Overview
This tour travels over the crest of the Smokies from Tennessee into North Carolina. Along the way we'll experience one of the most scenic roads in the Southeast along with several panoramic mountain vistas. When we arrive in the Oconaluftee Valley we'll visit historic structures learning about the culture of the native Cherokee and European-descended mountaineers.
While exploring this historic valley, we'll keep an eye out for elk. The largest animal in the Smokies, they were reintroduced by the park service in 2001.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Bottled water
Snacks
Car seats- please provide your own car seat for children that are too small for a regular seat belt
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
On Banner Road off of Highway 441/321 just north of Gatlinburg.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
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Oconaluftee Visitor Center
30 min
The visitor center located at the Cherokee, NC, entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to the Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Museum. Additionally, its fields are home to dozens of elk, the largest animal found in the Smokies. Guests have time to explore the exhibits and gift shop.
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Newfound Gap Road
2 hours 30 min
The most scenic road in the southeast, this 33-mile route snakes through the mountains as it crosses the Newfound Gap at higher than 5,000 feet elevation. We'll make several stops for scenic vistas.
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Mingus Mill
30 min
Built in 1886, this historic grist mill demonstrates how mountaineers ground corn and wheat.
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Mountain Farm Museum
1 hour
Adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor's Center, the Mountain Farm Museum is a unique collection of farm buildings assembled from locations throughout the national park. Visitors can explore a log farmhouse, barn, apple house, springhouse, and a working blacksmith shop to get a sense of how families may have lived 100 years ago. Most of the structures were built in the late 19th century and were moved here in the 1950s. The Davis House offers a rare chance to view a log house built from chestnut wood before the chestnut blight decimated the American Chestnut in our forests during the 1930s and early 1940s.
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Oconaluftee River Trail
30 min
We'll be on the look out for elk at several locations around Oconaluftee and the Cherokee, NC, entrance to the park including the Oconaluftee River Trail and other fields and meadows.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- Please provide your own infant/booster seat if needed
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
FAQs about Over the Top Tour in Oconaluftee
Can I cancel Over the Top Tour in Oconaluftee for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 5 hours.
Where does it start?
On Banner Road off of Highway 441/321 just north of Gatlinburg.
What's included?
- Bottled water
- Snacks
What's not included?
- Car seats- please provide your own car seat for children that are too small for a regular seat belt
Which places does it visit?
It visits Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Newfound Gap Road, Mingus Mill, Mountain Farm Museum, Oconaluftee River Trail.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by Smoky Mountain Guides
