3-Hour Side by Side Off-Road Tour: Middle Tennessee Back Country

Three hours of creek crossings, cave passes and dirt-road driving through the Tennessee hills.

A 3-hour guided Side by Side off-road experience in Middle Tennessee's back country where you drive one of the vehicles yourself through scenic routes on county roads and dirt trails. The tour includes helmets, goggles, water and a live guide who leads you past caves, waterfalls, creek crossings and historic farms and country stores. Drivers must be 18 with a valid license. Groups of two to four people share each vehicle, with one person driving and the rest as passengers.

The experience

You start with a safety briefing on how to operate the Side by Side, then you take the wheel for three hours through Middle Tennessee's back country. The route runs mostly on dirt roads, about 80% of the day, mixed with county roads, taking you through several creek crossings where you'll splash through water, past caves and waterfalls, and by historic farms, barns and an old country store. A guide leads the way in another vehicle, showing you the most scenic routes and stopping at places worth exploring. Each Side by Side holds one driver and three to five passengers, so if you're not driving, you're riding along watching the landscape roll past.

The terrain and the stops change depending on which destination ride your guide chooses, but wildlife and farm animals are part of the scenery throughout. You'll see what the back country actually looks like, not a manicured trail but real Tennessee county roads and creek beds. The vehicles are street-legal with a Tennessee Class I Off-Highway Vehicle Tag, so they're licensed to be on these roads. Helmets and goggles are provided for everyone. You wear them whenever the vehicle is moving, along with a seat belt. One bottle of water per person is included to keep you hydrated over the three hours.

The tour runs year-round, so you can book in any season. Families and older couples often choose this ride because there's no hiking or walking involved. You're seated the whole time, and the guide handles the route. If you're driving, you need to be at least 18 and bring a valid driver's license and credit card to check in. Groups must have a minimum of two people per vehicle, and the operator asks that you designate a driver before you start and keep everyone sober for the ride.

What’s included

• Use of a Side by Side vehicle.
• helmets and goggles for all passengers.
• one bottle of water per person.
• a live guide leading the route through Middle Tennessee back country.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday to SundayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.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

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Fisher's Off-Road Tours

Is this one for you?The three hours are spent seated and moving, not walking or hiking, so the pace suits families with children and older riders who want to explore without exertion. If you're driving, expect to concentrate on handling the vehicle over dirt roads and through water crossings. It's active but not strenuous, and the guide sets the speed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does the 3-hour Middle Tennessee Side by Side tour actually cover?

The tour follows scenic back country routes through Middle Tennessee on mostly dirt roads and county roads, passing creek crossings, caves, waterfalls, historic farms and an old country store. A guide leads the way and chooses the specific destination route based on conditions and what's worth exploring that day.

Do I have to drive the Side by Side, or can I ride as a passenger?

You can do either. One person in your group drives while the others ride as passengers in the same vehicle. If you drive, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. The operator will ask for it at check-in along with a credit card.

What's included in the 3-hour tour price?

The tour includes use of the Side by Side, helmets and goggles for everyone, one bottle of water per person, the guide's instruction and route, and all fees and taxes. You do not need to bring or pay separately for safety gear.

How many people can fit in one Side by Side?

Each Side by Side holds one driver and three to five passengers, so up to four or five people total per vehicle. The minimum booking is two people per vehicle.

What should I wear or bring for the Middle Tennessee back country ride?

Helmets and goggles are provided. Bring weather-appropriate clothing (jackets or rain gear if conditions call for it) sunglasses and sunscreen or bug repellent. The tour runs year-round, so dress for the season.