ATV Riding in Smoky Mountains: 15+ Miles of Mountain Trails

Climb to mile-high ridges and descend through wilderness streams on dirt and gravel trails.

A guided UTV riding experience in the Smoky Mountains where you operate the vehicle over 15+ miles of backcountry trails, crossing streams and reaching elevations exceeding a mile high. The route includes a short hike to a 120-foot waterfall and stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway for views across the valleys. Drivers must be 21 or older with a valid US driver's license and proof of car insurance. If you prefer not to drive, you can request a driver for the vehicle instead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided UTV adventure and sightseeing

• Begin UTV tour at Scenic Tours and Rentals
• Drive up mountain to mile-high elevation
• Explore 15+ miles of dirt and gravel trails
• Cross streams and view pristine rivers
• Take small hike to 120ft waterfall
• Stay at bottom of waterfall with guide
• Experience Blue Ridge Parkway sights and views

The experience

You start at Scenic Tours and Rentals and head up the mountain in your own UTV, traversing over 15 miles of dirt and gravel trails deep into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The air gets cooler as you climb past a mile in elevation, and the views stretch 30 miles across the valleys and ridges. Along the way you cross streams, pass pristine rivers, and move through backcountry where the plant and animal diversity is higher than anywhere else in North America: rare species you'll encounter as you ride.

The route includes a stop at a 120-foot waterfall reached by climbing 160 steps and walking less than a quarter mile. You can stay at the base with the guide if the hike isn't for you. You also stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway to take in the sights and views. Your guide travels with you throughout, sharing stories about the Cherokee Indians and Appalachian history as you ride. The entire experience runs about three hours.

The UTV, fuel, and guide are included. If you'd rather not drive, you can request a driver to operate the vehicle while you ride as a passenger. You'll need to bring your valid US driver's license and proof of car insurance to operate the UTV yourself. Service animals are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels, though the waterfall stop involves stairs and walking.

What’s included

• UTV and fuel for the ride.
• a live guide in English who shares Cherokee and Appalachian history and stories.
• photos taken during the excursion.
• access to backcountry trails and the Blue Ridge Parkway stops.

Before you book

Days and timesSundayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 1 Nov

Book up to18h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEN

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Please Arrive at least 30 minutes early, park off to the left of the building, and then approach the counter for paperwork and further instructions.”

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcome

Operated by Scenic Tours and Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you'll hear the history and legends as you ride. If you don't want to operate the UTV yourself, request a driver at checkout and enjoy the route as a passenger instead.

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Top questions

Can I ride as a passenger if I don't want to drive the UTV myself?

Yes. If you request a driver when you book, the guide will operate the UTV while you ride along and take in the views and commentary.

What's the waterfall hike like on this ride?

The waterfall is 120 feet tall and reached by climbing 160 steps, then walking less than a quarter mile. You can stay at the base with the guide if you prefer not to make the full walk to the top.

How high do we climb on this UTV ride?

You ascend to elevations exceeding a mile high, where the air is crisp and the panoramic views stretch 30 miles across the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges.

What trails do we ride on?

You traverse over 15 miles of backcountry dirt and gravel trails through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, crossing streams and passing pristine rivers as you move through the wilderness.

What do I need to bring to drive the UTV?

You must bring a valid US driver's license and proof of US car insurance. Drivers must be at least 21 years old.