The Mountains Are Calling Driving Tour to Newfound Gap
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September 2026
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Who is going?
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
4.8/5
Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Mountains Are Calling Driving Tour to Newfound Gap worth booking?
The Mountains Are Calling Driving Tour to Newfound Gap is a 2.5-hour experience in Gatlinburg, United States, from $150 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (17)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $150 per person
Your trip begins at Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you’ll meet your naturalist guide from A Walk in the Woods. From there, we’ll travel up into Great Smoky Mountains, stopping along the way for sweeping mountain views,
What you get
About this experience
Your trip begins at Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you’ll meet your naturalist guide from A Walk in the Woods. From there, we’ll travel up into Great Smoky Mountains, stopping along the way for sweeping mountain views, photo opportunities, and stories that bring the Smokies to life. This guided driving tour includes several beautiful overlooks where you can take in the famous “sea of mountains,” learn about the natural and human history of the park, and visit the Rockefeller Memorial at Newfound Gap, located on the Tennessee and North Carolina border. After enjoying the views from Newfound Gap, we’ll stretch our legs with a short walk on the famous Appalachian Trail. Depending on the day and group, your guide may also lead you on a gentle history walk near a clear mountain stream, and perhaps even taste a seasonal wild mountain treat. Duration: 2.5 Hours | Difficulty: Easy | Ages: All Meeting Location: Sugarlands Visitors Center or Downtown Gatlinburg
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional naturalist guide
Not included
- Gratuity for your guide.
- Bottled water
- Rain Gear - We do have emergency ponchos on hand if needed.
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
A Walk In The Woods
We will meet at the Sugarland's Visitor Center where you will have a chance to explore the Park museum and support the Park with your gift purchases at the book store. From there, we will travel up the mountain and learn the human and natural history of the Park before getting out and experiencing a slice of the famous AT. Your guide will regale you with stories of the Cherokee, the settlers, the Civil War history and the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stop and experience beautiful vistas, learn the medicinal and edible uses of wild plants, take your time as you soak in the beauty of these ancient mountains.
Sugarlands Visitors Center
Departure and return location.
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road has many scenic vistas and points of interest.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Gatlinburg
At the Visitors Center, we meet at the flagpole. If we meet you at the Visitors Center, you will need a Parking Tag to leave your vehicle there. There are kiosks out front where you can get your tag. Day tags are $5 and Weekly tags are $15.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
At the Visitors Center, we meet at the flagpole. If we meet you at the Visitors Center, you will need a Parking Tag to leave your vehicle there. There are kiosks out front where you can get your tag. Day tags are $5 and Weekly tags are $15.
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
- Wed, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- A Walk in the Woods
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A maximum of 14 people per booking
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please note that, while we do our best to follow the itinerary listed, we may need to pivot due to road closures or events outside of our control. We require a minimum of 2 people to operate this tour. We operate rain or shine.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
17 verified traveler reviews for The Mountains Are Calling Driving Tour to Newfound Gap. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommend this tour.
This 2.5 hour tour was a perfect overview of the area. Kels is an amazing guide; her love and enthusiasm for the area really added to the tour. Her knowledge of the Park is extensive, from the history (starting with the Cherokee to the present) to the nature (we saw two elk!) and hiking/camping in the Smokies (we got to "walk" the Appalachian trail - for 30 feet). Even though it was very "misty". Kels knew where to take us so we could appreciate the beauty of this wonderful park. I liked it so much I went back the next day.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review! So glad you enjoyed your time with us and our Park!
via Tripadvisor
Smokey Mountains
Kelly was a great tour guide very knowledgeable and was able to answer all questions.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the great review!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful , thank you
Luci was the best. A must do. She was so informative and very friendly! Would do again, Thanks so much.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the great review. I spotted y'all at Newfound Gap and it looked like you were having a good time!
via Viator
Buyer Beware
The main road to the main attraction (Newfound Gap) closed the night before with communications going out in the early morning. The tour guide did not inform us until after we arrived at the meeting point. Since this was the major attraction and family had come from Europe, this was disappointing on many levels. One hour of the tour talked about cabins and woods at a cabin. History that could’ve been discussed in the vehicle and quickly shown. She seemed like she was stalling. We had to ask the guide 3 times to visit views as spending 1/3 of the tour explaining how cabins were put together was not what we came for. The tour was 3 hours, but the guide started to head back after 2 as she thought we booked a 2 hour tour. How could we have paid that amount for 2 hours and 1 was spent on talking about cabins of the settlers? After reiterating that our tour was 3 hours, we went to see another site. We saw a bear and she didn’t slow down so everyone could enjoy. I don’t believe any cars were behind us. Since the guide talked so much about bears and the group was excited to see one, this was disappointing. We were all disappointed given what we paid and expected and what was delivered. I also felt it was a bait and switch. There was ample time to inform us of the road closure and give us the option to cancel. I’ve trusted Viator with tours from Europe to Australia and this was the worst. We did enjoy the sites we saw, but it was definitely not worth the price. I do appreciate Viator providing a partial refund after several back and forths. It is only right to let travelers know that the road to the main attraction is closed so they can make an informed decision (estimated reopen is October). There is another (much longer route) road that one can take on one’s own. This is important to know if you have limited time and still want to go.
Response from the operator: Hello, Unfortunately, the road typically taken for this tour closed late night / early morning just before this tour took place. We found out about the closure as the guide was driving to meet this guest. Our guide explained what they would be doing as an alternate and showed them the web cam from the top of the mountain. The webcam showed that, even if we could have driven the typical road that morning, the top of the mountain was socked in with clouds. There would not have been views. Our alternate has a look out with view (that wasn't socked in) and, as an added bonus some cool water features and historic structures to explore. Yes, our guide probably did do an hour of talking. That's what our driving tours are all about! We are famous for our knowledge and interp. We love to educate, share and engage with our guests. The guide for this particular day was our historian. She knows a lot about those historic structures and would have said as much if we were able to head up the original route also. Unfortunately, we cannot help a last minute road closure or make the bears appear on cue. This guest was given a comparable tour. We are very sorry they were so unhappy with our efforts to remedy the last minute issue. This tour has been blocked for all dates until early October, unless there were already bookings on the tour. If you join into a tour between now and early October, we will reach out to explain our alternate. If you do not like the alternate, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Thank you. Have a great day!
via Viator
Magnificent
It was totally efficient and accommodating. We were two senior women who got the best accommodations and the most respect from our tour guide - Mike. Mike shared so much information and history about the Smokie Mountains. He was very pleasant and conversational.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words. I think Mike enjoyed the tour as much as y'all. Happy Trails!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Mountains Are Calling Driving Tour to Newfound Gap: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Gatlinburg.
How much does The Mountains Are Calling Driving Tour to Newfound Gap cost?
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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 Gatlinburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does The Mountains Are Calling Driving Tour to Newfound Gap take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 The Mountains Are Calling Driving Tour to Newfound Gap worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 17 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 The Mountains Are Calling Driving Tour to Newfound Gap?
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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 The Mountains Are Calling Driving Tour to Newfound Gap suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Mountains Are Calling Driving Tour to Newfound Gap?
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Around 6 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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Mountains Are Calling Driving Tour to Newfound Gap 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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