Dolly Parton Backroads Tour: Sevierville & Smoky Mountains

Follow Dolly's roots across Sevier County to the sites that shaped her story

A guided tour of Sevier County and Pigeon Forge that traces Dolly Parton's life from the site of her childhood cabin on Locust Ridge Road through Wears Valley, the Foothills Parkway and downtown Sevierville, with a live English-speaking guide narrating her history and music playing throughout. The tour includes multiple photo stops at scenic overlooks, a walking tour past the Dolly Statue, and a final stop at Red's Ice Cream Fountain. Air-conditioned vehicle with free cold water and snacks on board. Runs 6 to 8 hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Foothills Parkway45m
2. RainForest Adventures40m

Dolly Backroads and Sevierville tour

• Travel Locust Ridge Rd. to Dolly's cabin site
• Drive across Sevier County to Wears Valley Rd.
• Stop at Foothills Parkway lookouts for photos
• Enjoy wildlife and foliage photo opportunities
• Walk downtown Sevierville past Dolly Statue and Courthouse
• Visit Red's Ice Cream Fountain for a treat

The experience

You start from Pigeon Forge and head to Locust Ridge Road, where Dolly's childhood cabin once stood. The only tour that takes you to this specific site. From there, the route crosses the entire county to Wears Valley and climbs the Foothills Parkway, a scenic drive started in 1939 and still unfinished, with stops at multiple lookouts for photos of the Smoky Mountains. The guide narrates Dolly's story and her music plays in the background throughout, so you're hearing her voice as you pass through the landscape that shaped her.

The return trip winds through picturesque Wears Valley before heading into downtown Sevierville for a short walking tour past the Dolly Statue and the historic Courthouse. The tour ends at Red's Ice Cream Fountain and Soda Shop, one of Dolly's favorite hangouts, where you can order homemade ice cream and sit with the nostalgia of the day. The vehicle is air-conditioned and stocked with cold water and snacks at no extra cost.

What’s included

• Live English-speaking guide narrating Dolly's story and history.
• air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board.
• cold water and snacks provided throughout.
• multiple photo stops at Foothills Parkway overlooks.
• walking tour of downtown Sevierville past the Dolly Statue and Courthouse.
• final stop at Red's Ice Cream Fountain.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 95 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Photo Fast Tours

Is this one for you?The 6- to 8-hour commitment and live narration suit someone with a free afternoon who wants to understand Dolly's roots rather than just pass through the landmarks: the guide's story and her music playing throughout turn the drive into the experience itself.

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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 is the site of Dolly's childhood cabin like when you visit it?

The cabin itself no longer stands, but the tour stops at the Locust Ridge Road location where it was, marking the starting point of Dolly's story and the only place this tour takes you to on the entire route.

How many photo stops are there along the Foothills Parkway?

The tour stops at several of the Foothills Parkway lookouts, each chosen for the best photo opportunities of the Smoky Mountains. The exact number varies depending on conditions and the guide's route that day.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch and ice cream at Red's are not included in the tour price, but the tour ends at Red's Ice Cream Fountain where you can order on your own.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours from start to finish, covering Locust Ridge Road, Wears Valley, the Foothills Parkway, Sevierville's downtown and Red's Ice Cream Fountain.

What's included in the tour besides the guide and transportation?

Cold water and snacks are provided on board at no extra cost. WiFi is also available on the air-conditioned vehicle.