3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk in Asheville, United States
Asheville, United States

3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk

Outty Ranking 55 4.9 · 25 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $213
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Outty Ranking

55/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk worth booking?

3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk is a 3-hour experience in Asheville, United States, from $213 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 25 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
55 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (25)
Duration
3 hours
From
$213 per person

Leave the pavement behind and take the wheel of your own UTV for a backcountry adventure unlike ordinary Smoky Mountain sightseeing tours! Follow an experienced local guide along winding dirt and gravel country roads, surrounded by towering forests, mountain curves, and breathtaking scenery. Experience the excitement of driving through the peaceful Smoky Mountain countryside while your guide leads the way. Discover the rich history of Maggie Valley and Cataloochee, hear fascinating Appalachian stories and Boojum legends, and explore the beauty of this historic mountain community. Keep your eyes open for wild elk roaming Cataloochee's scenic meadows! Enjoy opportunities to observe wildlife and capture unforgettable photographs. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. **The dirt roads are the adventure, the mountains are the reward, and the elk are the unforgettable bonus!**

What you get

    About this experience

    Leave the pavement behind and take the wheel of your own UTV for a backcountry adventure unlike ordinary Smoky Mountain sightseeing tours! Follow an experienced local guide along winding dirt and gravel country roads, surrounded by towering forests, mountain curves, and breathtaking scenery. Experience the excitement of driving through the peaceful Smoky Mountain countryside while your guide leads the way. Discover the rich history of Maggie Valley and Cataloochee, hear fascinating Appalachian stories and Boojum legends, and explore the beauty of this historic mountain community. Keep your eyes open for wild elk roaming Cataloochee's scenic meadows! Enjoy opportunities to observe wildlife and capture unforgettable photographs. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. **The dirt roads are the adventure, the mountains are the reward, and the elk are the unforgettable bonus!**

    What's included

    Included

    • Scenic mountain views and photography opportunities
    • UTV safety briefing and operating instructions
    • Guide-driven UTV available upon advance request and confirmation
    • Historic Cataloochee Valley sightseeing and local storytelling
    • Wild elk and native wildlife viewing opportunities (sightings not guaranteed)
    • Guide
    • Fuel for the entire 3-hour guided UTV adventure
    • Scenic winding dirt and gravel backcountry roads
    • Experienced local guide leading the adventure
    • Use of a side-by-side UTV for your reserved group

    Not included

    • Food and beverages
    • Gratuities for your guide (optional and appreciated)
    • Transportation to and from our Maggie Valley meeting location
    • Personal purchases and souvenirs

    What you'll see and do

    1. Maggie Valley

      Meet Your Guide & Get Ready! Your adventure begins at Scenic Tours & Adventures in Maggie Valley, North Carolina! Meet your experienced local guide, complete your required waivers, and get familiar with your assigned side-by-side UTV. Your guide will explain the vehicle's controls, safety procedures, and what to expect along the mountain roads. Get ready to take the wheel and experience the Smokies in a whole new way! Drivers must be at least 21 with a valid driver's license and proof of insurance.

      15 minutes here

    2. Maggie Valley

      Journey to Cataloochee Valley! Your guided adventure begins as you leave Maggie Valley and travel toward beautiful Cataloochee Valley. Follow your guide along scenic mountain roads while learning about the area's early settlers, Appalachian traditions, and fascinating local history. Hear the legendary tale of Boojum, one of Western North Carolina's most mysterious mountain characters, as you enjoy the surrounding forests, countryside, and peaceful mountain scenery.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Cataloochee Valley

      Winding Dirt Roads & Mountain Views! Here's where the backcountry adventure really begins! Leave the pavement behind and take the wheel of your own UTV as you follow your guide along winding dirt and gravel country roads. Navigate scenic mountain curves surrounded by towering hardwood forests, peaceful countryside, and beautiful Smoky Mountain views. Feel the excitement of exploring the mountains from behind the wheel while discovering a quieter side of Western North Carolina. This is a scenic guided driving experience on designated roads, not an extreme off-road obstacle course.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Cataloochee Valley

      Exploring Historic Cataloochee Valley! Step back in time as you discover historic Cataloochee Valley, once home to a thriving Appalachian mountain community. Learn about the families who lived, farmed, and raised their children in this secluded valley before the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your guide shares stories of historic churches, old homesteads, and mountain traditions while you enjoy beautiful meadows and peaceful surroundings. View accessible historic landmarks and enjoy opportunities for photographs as permitted by current road and park conditions.

      60 minutes here

    5. Cataloochee Valley

      Elk Viewing & Wildlife Watching! Keep your eyes open as we explore the beautiful mountain meadows of Cataloochee Valley, one of the Smokies' best-known destinations for wild elk viewing! Watch for these magnificent animals grazing in open fields, resting near forest edges, or moving through the surrounding countryside. Your experienced guide will help you look for elk, deer, wild turkeys, and other native wildlife while sharing information about the valley's natural surroundings. Enjoy opportunities for photographs from safe viewing areas. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and guests must maintain a safe distance from all animals.

      30 minutes here

    6. Maggie Valley

      Scenic Return to Maggie Valley! Your adventure continues as you follow your guide back through the winding mountain roads toward Maggie Valley. Enjoy a different perspective of the beautiful countryside, peaceful forests, and mountain scenery you explored earlier. Take in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the final stretches of your self-drive UTV adventure as your guide leads the way back to Scenic Tours & Adventures. Your experience concludes at our office in Maggie Valley, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Smoky Mountain backroads, historic Cataloochee Valley, and perhaps a wild elk encounter!

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Asheville

    You must arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time. This is necessary in order to complete paperwork and operation instructions. We are not able to wait for late arrivals and leave promptly as scheduled. We do not offer refunds for lateness or no-shows. We do offer reschedules when available.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    You must arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time. This is necessary in order to complete paperwork and operation instructions. We are not able to wait for late arrivals and leave promptly as scheduled. We do not offer refunds for lateness or no-shows. We do offer reschedules when available.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 4 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Scenic Tours and Adventures

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Ages 2 years and up and those requiring car seats will need them
    • If you are NOT wanting to drive you must call and request a driver
    • All Drivers will need there Driver's license and proof of car insurance
    • Dogs are allowed in your own UTV. Make sure they are on leash.

    Photos

    3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk in Asheville, photo 23 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk in Asheville, photo 33 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk in Asheville, photo 43 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk in Asheville, photo 53 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk in Asheville, photo 63 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk in Asheville, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    7 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    25 verified traveler reviews for 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    23
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Eliciamarie1990 · November 2025

    MUST BOOK

    Literally 10/10 ! One of the best experiences we have had. I high recommend them. Family owned and are super kind and sweet.

    via Tripadvisor

    584DanM · October 2025

    Outstanding tour.. Great owners!

    What an awesome day running around the Smokey Mountains. Getting up close and personal with the Elk’s was a once in a lifetime experience. 10 feet separated us from the big 12 point male. The bonus was the church and the mountain spring water. Thank you guys! 10 stars! The extra extra bonus was the ride back to my RV.

    via Tripadvisor

    larry g · September 2025

    Safari tour Maggie Valley, NC

    This tour far exceeded my expectations! We saw lots of Elk, beautiful scenery and points of interest. What made it worth so special was Brian's historical and geological commentary! Mesmerizing! Would highly recommend anyone to experience this adventure

    via Tripadvisor

    fishingforfun_12 · June 2025

    Best experience! 100% A + Must do! Ask for Brian

    We had an absolutely amazing time on the 4-hour UTV ECO Elk Wilderness Adventure with Brian! From start to finish, it was an unforgettable experience. Brian was not only an excellent guide but also incredibly knowledgeable—he took the time to share the history of the mountains and the area, which made the adventure even more meaningful. We saw so many elk in their natural habitat, and the ride through the mountains was both breathtaking and exciting. The scenery was stunning, and the UTVs made the journey smooth and fun. This is a 100% A+ experience and an absolute must-do when visiting Maggie Valley. We can’t recommend it enough—thank you, Brian, for an incredible adventure!

    via Tripadvisor

    Sarah_R · December 2024

    UTV & ELK

    My pictures will not load to the review, and they really show why I recommend this experience! It was an amazing adventure!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    9
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Scenic Tours and Adventures, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.4.

    See everything Scenic Tours and Adventures runs

    Why this scores 55

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
    Review evidence (18% weight)48
    Booking momentum (14% weight)40
    Value for money (12% weight)3
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)57
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Asheville.

    How much does 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk cost?

    +

    Prices start at $213 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Asheville usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Asheville is not rushed.

    Is 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Asheville, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk?

    +

    Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Asheville can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Asheville and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Asheville within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Asheville?

    +

    Asheville pairs Biltmore Estate visits with Blue Ridge Parkway waterfall tours, brewery crawls through one of the densest beer scenes in America, and guided hikes in Pisgah. Biltmore ticket handling and parkway route detail are what to check. On Outty we rank every Asheville experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Blue Ridge Parkway and Waterfall Hiking Tour from Asheville, Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views, French Broad Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Asheville?

    +

    April to June and October for autumn colour. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Asheville?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk?

    +

    Included: Scenic mountain views and photography opportunities; UTV safety briefing and operating instructions; Guide-driven UTV available upon advance request and confirmation; Historic Cataloochee Valley sightseeing and local storytelling; and Wild elk and native wildlife viewing opportunities (sightings not guaranteed). Not included: Food and beverages; Gratuities for your guide (optional and appreciated); Transportation to and from our Maggie Valley meeting location; and Personal purchases and souvenirs. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk?

    +

    You must arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time. This is necessary in order to complete paperwork and operation instructions. We are not able to wait for late arrivals and leave promptly as scheduled. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk?

    +

    Across 25 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 3 HR Self-Drive Guided UTV Tour: Cataloochee Dirt Roads & Elk.

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