With a variety of tour types, trip durations, activity levels, and tour times, you're bound to find a tour that is right for you.
Focus: Nature. Cost: $36 for each adult. $22 for each child (10 years of age and younger). Need to Know: All ages are welcome. No experience necessary. Reservations are required. • Learn more...
Focus: History. Cost: $74 for each adult. Need to Know: Guests 15 years of age and older are welcome. No experience necessary. Reservations are required. • Learn more...
STEP BACK IN TIME...
Traces of civilization in the form of churches, homes, and old barns still stand tall among the valley's old growth forest.
Cataloochee: Protected by 6000-foot peaks, the spectacular views of Cataloochee’s peaks, open valleys, and streams remain unspoiled much like they were thousands of years ago. Isolated for thousands of years by the simple lack of accessibility, Cataloochee is one of the most important places in the Smoky Mountains.
The Cataloochee and Little Cataloochee valleys were once filled with the music, language, and laughter of the largest settlement within the boundaries of what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Among the fertile fields, settlers assembled homes, barns, and a post office from the trunks and branches of old growth timber that once stood in the valley’s open fields. Many of these historical structures remain today.
A trip to this sacred and historically important place should be at the top of your “must do” list. Guided history hikes tell the many stories of the people that created life in a place that was cut off from the hustle and bustle of gold rushes, wars, and automobiles. Join us for a nature walk within the old growth white pine forests, the tallest trees east of the Mississippi. Listen closely and you might hear the whispering white pines tell the stories of tall stands of old growth forest that continue to grow in perpetual peace under the protection of the national park service.
Why Go: Indulge in the quite serenity and rich history here. The valley is surrounded by 6000-foot peaks that are protected by the National Park, a rarity in a country plagued with over development. You’ll enjoy the open fields, grazing elk, and the informative tales waiting to be discovered in Cataloochee.
Getting There: Cataloochee is accessible via Maggie Valley, NC and is 10 to 30 miles from many of the areas inns, bed & breakfasts, cabin rentals, camping facilities, and hotels.
GO EXPLORING: Shed the stress, strap on your boots, and hit the trail. We're going exploring at The Road to Nowhere. If your looking for easy terrain, a variety of tours, and convienence, this is your location.
NEED TO KNOW: The Drive: Over seven miles of scenic vistas, wildlife viewing, and maintained asphalt make for an enjoyable ride. Parking: Parking is available. Valuables: The park is patroled by park rangers, however, please leave valuables at home or take them with you. Don't forget to lock your car before you hit the trail. Access: This location is accessable all year around. 
DEPARTURE POINTS: Your guide will meet you at the designated departure point at least fifteen minutes prior to your tour time. Designated departure points vary based on the tour.
Forgot where you are supposed to meet your guide? Give us a call at (828) 488-6688 and we will point you in the right direction.
GET OUT: Millions of people flock to the Great Smoky Mountains every year, and never step foot in the park. Don't be shy, grab a friend and give us a call. A walk in the wilderness with a trusty guide can be a life changing experience. Don't miss it.
DRIVING DISTANCE: Remotely located in the eastern section of the Park, Cataloochee Valley is accessible from I-40 (10 miles), Maggie Valley, NC (15 miles), Waynesville, NC (25 miles), and Asheville, NC (40 miles).
LOST & FOUND: Did you loose something on your tour? No problem. Please email us you name, phone number, mailing address, tour details (date, time, and location), a description of the item and any other information you think may help us find it. We will do our best to locate your lost item and return it to you.
DIRECTIONS: If you've made a reservation and need a map to get there, look no further. Give us a call for detailed directions to this location.
PLAYING BY THE RULES: The National Park is a treasured place and we would like to keep it that way. So, we strictly adhear to the National Park Service rules and regulations, Leave No Trace ethics, and a few additional safety rules of our own and expect our guests to do the same.
Help us keep the park a safe and enjoyable place now and for future generations.
MORE LOCATIONS: We offer tours from seven Great Smoky Mountains National Park locations in Western North Carolina. (See all of our locations.)
