Great Smoky, Cades Cove and Blue Ridge Parkway self guided bundle tour

Free cancellation

Place: Gettysburg

Duration: up to 3 hours

Language: English

Mobile voucher accepted

Instant confirmation

Tour with Audioguide

e-Voucher

With audioguide

Do this because

Witness the majesty of these ancient mountains and discover why this park ranks number one in the country
Take a detour through historic Cades Cove, a pioneer community shaken to its core by the Civil War
Reconnect with nature as you hike through pristine wilderness
Snap photos from jaw-dropping overlooks
Learn the history of the Cherokee who once called these mountains home

What to expect

Your combo tour consists of a main Smoky Mountains tour as well as a tour of scenic Cades Cove. The main tour begins at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. From there, you’ll head past the Mingus Mill, a remnant of a once-thriving town. As you drive, you’ll hear accounts of the Cherokee who once lived here, their legends, and their struggles to hold onto their land. Then you’ll arrive at the Beech Flats Quiet Walkway, a perfect spot for a meditative stroll through nature.

After that, you’ll come to the first major overlook: Charles Overlook. Once you’ve snapped some stunning photos, you’ll continue toward Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies. Atop that dome you’ll also find an observation deck offering unparalleled views of the mountains.

Then you’ll come to the trail for Alum Cave, one of the most popular hikes in the park! After that is Chimney Tops Overlook, offering more phenomenal mountain views. Next up is another quiet walkway at Balsam Point, offering an easy wilderness walk for those looking to stretch their legs. As you continue past yet another incredible vista and another secluded walkway, you’ll also hear plenty of little-known park history.

As you continue toward Gatlinburg, you’ll also have the chance to check out the pristine Cataract Falls. In the town itself, you’ll pass the bizarre and famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not, a guaranteed family favorite stop! You’ll then see the Ogle Place, an old-timey homestead dating back to the 1800s. Then you’ll arrive at the astonishing Rainbow Falls, which absolutely live up to their name!

But that’s not the only waterfall you’ll see, as two more are not far off. Then there are the historic cabins of Ephraim Bales and Reagan Tub, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. Finally, you’ll reach the historic Ely’s Mill, which is still in operation today! The main tour concludes here, but there’s lots more on the Cades Cove tour!

Your tour of Cades Cove begins just west of Gatlinburg. From there, you’ll continue west toward the scenic loop.

The first landmark you’ll see is the John Oliver Place, once home to some of the first homesteaders to make a living here. After that you’ll see the Primitive Baptist Church, one of three churches here dating back to the 1800s. As you visit the next two—the Methodist Church and the Missionary Baptist Church—you’ll uncover the devastating impact of the Civil War on this community.

Then it’s on to the Elijah Oliver Place, a beautifully-preserved homestead offering an authentic look at early pioneer life. After that you’ll have the option to hike to Abrams Falls, a secluded, powerful waterfall.

Next you’ll reach Tipton Place, home to not only a Revolutionary War veteran, but a Civil War veteran as well. Finally, you’ll reach the Carter Shields Cabin, another idyllic homestead from a bygone era. Then you’ll continue on toward the start of the loop as you hear about the last family to call the cove home. Your tour will conclude near the start of the loop.

This is a self-guided tour; no guide will accompany you. The Action Tour Guide app functions as a guide, an audio tour, and a map all in one
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions immediately to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do not wait until you are onsite
Works perfectly without cellular or Wi-Fi with offline maps
This tour has been developed by local guides, curated by creative writers, and narrated by professional voice artists
The audio stories play on their own based on your location. You can start anytime and pause anywhere
Most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms
This tour is valid for an entire year - from the moment of booking. You can use it multiple times over multiple trips
This tour is an audio tour guide and not an attraction entrance ticket