Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour in Asheville
Asheville, United States

Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour

Outty Ranking 68 5.0 · 28 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $150

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$150
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Outty Ranking

68/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 28 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour worth booking?

Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour is a 3-hour experience in Asheville, United States, from $150 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 28 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
68 / 100
Rating
5/5 (28)
Duration
3 hours
From
$150 per person

• Guided safari-style Jeep tour through Great Smoky Mountains National Park • Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway adventure through 5 historic mountain tunnels • 20+ mile mountain views from elevations over a mile high • Panoramic

What you get

    About this experience

    • Guided safari-style Jeep tour through Great Smoky Mountains National Park • Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway adventure through 5 historic mountain tunnels • 20+ mile mountain views from elevations over a mile high • Panoramic overlooks across Cherokee and deep into the Smokies • 99% elk sighting success rate on PM Elk Tours • Explore prime elk and wildlife habitat • Possible sightings of elk, deer, wild turkey, black bears, and more • Visit 120-foot Mingo Falls on the Qualla Boundary • Explore historic Occonaluftee Baptist Church and local legends • Scenic drive across Soco Gap at 4,340 feet elevation • Guided by local Cherokee & Appalachian descendant guides • Authentic Smoky Mountain storytelling and history • Incredible scenic and wildlife photography opportunities • Small-group open-air safari Jeep experience

    What's included

    Included

    • Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway drive
    • Multiple photography opportunities throughout the adventure
    • Visit to breathtaking 120-foot Mingo Falls
    • Panoramic mountain views and scenic overlooks
    • Local Cherokee & Appalachian descendant guides
    • Additional lodging or transportation outside the guided Jeep tour experience
    • Scenic exploration of Cherokee, North Carolina
    • Exploration of prime elk and wildlife habitat
    • Guided safari-style Jeep tour through Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    • Authentic Smoky Mountain history, heritage, culture, and storytelling
    • Wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the tour
    • Scenic drive across Soco Gap at 4,340 feet elevation
    • Travel through 5 historic mountain tunnels
    • 99% elk sighting success rate on PM Elk Tours
    • Visit to historic Oconaluftee Baptist Church
    • Small-group immersive experience

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Bottled water
    • Hotel pickup or drop-off
    • Rain gear or cold-weather clothing
    • Child safety seats unless arranged in advance
    • Guaranteed wildlife sightings during the tour

    What you'll see and do

    1. Maggie Valley

      Departure – Maggie Valley, NC Begin your adventure in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, before climbing nearly 3 miles to the top of the mountain toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive

      30 minutes here

    2. Cherokee Indian Reservation

      Cherokee, North Carolina Explore the picturesque mountain village of Cherokee, NC, rich in Cherokee heritage, Appalachian culture, mountain history, and Smoky Mountain charm. Soco Gap Scenic Return Cross scenic Soco Gap at 4,340 feet elevation while enjoying sweeping mountain views on the return journey back to Maggie Valley.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Mingo Falls

      Visit the breathtaking Mingo Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians. Standing approximately 120 feet tall, this spectacular cascade showcases the incredible beauty of the Smoky Mountains and offers a peaceful stop to experience the power and artistry of nature.

      15 minutes here

    4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

      Elk and Wildlife Sightings Step into the wild heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Travel through scenic mountain valleys renowned for their thriving elk population, where you’ll have excellent opportunities about 99% chance to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Along the way, watch for wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, hawks, eagles, and other native wildlife as you experience the breathtaking landscapes that make the Smokies one of the most iconic national parks in the country.

      60 minutes here

    5. Discover the living history of the Cherokee people at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Explore traditional Cherokee life, watch talented artisans at work, and gain a deeper appreciation for one of America’s oldest living cultures.

      10 minutes here

    6. Blue Ridge Parkway

      Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive Travel 14 scenic miles along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway while enjoying panoramic mountain views from mile-high elevations. Along the route, guests pass through 5 historic mountain tunnels on the descent toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Asheville

    Directly across the street from Wheels thru time Motorcycle Museum

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Directly across the street from Wheels thru time Motorcycle Museum

    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 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Scenic Tours and Adventures

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour in Asheville, photo 2Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour in Asheville, photo 3Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour in Asheville, photo 4Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour in Asheville, photo 5Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour in Asheville, photo 6Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour in Asheville, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    5 mentions

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

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    27 verified traveler reviews for Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    27
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    vkepting · August 2026

    Jeep tour

    Pack some warm clothes - some areas of the trip had significant temperature change. You can also bring snacks and drinks. Very enjoyable experience

    via Viator

    virginiacH3350VQ · August 2026

    Jeep tour

    The guide was great. He was very knowledgeable about the area and its history. Beautiful scenery also

    via Tripadvisor

    546WilliamR · August 2026

    Fun adventure

    This was a fantastic adventure I would recommend to everyone. Our guide, Brian, made it so special. His indian history and knowledge was great. Even though it rained for the last half, I still rate it as terriffic and recommend it to all.

    via Tripadvisor

    1204winnie · August 2026

    AWESOME!!!

    AMAZING!! Brian is the BEST!! We will recommend Brian and his scenic tour company to everyone we see and let them know how awesome our adventure was!!

    via Tripadvisor

    jinnys976 · August 2026

    Do it!

    This was an incredible experience! Bryan was so knowledgeable and we learned so much! He tooks us to some really amazing sites that we never would have seen on our own! This trip was beautiful and he was incredible! Highly recommend!!!!

    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
    10
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 68

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)94
    Review evidence (18% weight)50
    Booking momentum (14% weight)42
    Value for money (12% weight)23
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)64
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $150 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 Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour 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 Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 28 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Asheville, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour?

    +

    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 Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour 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 Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour?

    +

    Around 10 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 Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Jeep Tour 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, Gem Mining and Goat Farm Walking Tour in Hendersonville. 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.

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