Over The Top
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have good cardiovascular endurance and strength for sustained climbing and scrambling.
Overview
Ready to elevate your adventure? Over The Top by Smoky Mountain Guides offers a thrilling mix of climbing and hiking through challenging terrain with expert guides by your side. Start your ascent and experience the mountains like never before.
Over The Top - Elk sightings probable.
A great adventure over the Crest of the smokies and ending at the Ocanuluftee visitor Center
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
About
Traveling through the Sugarlands Valley, across the crest of the Smokies and back down into the Oconaluftee water shed towards Cherokee, NC is where we are heading. "Look to the left, this is why the Native Americans called it Shaconage, the land of the blue smoke." "To the right, is where we are going to stop and walk a short distance to one of the largest turbine grist mills of the area." Before we head back, we will allow for time to explore a large mountain farm created to mirror culture of the 1800s. Explore the Oconaluftee visitor center and if your lucky catch a glimpse of the Elk in the valley.
Group of 2-3 Price per person $150
Group of 4 or more Price per person $110
Private Tour $700
Children Ages 4-15, under age 4 only available in private tours $60
- Possible Elk viewing
- Views at numerous vistas
- NC\TN
- New Found Gap and Rockefeller Memorial
- Grist Mills
- Appalachian Farm Museum
Duration
5 hours
Detailed directions will be included in your confirmation email.
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy footwear
Use hiking boots with good ankle support due to rocky and uneven surfaces.
Bring plenty of water
Hydration is crucial during the steep climb, especially on warmer days.
Start early to avoid afternoon storms
Mountain weather can change quickly; mornings offer more stable conditions.
Use your hands for stability
Be prepared for some scrambling sections requiring handholds on rocks.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black bears
- Eastern box turtles
History
The area has a rich heritage of Appalachian mountain culture and was historically traversed by indigenous peoples and early settlers.
Conservation
Smoky Mountain Guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact and protect fragile mountain ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Knoxville, Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hiking boots
Provides necessary support and traction on rocky, uneven terrain.
Climbing gloves
Protects hands during scrambling and helps grip rocks.
Layered clothing
Allows for temperature regulation in cooler weather.
fall specific
Hydration pack
Keeps you hydrated during vigorous activity and hot conditions.
summer specific