them were ready to explore the land.

While the coastal cities went through a population metamorphosis, Cherokee Indians remained the primary inhabitants of the Smoky Mountains.

However, in 1791, the United States government signed the Treaty of Holston with the Cherokees, effectively securing the rights to the land.

Afterwards, the Smoky Mountains saw an influx of newly minted Americans who pushed the Cherokees out. The exit of Indians took more than forty years and culminated in forced removal by the government.

Thousands of Indians died during their relocation, which is now known as the Trail of Tears .

Cataloochee Valley Map | Great Smoky Mountains National Park

By the early 1800’s, mountain farming communities sprang up throughout the Smoky Mountains. Utilizing trails created by the Cherokees, farmers made their way to areas previously hunted and farmed by the Indians, and built homes there.

Pioneer families founded each one of these mountain farming communities looking for a new beginning on cheap, farmable land. They found it in the Smoky Mountains.

Although Cataloochee Valley is the most remote of the Appalachian farming communities, it became the largest and most prosperous. At its height, it boasted 1,251 residents. They farmed, planted apple trees, and traded with outsiders.

Cades Cove and Roaring Fork are two nearby farming communities that grew during the same time period, but with far fewer residents.

The mountain ground was rocky, uneven, and hard to farm. Nevertheless, these American pioneers forged ahead and made a life for themselves.

RELATED : Little Cataloochee Trail

When the Civil War began, most of the Appalachian communities sided with the Union, including a majority of the Cades Cove residents on the other side of the mountain. Cataloochee Valley residents did not.

This remote valley was home to many Confederate sympathizers and a large number of the men went off to war.

The absence of young men going to war made farming even more difficult. Afterwards, many of the men did not return; they had lost their lives. Others returned, but had lost limbs or were in poor health, unable to farm.

Cataloochee Valley, unlike most other mountain farming communities, did not succumb to the temptation of logging the land. Railroads made logging a profitable option in the mountains.

Commercial loggers eventually stripped the Smoky Mountains of nearly two-thirds of its trees. Cataloochee Valley residents resisted, and today some of the oldest and tallest trees in the Smokies can be found here.

RELATED : Boogerman Loop Trail

The farmers kept farming and selling apples grown in their orchards. Some ventured into tourism and began hosting tourists vacationing in the mountains.

A few families built rooms onto their homes and rented them out. They were survivors, and they survived.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Many factors contributed to the creation of  Great Smoky Mountains National Park . One major impetus was logging. The mountains were beautiful, but logging had taken its toll. The mountains lost their majestic vistas and stood bare.

As loggers stripped the mountains of trees, the natural habitat disappeared. Deforestation led to the death of much of the indigenous wildlife. When possible, many wild animals fled to new areas.

Cataloochee | Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance

John D. Rockefeller Jr. stepped in and contributed $5 million to fund a new park. The U.S. Congress allocated an additional $2 million. Many residents of Tennessee and North Carolina pitched in what they could, but not everyone was happy about the idea.

The pioneer families that settled in the Smoky Mountains soon were required to vacate the land they worked so hard to develop, and start over again. They lost their farms, land, and homes. However, they didn’t leave without a fight.

Some filed lawsuits against the federal government in an attempt to stop the confiscation of their land. They lost. Years before, the government forced the Indians off the land, and now they forced the homesteaders out.

While its beginnings may be controversial, the end result is one of the most beautiful national parks in America. To preserve the memory of the early Smoky Mountain pioneers, several areas are designated as open air museums. Cataloochee Valley is one such place.

Palmer House

George Palmer left Buncombe County, North Carolina after losing a large sum of money gambling. To save face, he packed up his family and looked for a place to start over. The remote Cataloochee Valley appealed to him. After relocating, his family became one of the most successful in Cataloochee Valley.

Palmer House | Cataloochee Valley | Great Smoky Mountains National Park

George and his wife, Nancy, had two sons; George, also known as Uncle Fate, and Jesse. The home in the picture belonged to Uncle Fate.

These two brothers were very industrious and amassed great wealth through farming, banking, assessing land, and performing other community services. Uncle Fate’s son, Jarvis, was a chip off the old block and made a name for himself in tourism.

Jarvis Palmer and his family owned a good bit of land, along with the fishing rights to nearly three miles of the Cataloochee Creek. They sold daily fishing licenses to vacationers allowing them to fish the creek.

Later on, they built a two-room bunkhouse where fishermen could sleep and get a home cooked meal. The bunkhouse is still around, across the street from the home.

When the park was established, the Palmer’s moved out of Cataloochee Valley and a ranger moved into their home.

Beech Grove School House

As the Cataloochee Valley community grew, they built three schools to accommodate the educational needs. Children began school at 8:00 am and finished the day at 4:00 pm.

Parents set aside Fridays to visit their children and see what they accomplished during the week. The only remaining school building in the community is in Big Cataloochee, and it has quite a story.

Beech Grove School | Cataloochee Valley | Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The population outgrew the small schoolhouse, so the community sent two men to Waynesville to petition the government for a new, larger school. The government denied their request, based on the contention that the residents of Cataloochee Valley did not pay enough taxes.

After returning to Cataloochee Valley, the men removed all the desks and furniture from the school and set fire to the building. They then re-submitted their request to Waynesville based on the new circumstances that the school burned down. They got their new school.

Caldwell House and Barn

Originally spelled Colwell, this family settled in Cataloochee Valley in the 1800’s and stayed until the evacuation in 1938. The original cabin was replaced in 1906 using contemporary materials. Today you can visit the new house and the barn.

The Caldwell Barn | Cataloochee Valley | Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Other Structures

In is heyday, Cataloochee Valley was home to more than 200 homes, barns, mills, stores, etc. Today, far fewer buildings remain.

Some of the popular structures you can see when you visit are the Will Messer Barn, Palmer Chapel, Beech Grove School, Caldwell House and Barn, Palmer House and Bunkhouse, Hannah Cabin, Little Cataloochee Church, Cook Cabin, and the Messer Farm.

Elk Reintroduction

More than 150 years ago, Smoky Mountain elk populations were lost when their habitat was destroyed and hunters over hunted. In 2001, the National Park Service reintroduced twenty-five elk back into Cataloochee Valley, with two dozen more introduced a year later.

Elk | Cataloochee Valley | Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Today, more than 150 elk are home in the Smoky Mountains. Many of them remained in Cataloochee and can be seen roaming the valley in early morning and evenings.

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Things to Know Before You Drive Through the Smoky Mountains

First, remember, avoiding traffic in Gatlinburg can be difficult, but the little bit of traffic will be worth it when you are experiencing the beautiful Smoky Mountains! Driving to the mountains can be a little crowded, so don’t be in any rush; relax and enjoy the mountains and the atmosphere.

One thing visitors don’t know is that there are no gas stations or other related areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The national park is a wilderness area with some of the most beautiful sights in the United States, so there are no gas stations or rest areas. So, make sure you fill your gas tank before you head into the mountains. There is a gas station before you enter the national park, in Gatlinburg.

When you choose to visit one of the auto tours in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is best to enjoy them earlier in the morning hours rather than mid-afternoon. Most of the heavy traffic arrives in the middle of the day, so it can take hours to complete any of the auto tours. Keep in mind that the Cades Cove Auto Tour is closed until 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from May through September, for foot traffic and bicyclists.

For safety, make sure to use the designated pull out areas and stay aware of posted speed limits throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To take some of the beautiful pictures, make sure you move your vehicle into the designated area to allow traffic to flow freely. If you are traveling on the auto tour in the evening hours, make sure you are watching for wildlife and following the posted speed limits. There are plenty of great spots to pull over and enjoy the view, but remember that you are in the wildlife’s habitat.

Visit My Smokies is the only site you will need to plan your vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains! With everything from lodging to attractions , you can find all of the information about things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg!

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Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains

About this tour.

Take a delightful trip through the heart of Appalachia, discovering the equestrian culture of Kentucky, the pioneer spirit of Tennessee, and the mountainous beauty of North Carolina. Get a taste of Bourbon, baseball, and Thoroughbreds in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. Travel through Daniel Boone National Forest as you make your way to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. From your home base of Gatlinburg, explore the natural wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Travel on to Asheville, North Carolina, and enjoy the city’s historic architecture, engaging neighborhoods and robust arts districts. Tour the Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt’s "little mountain escape” in the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you leave, you’ll have the warmth and charm of southern Appalachia still in your heart.

Your Tour Includes

• 4 Handpicked Accommodations
• 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Churchill Downs
• Kentucky Derby Museum
• Old Louisville Walking Tour
• Choice on Tour: Louisville Slugger Museum or Frazier Museum of Kentucky History

Your Tour at a Glance

7 Breakfasts

2 - Moderate

Travel Style

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Explore the grandeur of nature at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Visit Louisville, Kentucky and the mecca of horse racing, Churchill Downs.

Walk the stunning grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

Cultural Experiences:

Enjoy a visit to a private horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky.

Stop in Berea, the arts and crafts capital of the state of Kentucky.

Culinary Inclusions:

Sip on samples of Kentucky’s home-grown spirit during a tasting at Buffalo Trace Bourbon Distillery.

• Buffalo Trace Bourbon Distillery
• Lexington Horse Farms
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Biltmore Estate

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Head to Museum Row where it's your choice! Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory for an All-Star baseball experience -OR- explore the Frazier Kentucky History Museum, and its Spirit of Kentucky exhibit, the official start of the Bourbon Trail.

Hotel-Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown From $110 per night

Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown

Doubletree suites by hilton hotel lexington, hilton garden inn gatlinburg, cambria hotel downtown asheville, need more information.

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