Great Smoky Mountains
Get an exhilarating introduction to the Great Smoky Mountains on a half-day driving tour in a customised Jeep where you'll explore the stunning Cades Cove.
Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Smoky Mountains, and rightly so. Nestled within a lush valley on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cove is renowned for its gorgeous scenery and ample opportunities for wildlife spotting. It also boasts a rich history with its well-preserved 19th century buildings allowing visitors to step back in time and get a feel for what life was like in the mountains hundreds of years ago. The journey along the Cades Cove loop road is a must, and a great way to experience it for yourself is by taking a driving tour in a heated Jeep Wrangler. Your seasoned driver guide will expertly navigate the winding mountain roads, making sure to stop at the best viewpoints so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the incredible landscape unfolding before you.
On this half-day driving tour, you will:
Set out on a half-day adventure through one of the most picturesque and historic areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Departing from Pigeon Forge, this private 4.5-hour tour takes you through the scenic beauty of Wears Valley and the charming mountain town of Townsend before reaching Cades Cove, one of the most beloved destinations in the Smokies. With a customized, heated Jeep Wrangler and an experienced local guide by your side, you’ll explore the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife that make this region so extraordinary.
Your journey begins at a conveniently located meeting point in Pigeon Forge, where you’ll get acquainted with your guide and set off on a scenic drive through the verdant Wears Valley, known as the "Gateway to the Smokies," offering stunning mountain vistas and peaceful countryside charm. Passing through Townsend, a quiet town steeped in Appalachian heritage, you'll hear stories of early settlers and the deep-rooted connection between the land and its people. As you enter Cades Cove, you will cruise along the famed Cades Cove Loop Road, a stunning 11-mile route that weaves through a lush valley surrounded by towering peaks.
Along the way, your guide will bring to life the fascinating history of Cades Cove, from the indigenous Cherokee people who once roamed these lands to the European settlers who carved out a rugged existence here in the 19th century. You’ll stop at remarkable historic structures, including some of the first churches in the cove, well-preserved log cabins, and the distinctive cantilever barns that are unique to the Smoky Mountains. A highlight of your visit is the Cades Cove Cable Mill, where you’ll see how early pioneers harnessed the power of mountain streams to grind grain, a testament to their resilience and ingenuity.
Your guide can also give you a crash course on the region’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Cades Cove is known for being one of the best spots in the Smokies for animal sightings, so you should keep your eyes peeled for deer grazing in the meadows, wild turkeys wandering the fields, and even the occasional black bear ambling through the trees. With plenty of stops at the most breathtaking overlooks, you’ll have ample opportunity to take in panoramic views and take plenty of great photos of this serene mountain paradise.
Once you complete the loop, your guide will return you to Pigeon Forge, leaving you invigorated by the fresh mountain air and with a deep appreciation for the incredible nature of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Do not worry, we have you covered with our flexible cancellation terms.
Travel like a VIP, avoid crowds, and unnecessary queues.
Bespoke local tours handcrafted for you by our global travel specialists
All guides are handpicked, trained and licensed to ensure you are immersed in the local culture
Get an exhilarating introduction to the Great Smoky Mountains on a half-day driving tour in a customised Jeep where you'll explore the stunning Cades Cove.
Discover the enchanting town of Elkmont, a historic gem of the Great Smoky Mountains on this private excursion from Pigeon Forge in a distinctive pink Jeep.
Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.
Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.