Step back in time with Smoky Mountain Guides on a walk through Elkmont’s historic logging sites and ghostly cottages. Learn about the area's logging history while soaking in the rugged mountain scenery in this unique adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; a moderate level of mobility required
Wildlife
History
Elkmont's logging boom in the early 1900s shaped the development of the Smokies and established the area as a travel destination.
Conservation
Guided tours emphasize respecting the historic sites and minimizing impact to preserve this fragile heritage for future generations.
Smoky Mountain Guides
Step back in time with Smoky Mountain Guides on a walk through Elkmont’s historic logging sites and ghostly cottages. Learn about the area's logging history while soaking in the rugged mountain scenery in this unique adventure.
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).
Wear sturdy walking shoes
Trails are short but uneven, so comfortable footwear helps you enjoy the walk fully.
Bring a camera and binoculars
Photograph historic ruins and spot wildlife during the walk.
Check the weather forecast
Weather can change quickly in the mountains; dress accordingly.
Respect the historic sites
Avoid touching or moving old structures and gravestones to preserve these sites for future visitors.
Walking shoes
Supportive footwear ensures comfort and safety on uneven historic paths.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your walk, especially in warmer months.
Rain jacket
Light rainwear helps you stay dry during unexpected showers.
spring|summer|fall
Binoculars
Great for spotting wildlife or distant ruins.