Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove Self-Driving Bundle Tours

Badge of ExcellenceGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

3 to 5 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Since you’re probably not traveling with a park ranger in your car, this is the next-best thing. With this audio tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll discover the history of spots like Cade’s Cove, plus get intel on the best hiking trails, the best overlooks, the best waterfalls, and more. Use it only when you need, traveling at your pace—with a pro in your pocket.

Travel in the comfort of a your own vehicle, but with a guide leading the way
Download via your smartphone to start, whenever you're ready
Stop and start as you like, pausing whenever you need
Plays automatically by GPS, assisting you wherever you go

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 - 6/2/2025
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

4.5

59 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 59 reviews

Lots of background inform

Vickie_L, Dec 2023

Once we understood how it worked, it was was great. The major problem we experienced was operator error. This was because the phone asked if wanted Google map to take us to starting point. It wasn't until we returned back to the starting point 2 times before realizing we had to shut that off and start using the Audio Tour. Overall if an offered for another audio tour was available it be purchased again. Oh yeah FYI be sure to check the weather outlook before heading into the mountains. Especially during winter months even when temps are above freezing as getting out of vehicle for views and hikes are more pleasant when your not bundled up.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Vickie, I'm glad to hear that once you got the hang of it, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove Self-Driving Bundle Tours worked out great for you! It's not uncommon to have a bit of a learning curve with new technology, so I'm pleased it all came together in the end. If you want to explore more incredible places at your own pace, don’t forget to check out my Action+ Tour Bundle for over 100 more self-guided tours.

On the way back from...

Ellie_H, Jun 2023

On the way back from cades cove we saw a bear drinking from the creek! Pulled over to get a photo. Was cool because I was disappointed we didnt see one in cades cove.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

That's amazing! I would love to see a photo of your experience. You can tag @actiontourguide to share it with me. I'm happy to hear that my tour added value to your visit to Great Smoky and Cades Cove. If you're planning to travel more, you might be interested in my Action+ Tour Bundle, which includes over 100 self-guided tours.

Was very nice but did not...

Sherri_B, Jun 2023

Was very nice but did not see much of the wildlife. Very congested in several areas. The trees and foliage were beautiful

Response from Host, Jun 2023

I'm pleased to hear that you had a good time on the Great Smoky and Cades Cove Tours. I'm sorry that you didn't see much wildlife and experienced congestion in some areas. The park's wildlife can be unpredictable, and popular spots can get crowded. Thank you for sharing your feedback with me, I understand your expectations. Keep in mind that your tour is valid forever, so you can revisit it or try different tours. If you have any other concerns or want to exchange the tour, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Great tour! Let's of info!

Sam_M, Jun 2023

Getting to the TN/NC border and the Appalachian Trail, and meeting a young man who was hiking the AP.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

I'm glad to hear that you had a wonderful tour experience and found it informative. It's great that you had a memorable encounter with the Appalachian Trail at the TN/NC border and met a hiker. Such moments make a tour truly special. If you're planning to travel more, you might be interested in our Action+ Tour Bundle, which includes over 100 self-guided tours. It's a comprehensive collection that can enhance your future travel experiences with various destinations and activities. Thank you for your feedback!

Totally worth every dime.

Nicole_H, Jun 2023

It was very informative and interesting. But plan alot of time it took us 6 hours to get thru it all and we didn't even stop at everything.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thank you so much, Nicole! I’m so thrilled that you had a great time at Great Smokies with my tour and that you found it informative. If you plan on traveling more, you might be interested in my Action+ Tour Bundle, which includes all of my self-guided tours across the country.

Great family experience!

Kelly_H, Apr 2023

I loved seeing all of the old structures and hearing the history behind them! The views were beautiful, and a great way to explore the area!

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Yay - thanks Kelly! I’m so glad you had a great time at Great Smoky with my tour. If you plan to travel more, you may like my Action+ Tour Bundle (it has all of my self-guided tours, over 100). Thanks again!

Beautiful and informative tour.

Donna_S, Mar 2023

Beautiful and informative tour. It was amazing to see how the settlers in the area lived. Look, you begged me for a review with multiple emails and then wouldn't let me give my brief review demanding I add more...so, here's me adding more in order to satisfy your requirement.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thanks Donna! I’m thrilled you enjoyed my Great Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove tour. TripAdvisor/Viator unfortunately, sends the review requests, and I will forward your feedback to them. I have more tours for all sorts of places across the country — hope you check them out on future vacations!

Amazing

Rebecca_F, Nov 2022

Dollywood and the Smokey Mountain tour. Our daughter loved the Pirates dinner show! Would definitely return with family and friends!

Response from Host, Nov 2022

Thank you so much for your feedback! I’m delighted that my tour of the Great Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove added to your learning and that you enjoyed it. I also have 100 other self-guided tours for other parks, scenic drives, cities, and historic sites in the US — hopefully, you’ll get the chance to try them next time! Also, just to remind you, the tour you bought is yours for a lifetime. So, you can listen to it at home or on your next visit.

Great value and full of information

Ann_S, Sep 2022

This guided drive program was great! It gave us plenty of advance notice if we wanted to make a stop, the history was great, and to be honest, his voice was very pleasant to listen to while driving. Both my husband and l agree this was a perfect way to enjoy our afternoon drive through Cade's Cove.

Response from Host, Sep 2022

Thanks so much for your feedback, Ann! I'm thrilled that my tour of the Great Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove added to your learning and that you and your husband enjoyed it. I also have 100 other self-guided tours for other parks, scenic drives, cities, and historic sites in the US — hopefully, you’ll get the chance to try them next time! Also, just to remind you, the tour you bought is yours for a lifetime. So, you can listen to it at home or on your next visit.

It was nice hearing the...

Suzi_W, Jul 2022

It was nice hearing the history of the area while driving. Need more time next trip to get more hikes in!!

Response from Host, Aug 2022

That’s fantastic! Thanks so much. Hope you get to try my other tours too!

It was a bit frustrating....

Gregory_R, Jun 2022

It was a bit frustrating. The Cades Cove loop was closed the day we went. So we downloaded the trip, but couldn't access it.. with not enough time to go to a different part.

Response from Host, Jun 2022

The great thing about this self-guided tour is that dates don’t matter at all — you can use it any time! There are also an unlimited number of uses so if you prefer to split up a visit or do it twice, there’s total freedom. Let me know if you’ve already left without using it though — I’d be happy to exchange it for another.