Drive the Great Smoky Mountains at your own pace with a location-triggered audio guide. Download once, go offline, and let stories, history and practical tips cue you to pull over for the park’s best viewpoints and historic sites.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You ease out of Gatlinburg before the visitor traffic swells, the road cutting through a rising blue mist that seems to breathe. The GuideAlong audio cues ping at precise moments — a stop ahead for a historic cabin, a pullout with a view — and the mountains answer back with wind through fir and hardwood.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–24 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required—this is a driving tour, but plan on walking short trails and getting in/out of the car throughout the day.
Wildlife
History
This region was inhabited by Cherokee people for centuries; 19th-century settlers farmed valleys like Cades Cove, and the park was established in the 1930s with significant philanthropic support.
Conservation
Millions visit annually—use designated pullouts, pack out trash, and never feed wildlife to reduce human-wildlife conflict and habitat disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Great Smoky Mountains today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before you go
Pre-download the GuideAlong app and audio tour over Wi‑Fi; the tour requires no cell service once downloaded.
Check road status and gas
Confirm Newfound Gap and other park road conditions before departure and top off fuel — services are sparse inside the park.
Respect wildlife and pullouts
Use designated pullouts to stop for photos; never feed or approach bears or deer and keep windows partially up in wildlife hotspots.
Bring power and offline maps
Carry a USB-C car charger and an offline map or printed directions in case Bluetooth pairing fails.
Smartphone with GuideAlong app
Runs the audio tour and GPS-triggered commentary—must be downloaded ahead of time.
USB-C car charger
Keeps your phone charged for long days and continuous playback.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important during long drives and short hikes in the park.
summer
Layered jacket
Temperatures can change quickly with elevation—have a light insulating layer for higher viewpoints.
fall