Newfound Gap driving tour from Gatlinburg: Appalachian Trail walk

The Rockefeller Memorial sits where Tennessee meets North Carolina, and you walk the Appalachian Trail from there.

A 2.5-hour guided driving tour from Gatlinburg to Newfound Gap in Great Smoky Mountains, led by a naturalist guide who shares the park's human and natural history. You stop at scenic overlooks along Newfound Gap Road, visit the Rockefeller Memorial at the state border, and walk a short stretch of the Appalachian Trail. The guide may also lead a gentle walk near a mountain stream and point out wild edible plants. Small groups of up to 14 people. Children welcome from age 3.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided driving tour to Newfound Gap

• Meet at Sugarlands Visitor Center
• Explore Park museum and bookstore
• Travel up the mountain with guide
• Learn human and natural history
• Stop at scenic vistas for photos
• Visit Rockefeller Memorial at Newfound Gap
• Walk on the Appalachian Trail
• Optional history walk near mountain stream
• Return to departure location

The experience

The tour starts at Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg, where you meet your naturalist guide and have time to explore the park museum before heading up the mountain. From there, the drive itself becomes the education: your guide walks you through the Cherokee history, the settlers who came after them, the Civil War's mark on the region, and how the Great Smoky Mountains National Park came to be. You'll stop at several overlooks along Newfound Gap Road to take in the famous "sea of mountains" and photograph the views without rushing through them.

At Newfound Gap, where the road crosses the Tennessee-North Carolina border, you get out and stretch your legs on the Appalachian Trail itself. A short walk that lets you stand on one of America's most famous hiking routes. Depending on the day and the group, your guide may lead a gentle history walk near a clear mountain stream or point out which wild plants are edible and which have medicinal uses. Snacks are included. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the tour runs rain or shine, though you'll want to dress for the weather.

The itinerary can shift if road closures or weather events require it, and a minimum of two people is needed for the tour to operate. Pickup is included from either Sugarlands Visitor Center or downtown Gatlinburg.

What’s included

• Snacks.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• professional naturalist guide.
• all fees and taxes.
• pickup from Sugarlands Visitor Center or downtown Gatlinburg.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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 today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by A Walk in the Woods

Is this one for you?Choose this if you prefer watching the scenery from a vehicle with scheduled stops rather than hiking, and want a naturalist's stories about the park's history without navigating yourself.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years). Children under 3 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 is the Appalachian Trail section like on this tour?

The Appalachian Trail walk is short and gentle. You get out at Newfound Gap and walk a brief stretch of the famous footpath, which sits on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. It's designed to let you experience the trail itself without a long hike.

How much time do you spend driving versus walking?

The entire tour is 2.5 hours. Most of that time is spent driving and stopping at overlooks along Newfound Gap Road. The Appalachian Trail walk is short, and any additional history walk near the stream is also brief and gentle.

What stories does the guide share about the Smokies?

Your naturalist guide covers Cherokee history, the settlers who arrived later, the Civil War's impact on the region, and the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The guide also teaches about the natural history of the park and the medicinal and edible uses of wild plants you'll see.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather and runs rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the conditions. The operator has emergency ponchos on hand if needed. Road closures or other events outside the operator's control may require changes to the itinerary.

Where does the tour pick you up?

You can choose to meet at Sugarlands Visitor Center or downtown Gatlinburg. Pickup is included, and the meeting location is confirmed when you book.