Skip the parking hassle in the Great Smoky Mountains with the Roaring Fork Shuttle Loop, your ticket to stress-free hiking at Bull Head, Rainbow Falls, and Grotto Falls.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness is recommended due to elevation gain and trail length.
Wildlife
History
Roaring Fork was once a thriving logging and farming community, with restored cabins dating back to the early 1900s.
Conservation
Shuttle use helps reduce traffic congestion and protects sensitive park habitats from overuse.
Smoky Mountain Guides
Skip the parking hassle in the Great Smoky Mountains with the Roaring Fork Shuttle Loop, your ticket to stress-free hiking at Bull Head, Rainbow Falls, and Grotto Falls.
Smoky Mountain Guides is a Gatlinburg, Tennessee outfitter offering guided adventures in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The company provides a range of experiences including auto tours, guided hikes, fly fishing, backpacking, seasonal leaf tours, night wildlife walks, and wedding shuttle service. Tours listed include Mountains and Moonshine, the "Classic" National Park Tour, The Mountaineers Way, Fly Fishing Trips, Leaf Chaser Tour, A Smoky Mountain summer night, Logging in the Smokies, Wedding Shuttle, Backpacking, and the Family Fun nature scavenger hunt.
Guides lead trips in high-top executive vans and on foot, tailoring routes to appeal to photographers, families, anglers, and hikers. Fly fishing options are available as half-, full- or multi-day trips with personalized instruction. The Wedding Shuttle uses a 14-passenger van to transport wedding parties and guests. Backpacking trips are offered for one to three nights with guided support. Seasonal experiences focus on fall foliage from late September through mid-November and on nocturnal wildlife in summer evenings.
Smoky Mountain Guides emphasizes local knowledge, safety, and accessible storytelling about park history, moonshine heritage, logging sites, and early settler life. Tours visit notable park sites such as Newfound Gap, the Appalachian Trail, Greenbrier, and Sugarland’s Distilling Company for tastings where included. Reservations, trip details, duration, and group size information are available through the company. All descriptions here are based on provided trip summaries and factual offerings.
Full schedules, pricing, accessibility details, and cancellation policies are available from Smoky Mountain Guides through the company's booking channels, including phone and email.
Tours Offered
11 tours
A variety of guided experiences available
Location
Gatlinburg, TN
Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Shuttle Capacity
14-passenger
Wedding shuttle uses a 14-passenger van
Trip Styles
Auto, Hike, Fish, Backpack
Options for photographers and families
Reserve guided auto tours, hikes, fly fishing, backpacking or a 14-passenger wedding shuttle — book early for peak leaf season (late September–mid-November).
Arrive early for shuttle pickup
Morning shuttles fill up fast; arrive at the Gatlinburg pick-up point early to secure your spot.
Bring hydration
Carry water for the hikes since several trails have limited potable water access.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails like Bull Head have uneven terrain; supportive footwear improves comfort and safety.
Check shuttle schedules
Verify shuttle return times to avoid missing your ride back to Gatlinburg.
Daypack
Carry essentials and water comfortably during your hike.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated on the trail, especially during warmer months.
Rain jacket
Spring showers are frequent; stay dry and comfortable.
spring
Hiking boots
Provide necessary support and traction on rocky or wet terrain.