High Points Driving Tour
Description
Sightseeing in the “high elevations” of the Great Smoky Mountains can be an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. We travel past the Appalachian Trail and traverse the Crest of the Smokies as we take in the sights above 5000 ft. You will gain facts of the area from your guide that will make these mountains come alive with Native American stories and geographical facts. We travel into the North Carolina side of the National Park to take in the vistas and learn about the impact logging had to the area. You will be amazed how the forest has reclaimed itself over the years. Our goal for this trip is to arrive at the Clingmans Dome parking area and gift shop. This is the highest point in the National Park at 6,643′. If the weather permits, we'll take an optional short walk through the spruce-fir forest and learn about this unique environment.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Newfound Gap Road is one of the most scenic drives in the southeast. We'll make the 13-mile long drive out of the Sugarlands Valley while we learn about the people, plants, animals, and history of the Great Smoky Mountains. Along the way we'll stop at several scenic overlooks for photos of the towering mountains and dark, shaded valleys.
The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this mountain provides sweeping views of as many as seven states. We'll walk among the spruce and fir trees and enjoy the cool mountain air as we learn about the place the Cherokee called Kuwahi.
Deep in the mountains at a height of more than 5,000 feet we'll stand on the state line while looking down the the Sugarland Valley to our north and the Oconaluftee Valley to the south. The famous 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail passes through this point next to the stone stage where President Franklin Roosevelt gave the Great Smoky Mountain National Park dedication.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(131)
My fiancé is a wildlife/landscape photographer so he booked this tour for us. I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did. The views are breathtaking! Our tour was about 4 hours and it didn’t feel that long. Wes was our guide and he was amazing. He is very funny and knowledgeable about the land and the history. He was very patient and offered water along the way. There are restrooms along the stop which I was curious about before taking the tour. We are planning to take the same tour with SMG again in the fall season. I would even be comfortable doing a guided hike with them as well.
we can’t wait to have you back in the fall. You will love it. It will look like a whole different park. Let’s get you on one of our hikes. It is a fulfilling experience.
This is an excellent tour to the highest points in the Great Smokey Mt National Park. There is a steep paved walk up to the observation area of about 1/2 mile but there are benches to rest along the way. Our guide, Rick, was great. We stopped at quite a few areas for photos before reaching the top. Rick was knowledgeable and fun and offered to take our photos at every stop. Great tour to avoid parking problems due to the large crowds in the Park. The scenery was amazing.
So thankful you saw this tour as a great value
Rick was an amazing guide. Very informative, professional, personable and prompt. Would easily book again if I'm back in the area
Lets go again. Would love to.
Wonderful excursion. Very interesting. Guide was very knowledgeable and readily answered any questions.
So happy you had a great High Points Tour. Thank you for booking with us.
The views were spectacular! Our guide was so sweet and knowledgeable! She was very helpful with mobility issues with one member of our party. It was a little rainy so we didn’t walk around as much as we would have if it was not raining but the views with the rain and the clouds allowed us to see “The Smokey’s” at their best!
Thank you for touring with us! We couldn't agree more - the Smokies are just as beautiful in the clouds as they are in the sunshine! It is a special experience indeed.
We were all glad we booked with SMG! Best way to see the park - with someone else driving and with a guide that can explain what you are seeing. Our guide, Philip, was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about everything related to the park. The geography, the history, plants, animals, the Cherokee. We will definitely do another tour with SMG! The price was very reasonable and a bargain for the quality.
Thank you for touring with us. Our guides are historians and naturalists who truly enjoy sharing their love of the Smokies with guests. We look forward to seeing you again.
Perfect way to see the literal high points of the park. Our guide was full of good history and stories about the people and the region. Clean and roomy van. Worth every penny.
So glad you enjoyed your tour! Thank you for booking with us.
This is a totally wonderful trip!! We got to the top of Smoky at 6710 feet, the view is absolutely stunning!! Our tour guide Wes is terrific, we love this trip❤️❤️。A LOT!!!
Thank you for touring with us. Glad you enjoyed your tour with Wes.
The driver was very knowledgable & patient with us.
Thank you for touring with us. Our guides love the national park and enjoy sharing it with our guests.
Lydia was amazing. Took us to see amazing views and more importantly shared a lot of history and current information along the way. Not only did she keep my interest the whole time but also the 4 teenagers in our group. This was our most favorite thing we did on our trip.
So great to hear this was a favorite aspect of your entire vacation. Great to have you.
