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: Hands on nature & history. Cost: $15 for each person. Need to Know: All ages are welcome. No experience necessary. Reservations are required. • Learn more...
Focus: Folklore, ghosts, & history. 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: Nature. Cost: $34 for each adult. $19 for each child (10 years of age and younger). Need to Know: Available in October & November. No experience necessary. Reservations are required. • Learn more...
Focus: Nature. Cost: $34 for each adult. $19 for each child (10 years of age and younger). Need to Know: Available in Spring & Summer. No experience necessary. Reservations are required. • Learn more...
Focus: Nature. Cost: $54 for each adult. $29 for each child (10 years of age and younger). Need to Know: All ages are welcome. No experience necessary. Reservations are required. • Learn more...
SWEAT, BLOOD, & TEARS
You can almost see the sweat pouring from the men of the CCC who built much of this National Park during the Great Depression.
Oconaluftee: Rich in folklore, legends, history, the Oconaluftee river valley contains the blood shed by Native americans, the tears of settlers who once called this place home, and the sweat of thousands of men and woman who built much of the park during the Great Depression. The valley marks the confluence of the Oconaluftee River, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Mountains-to-Sea trail, the Qualla Boundary, and the passage between the south and north portions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Today, the valley is dotted with ancient exposed rock, historical structures, and the site of the only permanent Cherokee settlement within the park boundaries. We offer history hikes that focus on a myriad of topics including the abandoned CCC camps, Smokemont logging settlement, Mingus’ Mill, the Cherokee, and the ghosts, legends, and myths surrounding this sacred site.
Why Go: Diversity defines Oconaluftee with a variety of guided nature walks, history hikes, and featured hikes. Nighttime nature, ghosts & legends, and full moon trips offer an activity for visitors looking for an entertaining experience as the day comes to an end.
Getting There: Oconaluftee is accessible via Cherokee, NC or Gatlinburg, TN and is within 20 miles of 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: Close to Cherokee (3 to 6 miles), Bryson City, NC (15 miles), Blue Ridge Parkway (1 mile), Sylva, NC (17 miles), and a short drive over the mountains from Gatlinburg (20 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.)
