
High Points Driving Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 132 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is High Points Driving Tour worth booking?
High Points Driving Tour is a 3-hour experience in Gatlinburg, United States, from $85 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 132 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (132)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $85 per person
Sightseeing in the “high elevations” of the Great Smoky Mountains can be an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. We travel past the Appalachian Trail and traverse the Crest of the Smokies as we take in the sights abo
What you get
About this experience
Sightseeing in the “high elevations” of the Great Smoky Mountains can be an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. We travel past the Appalachian Trail and traverse the Crest of the Smokies as we take in the sights above 5000 ft. You will gain facts of the area from your guide that will make these mountains come alive with Native American stories and geographical facts. We travel into the North Carolina side of the National Park to take in the vistas and learn about the impact logging had to the area. You will be amazed how the forest has reclaimed itself over the years. Our goal for this trip is to arrive at the Clingmans Dome parking area and gift shop. This is the highest point in the National Park at 6,643′. If the weather permits, we'll take an optional short walk through the spruce-fir forest and learn about this unique environment.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road is one of the most scenic drives in the southeast. We'll make the 13-mile long drive out of the Sugarlands Valley while we learn about the people, plants, animals, and history of the Great Smoky Mountains. Along the way we'll stop at several scenic overlooks for photos of the towering mountains and dark, shaded valleys.
105 minutes here
Kuwohi
The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this mountain provides sweeping views of as many as seven states. We'll walk among the spruce and fir trees and enjoy the cool mountain air as we learn about the place the Cherokee called Kuwahi.
30 minutes here
Newfound Gap
Deep in the mountains at a height of more than 5,000 feet we'll stand on the state line while looking down the the Sugarland Valley to our north and the Oconaluftee Valley to the south. The famous 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail passes through this point next to the stone stage where President Franklin Roosevelt gave the Great Smoky Mountain National Park dedication.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Gatlinburg
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Smoky Mountain Guides
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 131 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
131 verified traveler reviews for High Points Driving Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful Views and Awesome Tour Guide
My fiancé is a wildlife/landscape photographer so he booked this tour for us. I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did. The views are breathtaking! Our tour was about 4 hours and it didn’t feel that long. Wes was our guide and he was amazing. He is very funny and knowledgeable about the land and the history. He was very patient and offered water along the way. There are restrooms along the stop which I was curious about before taking the tour. We are planning to take the same tour with SMG again in the fall season. I would even be comfortable doing a guided hike with them as well.
Response from the operator: we can’t wait to have you back in the fall. You will love it. It will look like a whole different park. Let’s get you on one of our hikes. It is a fulfilling experience.
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour for Fantastic Views
This is an excellent tour to the highest points in the Great Smokey Mt National Park. There is a steep paved walk up to the observation area of about 1/2 mile but there are benches to rest along the way. Our guide, Rick, was great. We stopped at quite a few areas for photos before reaching the top. Rick was knowledgeable and fun and offered to take our photos at every stop. Great tour to avoid parking problems due to the large crowds in the Park. The scenery was amazing.
Response from the operator: So thankful you saw this tour as a great value
via Tripadvisor
Great views, great guide
Rick was an amazing guide. Very informative, professional, personable and prompt. Would easily book again if I'm back in the area
Response from the operator: Lets go again. Would love to.
via Tripadvisor
See the tops of the Smokey Mountains the easy way.
Wonderful excursion. Very interesting. Guide was very knowledgeable and readily answered any questions.
Response from the operator: So happy you had a great High Points Tour. Thank you for booking with us.
via Tripadvisor
Spectacular!
The views were spectacular! Our guide was so sweet and knowledgeable! She was very helpful with mobility issues with one member of our party. It was a little rainy so we didn’t walk around as much as we would have if it was not raining but the views with the rain and the clouds allowed us to see “The Smokey’s” at their best!
Response from the operator: Thank you for touring with us! We couldn't agree more - the Smokies are just as beautiful in the clouds as they are in the sunshine! It is a special experience indeed.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- 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
- 46
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
High Points Driving Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Gatlinburg.
How much does High Points Driving Tour cost?
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Prices start at $85 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Gatlinburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does High Points Driving Tour take?
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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 Gatlinburg is not rushed.
Is High Points Driving Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 132 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Gatlinburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule High Points Driving Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is High Points Driving Tour suitable for kids and families?
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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 High Points Driving Tour?
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Around 46 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 Gatlinburg 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?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Gatlinburg and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does High Points Driving Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg?
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Gatlinburg is the front door to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: guided hikes to waterfalls, Cades Cove wildlife loops, ziplines, whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River and moonshine tastings in town. Trailhead transport is the main logistics question. On Outty we rank every Gatlinburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Ultimate Wine, Shine & Bourbon Experience, The "Classic" National Park Tour, Mountaintop Zipline 2-Hours Activity. 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 Gatlinburg?
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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 Gatlinburg?
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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?
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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.
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