Smoky Mountains Cataloochee Valley Private Tour

Smoky Mountains Cataloochee Valley Private Tour

By Drives & Detours

Features

Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore America’s most visited national park at your own pace with this self-guided scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains.

Journey along Newfound Gap Road and choose from beautiful detours that take you from Gatlinburg's lush valleys to the stunning ridges along the Tennessee–North Carolina border.

Listen to captivating audio stories about the park's history, from ancient mountain formations to the impact of settlers and conservationists.

Whether seeking vibrant fall colours or breathtaking mountain views, this tour unveils the natural and cultural heritage of this biodiverse region.

— Self-guided audio tour for flexible exploration
— Drive along Newfound Gap Road with scenic detours
— Learn about the Smokies' rich history and ecology
— Perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike

Activity location

Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial
- Newfound Gap Road
- 37738, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

Sugarlands Visitor Center
- 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Road
- 37738, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States

Check availability

Sorry this activity isn't available on Tue, Jan 20

Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
Audio Guide
App and Tour Download
Smartphone (bring your own)

Know before you book

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time
One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle

Activity itinerary

Alum Cave Trail

This trailhead launches one of the park’s most popular hikes—a scenic route that leads past geological features, lush forest, and the dramatic Alum Cave Bluffs. Hikers and nature lovers come here to taste mountain air and earn sweeping views without ever leaving the trailhead’s area.

Chimney Tops Trail

A short walk from the roadside brings you to a rugged overlook with stark, sculpted rockforms and wide vistas of the surrounding ridges. It’s a dramatic spot to feel the scale of the Smokies and watch layers of forest roll into the distance.

Mingus Mill

This beautifully preserved 19th-century gristmill still operates by waterpower on demonstration days and offers a hands-on look at mountain industry and ingenuity. The mill’s wooden gears, millpond, and stonework create a perfectly photogenic slice of Appalachian history.

Morton Overlook

A convenient pullout along Newfound Gap Road, Ben Morton offers broad panoramas of forested ridgelines and the valley below—especially memorable at dawn or in the flush of autumn colour. It’s an easy stop to stretch your legs and soak in the park’s layered views.

Newfound Gap

This high mountain pass marks one of the park’s most famous viewpoints and the Tennessee–North Carolina state line—the Appalachian Trail crosses the road here. With high-elevation air, sweeping exposures, and interpretive signs, Newfound Gap is a must-stop for first-time visitors and repeat travellers alike.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

A friendly southern gateway to the park, Oconaluftee offers exhibits on local natural and cultural history, ranger programmes, and access to nearby walking trails. It’s also a practical stop for maps, bathrooms, and orientation before exploring the park’s eastern reaches.

Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial

This small stone memorial quietly honours Laura Spelman Rockefeller’s role in early conservation support and sits amid the park’s mountain scenery. It’s a thoughtful pause point where history and landscape meet along the roadside.

Charles A Webb Overlook

Named for a figure important to the park’s stewardship, this overlook rewards visitors with uncluttered views of rolling ridges and distant valleys. It’s an ideal spot for photos, picnics, or simply watching the mist rise off the hollows below.

Cataloochee Valley

A broad, historic mountain valley where settlers once farmed and modern visitors now watch elk roam, Cataloochee blends cultural history with wildlife viewing. Explore preserved homesteads, quiet lanes, and an active elk herd that has become a beloved park attraction.

Location

Activity location

Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial
- Newfound Gap Road
- 37738, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

Sugarlands Visitor Center
- 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Road
- 37738, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. We offer one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Gatlinburg your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food, or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.