ATV Riding in Cataloochee Valley: Self-Drive Dirt Roads

You operate the UTV yourself on backcountry dirt roads, not a passenger watching someone else drive.

A three-hour self-drive UTV tour in Cataloochee Valley where you take the wheel of your own side-by-side vehicle on winding dirt and gravel roads through the Smoky Mountains. An experienced local guide leads the way, sharing Appalachian history and stories while you navigate scenic mountain curves, explore a historic valley, and watch for wild elk in open meadows. Drivers must be at least 21 with a valid license and proof of insurance. Fuel is included for the entire ride.

Step-by-step itinerary

Self-drive UTV tour in Cataloochee

• Meet guide and prepare UTV
• Drive to Cataloochee Valley
• Drive winding dirt roads
• Explore historic Cataloochee Valley
• Watch for elk and wildlife
• Return to Maggie Valley

The experience

You meet your guide at Scenic Tours & Adventures in Maggie Valley, get a safety briefing on your assigned UTV, and learn the vehicle's controls before heading out. The adventure starts on paved roads toward Cataloochee Valley, where your guide shares stories of early settlers, Appalachian traditions, and the legendary Boojum character while you follow along the mountain roads. This is where the backcountry part begins: you leave the pavement and take the wheel yourself, navigating winding dirt and gravel roads surrounded by hardwood forests and peaceful countryside. The guide leads the way, and you stay behind the wheel the entire time. This is scenic guided driving on designated roads, not an extreme obstacle course.

Cataloochee Valley itself is the heart of the ride. Historic homesteads, old churches, and mountain meadows come into view as your guide explains the families who lived and farmed here before Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established. The valley's open fields are also one of the Smokies' best spots for wild elk viewing. You'll watch for these animals grazing or moving through the countryside, along with deer, wild turkeys, and other native wildlife. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and you must keep a safe distance, but your guide knows where to look and will help you spot them. The return follows the same winding mountain roads back to Maggie Valley, giving you a different perspective of the scenery you explored earlier.

Three hours is the full duration, and it covers the entire loop: meeting the guide, the drive to Cataloochee, the backcountry roads, the valley exploration, wildlife watching, and the return. Dogs are allowed in your UTV if they're on a leash. If you'd rather not drive, you can request a driver in advance, though the standard experience puts you behind the wheel.

What’s included

• Use of a side-by-side UTV for your group.
• fuel for the entire three-hour ride.
• safety briefing and vehicle operating instructions.
• experienced local guide leading the route.
• access to historic Cataloochee Valley and its landmarks.
• wild elk and native wildlife viewing opportunities.
• scenic mountain views and photography stops.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 10 Jan 2027

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “You must arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time. This is necessary in order to complete paperwork and operation instructions. We are not able to wait for late arrivals and leave promptly as scheduled.”

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Scenic Tours and Adventures

Is this one for you?Three hours leaves room for other activities earlier or later in your day, but not for a full second attraction. This is a self-drive experience, so you're operating the UTV yourself the entire time. If you prefer to sit back and watch, request a guide driver when you book.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What do I need to bring to drive the UTV?

A valid driver's license and proof of car insurance are required. You must be at least 21 years old to drive. Bring these documents with you when you arrive at Scenic Tours & Adventures in Maggie Valley.

Will I definitely see elk in Cataloochee Valley?

Cataloochee Valley is one of the Smokies' best-known elk viewing spots, and your guide will help you look for them in the open meadows. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, though. Deer, wild turkeys, and other native animals are also common in the area.

Is this a rough off-road course or a scenic drive?

This is a scenic guided driving experience on designated dirt and gravel roads, not an extreme off-road obstacle course. You'll navigate winding mountain curves through forests and countryside, but the roads are established backcountry routes, not technical terrain.

Can I bring my dog on the UTV?

Yes, dogs are allowed in your UTV as long as they're on a leash. Make sure your dog is secure before you start driving.

What's included in the three hours?

The tour includes your UTV and fuel for the entire ride, a safety briefing and operating instructions, a local guide leading the way, access to historic Cataloochee Valley and its landmarks, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Scenic mountain views and photography stops are part of the experience.

What if I don't want to drive?

You can request a driver in advance by calling ahead. Confirm this when you book so a guide-driven UTV is available for your group.