Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Tour

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Combine the convenience of a guided tour with the freedom of independent travel with this self-guided driving tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Download the tour onto your phone and learn about Cherokee history and legends, Appalachian life, and more. See several of the park's best spots such as Clingman's Dome, and Rainbow Falls. Note: this does not include entrance to the park or attractions.

Self-guided driving tour of Great Smoky Mountains: Download onto your phone
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park at your own pace
Get insights into the history and heritage of the Smoky Mountains
New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

What's Included

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!
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

Type to search

Start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.

Opening hours

7/22/2020 - 6/1/2025
Monday - Sunday : 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action's Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Amazing savings: • Driving Tours: Save money by purchasing a single tour for the entire vehicle, avoiding individual fees per person like on a bus tour. Connect your phone to the car speakers to share the audio.

Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.0

205 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 205 reviews

Great time

Patti_E, May 2024

Loved the view of Clingmans dome and sign of border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Interesting stories about wildfires and insects.

App. stopped working mid tour.

Pamela_S, Apr 2024

The tour was great until we reached the quiet walk on the way to Cherokee. The app. suddenly wanted me to sign in again and of course I could not because no cell service. If not for that we would have signed up for Cades Cove tour.

Response from Host, May 2024

Thanks for the review, Pamela! That sounds like a super frustrating glitch during the quiet walk. It's very uncommon for the app to require a login in the middle, especially without cell service. It's possible there was an update pending in the app store that confirmation of login needed. Once you set up a tour, the app should remember you and stay logged in. We'll look into this further to avoid similar issues in the future. I'm glad you enjoyed the tour overall, and thanks for considering the Cades Cove tour, too!

Great experience, but audio tracks trip over eachother

Adrian_S, Apr 2024

The app worked fine for us on Android. This was a great way to learn about the smokey mountains. If you plan to do all the suggested hikes then you might need to split this over 2 or more days. My only complaint is that despite sticking to the speed limit some of the audio tripped over the next track so we had to stop to replay them.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thanks for your feedback about my Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour, Adrian! I’m happy you enjoyed it. Your tip about splitting the hikes over multiple days is great If you're interested in exploring more national parks, check out My Tour of 25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle. Safe travels!

We could not get app to install properly. Called help desk and could hardly understand him. Not impressed. Would really

Keith_D, Apr 2024

None Didn't go Would like a refund. I sure hope other people have a better experience than us. Very disappointed

Response from Host, Apr 2024

I apologize for your trouble installing my Great Smoky Audio Tour, Keith. It sounds like the issue may have been due to the larger font setting in your app, which can affect navigation. Try scrolling to the bottom of the page or adjusting the font size on your phone for better functionality. Regardless, I understand this was frustrating, and I'd like to offer you a refund. Please send a refund request, and we'll process it promptly. I hope this helps resolve the matter and wish you better experiences in the future.

Had alittle problem with...

Susanne_K, Apr 2024

Had alittle problem with audio but reloaded and off we went. Was interesting info. The top of the mountain was very foggy and so views were b=not the best but cleared and continued. The info about trails to stop at was helpful as we had my handicapped nephew with me and they told us what trails we could do.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

I'm glad you and your nephew, Susanne, enjoyed the tour. If you want to explore more amazing national parks, I highly recommend checking out my bundle of 25+ self-guided driving tours. I wish you safe travels and hope to see you on your next adventure soon!

We could not get the app to download for our tour of the Smokey Mountains.

Bev_D, Apr 2024

No. We drove by ourselves with a book from the Park service since the app would not download correctly. We would like a refund please.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your trouble downloading the Great Smoky Mountains National Park tour. We suggest downloading the app and your tour before arriving at the park. However, I see this was not possible in your case, and I apologize. Please get in touch with me directly, and I'll ensure you get a full refund promptly. Additionally, if you're still interested in exploring, I'd happily offer you a swap to any of our other 100+ self-guided audio tours. Let's make this right for you as soon as possible.

Just like a bus tour but...

Dustin_K, Mar 2024

Just like a bus tour but at my pace. Loved the flexibility and cost. It’s difficult to keep the speed down so the audio sections don’t get cut off as the next audio section starts.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Great Smoky Mountains tour, Dustin! The flexibility and cost-effectiveness are definitely perks we would love to hear and appreciate. If you're up for more, our Smoky, Cades, Shenandoah & Blue Ridge Self-Guided Driving Tours bundle offers a wealth of exploration across these beautiful regions, providing you with the same pace and flexibility. You can find these tours where you booked your Smoky Mountains adventure—excited for you to explore more stunning landscapes with us!

Great experience!

Antonio_G, Jan 2024

Great experience and information on the Smoky mountains. You can go on your own pace. Would recommend to others if you like doing things on your own time.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thanks for sharing your positive experience with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Audio Tour, Antonio! It's fantastic to hear you enjoyed the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you're eager for more self-guided adventures, don’t forget to check out my Action+ Tour Bundle for over 100 more self-guided tours.

App did not meet expectations

Chandramouli_K, Dec 2023

We could not use the app as the route was closed in winter. Since the route was closed we Saw Only 6 points out of 43 listed n

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Chandramouli, I'm sorry your experience with the Great Smoky Driving Audio Tour didn't go as planned. Unfortunately, I don't have control over the weather or temporary closures, but I want to remind you that your purchase never expires. You can use it again on your next visit or, if you prefer, get in touch via the app, and I'll be happy to exchange it for one of the other 100+ self-guided audio tours available. Your satisfaction is essential, and I appreciate your understanding as we navigate these unpredictable elements. Thanks for sharing your feedback.

Great Smokey Mountain Drive

Kimberly_K, Dec 2023

The sites were breathtaking! Going in December was perfect for seeing snow in the mountains. The drive is worth taking!!

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Thanks, Kimberly, for your glowing review! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the breathtaking sights of the Great Smoky Mountains, especially with the magical touch of December snow. It's lovely that the drive was a memorable part of your experience. For your future adventures, don't forget to check out my Action+ Tour Bundle for over 100 more self-guided tours.

A very good travel companion. ( no whining)

David_B, Dec 2023

I enjoyed the historical information added by the commentary. It was a small amount of money paid with big amounts of satisfaction.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

David, I am so glad you found the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Audio Tour a satisfying travel companion and that the historical commentary enhanced your journey! If you're considering more travel adventures, look at my Action+ Tour Bundle. It offers over 100 self-guided tours, each packed with unique insights and stories, ensuring great value and more satisfying travel experiences. Thanks for the positive review, and I hope to accompany you on many more adventures!

Listening to the history...

Margaret_L, Dec 2023

Listening to the history of the area and Chimney mountain area and the American Indians and different type trees that grow here.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Margaret, I'm thrilled you enjoyed the historical aspects of my Great Smoky Mountains National Park Audio Tour, especially the insights into the Chimney Mountain area, local American Indian history, and the diverse tree species. If you're considering more travel adventures, don't forget to check out my Action+ Tour Bundle for over 100 more self-guided tours.

Blue Ridge

Patricia_M, Nov 2023

The talk about the trees and history. Giving you time to stop and enjoy where they said to pull over

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thank you, Patricia, for the beautiful review! I'm glad you appreciated the blend of history and nature on my Great Smoky Mountains National Park Audio Tour, especially the moments to pause and savor the beauty around you. If you're excited about more explorations, don’t forget to check out my Action+ Tour Bundle for over 100 more self-guided adventures.

The drive and scenery...

Walter_V, Nov 2023

The drive and scenery were great. I was unable to access and utilize the audio-tour. Total waste of money.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Walter, I'm sorry you couldn't access the audio tour – that's a bummer when you're all set for an incredible drive. There might have been a snag with downloading the app and tour beforehand, which is essential for a smooth experience. The good news is, the tour's yours forever, so you can still enjoy those stories from home. And if you're up for exploring different places, I've got over 100 self-guided tours ready for an exchange or refund. Just let me know how I can help!

Didn't work for us :(

Vanessa_H, Oct 2023

We had lots of technical difficulties with this download. We were disappointed because we have used viator's driving tour on another national park and it worked splendidly.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Vanessa, I'm sorry about your troubles with our Great Smoky Mountains tour! For a smoother adventure next time, I recommend getting the app and the tour all set up before you hit the road. Remember, the tour is yours forever so you can revisit the stories anytime from the comfort of home, or I’m happy to swap it out or arrange a refund from our collection of 100+ self-guided tours. Just shout out, and we'll get it sorted for you! Thanks for giving us another shot, and I'm here to help make things right.

Nice tour

Paul_P, Sep 2023

Nice tour but shorter than I expected. It pointed out lots of areas of interest and hiking trails but we didn't have time to hike.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Paul, I'm pleased you found my Great Smoky Mountains National Park Audio Tour insightful, even if it was shorter than anticipated. Understanding the vastness and the multitude of trails and sights, time can indeed feel limited. If you ever decide to journey again, perhaps with more time to delve deeper into the hiking trails, I'd be honored to be your audio companion. You might find my Action+ Tour Bundle beneficial for your future travels, offering over 100 self-guided tours to immerse yourself in, wishing you more memorable journeys ahead!

The app needs a lot of work to make it more simplified

James_G, Aug 2023

Could not get the audio to work on any site. The map did not reveal the sites that we were to be informed about terrible.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

I am sorry to hear about the challenges you faced with our Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Tour, James! I appreciate your feedback about the app's usability, and we're continuously working to improve our user experience. If you encounter any issues in the future, we encourage you to reach out to our support team during our operational hours (5 AM EST to 5 PM EST). They are available to assist you and resolve any problems you may encounter. Please remember that the products you purchased are valid forever, allowing you to use them on your next visit or enjoy the tour from the comfort of your home. If you're interested in exchanging the tour or discussing your experience further, please don't hesitate to contact us as soon as possible.

Awesome self tour.

Ron_L, Jul 2023

Amazing views of the mountains. Tour guide gave us some great knowledge of how the Smokey Mountains came to be.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thank you for your review, Ron! I'm glad to hear that you had a wonderful time admiring the stunning scenery and that you found the tour guide's information helpful. Our aim is to create an unforgettable and educational trip for all our guests. If you're interested in discovering more places, we suggest taking a look at our Action+ Tour Bundle, with over 100 self-guided tours for your next adventure. Thank you for selecting our tour, and we look forward to having you visit us again soon!

Beautiful views

James_M, Jun 2023

The app was fine. We kept up with it ok. The only thing I would have to say negative about our time was the traffic, which is to be expected. Beautiful scenery and the mountains were awesome.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

I appreciate your feedback! It's great to hear that you found the app useful and were able to navigate it easily. It's common to experience heavy traffic in Great Smoky. If you're looking to explore more, you might be interested in our Action+ Tour Bundle. This bundle includes over 100 self-guided tours, providing a diverse range of destinations and experiences to enhance your future travels.

Goated Tour

Karah_C, Jun 2023

Super fun highly recommend more than paying for a tour out in town! Go at your own pace, stop when you want to, and skip whatever you don’t want to see! :)

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thank you so much, Karah! I’m glad you had a great time at the Great Smokies with my tour at your own pace and added so much value to your visit. If you plan to travel more, you may like my Action+ Tour Bundle (it has all of my self-guided tours, over 100).

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