Classic Smokies Driving Tour from Gatlinburg — Newfound Gap, Appalachian Trail & Park History
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, gentle walks and minimal elevation gain on foot
Overview
Drive one of the Southeast’s most scenic roads from Gatlinburg to Newfound Gap on this three-hour guided tour. Expect riverside walks, interpretive stops about logging and park founding, and a summit visit at the Appalachian Trail and FDR’s 1940 dedication site.
Classic Smokies Driving Tour from Gatlinburg — Newfound Gap, Appalachian Trail & Park History
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The van eases away from the bustle of Gatlinburg and the valley exhales around you: ridgelines roll into one another, blue smoke—an optical trick from humidity and spruce—softens the horizon, and the road climbs. Within minutes the trees take on a different language: taller trunks, deeper shade, and the occasional broken stone foundation that marks where people once lived and worked. This is the Great Smoky Mountains laid out as story and landscape, and the Classic National Park Tour hands you the map and the narration.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for elevation changes
Temperatures can drop dramatically from Gatlinburg to Newfound Gap—bring a lightweight insulating layer and a wind shell.
Wear sturdy shoes
Short walks on uneven, sometimes wet trails and riverbanks make trail-appropriate footwear a good idea.
Bring a camera with a zoom
Overlooks and the Appalachian Trail stage are prime photo spots—have a zoom or telephoto ready for ridgeline details and distant hikers.
Check weather and refunds
Tours cancel for bad weather; confirm your pickup time and the 24-hour cancellation policy before departure.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black bear
- Wild turkey
History
The area passed from intensive logging and private resort development into the national park in the 1930s and 1940s, with the park dedication by FDR at Newfound Gap in 1940 tying federal conservation to local history.
Conservation
The park balances heavy visitation with habitat protection—stay on designated roads and trails, pack out trash, and avoid feeding wildlife to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Gatlinburg
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water bottle
Refillable bottle for hydration during short hikes and van stops.
Insulating layer (fleece or light jacket)
Keeps you warm at higher elevations where temperatures are cooler.
spring specific
Sturdy trail shoes
Provides traction on uneven riverbanks and overlook paths.
Compact camera or smartphone with zoom
Captures panoramas, ridgeline textures, and trail details at overlooks.