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The "Classic" National Park Tour

368 Reviews 4.95 out of 5 stars Based on 368 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 99% of reviewers | Gatlinburg, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 12 (2) days in advance.

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

This trip begins as we pickup at our location in Gatlinburg, TN. We travel in comfortable and eco-friendly vans to our first stop at the remains of a long-gone resort town dating back more than 100 years. We'll learn about the history of logging in the Smokies, the lives of the early Appalachian pioneers, and the founding of the national park. From here we'll travel up the mountains on one of the most scenic roads in the southeast. Along the way we'll stop at scenic overlooks for pictures, questions, and interpretation of the area. Finally we arrive at Newfound Gap and the 5,000 foot-high boarder between Tennessee and North Carolina. Here we will learn about the 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail and the the site where President Franklin Roosevelt gave the park dedication in 1940.

What's Included

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    1011 Banner Road
    Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

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    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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    Elkmont Ghost Town

    We will have the opportunity to get out and explore one of the mightiest rivers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as we learn about the history of the founding of the park and how the lives of loggers, CCC workers, pioneer farmers, and the earliest mountain recreational visitors intersected.
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    30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
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    1 hour 55 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
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    20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The “Classic” National Park Tour?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-335817P3

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.95
    368 reviews

    Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 368 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    359
    4 stars
    4
    3 stars
    2
    2 stars
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    1 star
    2
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 12 (2) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Snacks
    • Bottled water

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

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    Activity name