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Discover the authentic history of the Smoky Mountains on a guided auto-tour that dives into moonshine legends, offers stunning views, and ends with a tasting at Sugarland’s Distilling Company. A perfect way to immerse yourself in local culture and scenery.
Discover the authentic history of the Smoky Mountains on a guided auto-tour that dives into moonshine legends, offers stunning views, and ends with a tasting at Sugarland’s Distilling Company. A perfect way to immerse yourself in local culture and scenery.
Book with Smoky Mountain Guides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Smoky Mountain Guides · Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The Smoky Mountains stretch across Tennessee and North Carolina, offering a landscape rich in history, natural beauty, and rugged adventure. Smoky Mountain Guides takes visitors beyond typical sightseeing, offering a distinctive auto-tour called Mountains and Moonshine that immerses participants in the storied heritage of the region. This experience is designed for those curious about the colorful past of Tennessee’s Appalachian foothills, especially its notorious moonshine history, combined with breathtaking panoramic views ranging from 1,200 to over 5,000 feet.
On this engaging journey, travelers follow a carefully curated route through the rolling terrain of the national park, stopping at key vantage points that showcase peaks, valleys, and dense forests. As the guide shares tales of moonshiners, bootleggers, and the local communities that crafted an underground economy, guests gain a deeper appreciation for how these clandestine activities shaped the area’s identity. The adventure culminates with a visit to Sugarland’s Distilling Company, where visitors enjoy a tasting session that celebrates this unique heritage alongside handcrafted spirits.
The route offers multiple opportunities for photography—capture the sweeping mountain vistas, historic landmarks, and lush landscapes. Smoky Mountain Guides makes this experience accessible, combining the thrill of discovery with the comfort of a guided auto-tour. It’s a rare chance to connect with the mountains’ authentic past while enjoying some of the most remarkable scenery in the southeastern U.S. and learning about a tradition that helped define the region’s culture.
Whether you’re interested in history, scenic vistas, or local spirits, Mountains and Moonshine provides a tailored adventure that highlights what makes the Smokies one of America’s most captivating outdoor destinations. This tour is a perfect way to blend education, scenery, and a little Southern spirit into a memorable day out.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable pacing with frequent stops
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, but children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Yes, booking ahead ensures your spot for this popular guided auto-tour.
The tasting typically lasts around 45 minutes to an hour.
The auto-tour is accessible, but some stops may involve walking short distances on uneven terrain.
Taste offerings are primarily spirits; dietary options are not usually applicable, but confirm when booking.
Bring a camera, layered clothing, and a valid ID for the distillery tasting.
The Smoky Mountains have a long history of moonshining, which played a significant role in shaping local culture and economy during Prohibition and before.
Smoky Mountain Guides emphasizes responsible tourism, supporting local conservation efforts and minimizing environmental impact during tours.
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.
Book with Smoky Mountain Guides