Your mountain concierge
Plan your Smoky Mountain trip
Thank you for visiting beautiful East Tennessee. Here’s everything you need to know before you meet your guide.
The essentials
Before you go
Departure times
Small group van tours depart at 9am and 2pm. Hikes depart at 7:30am, 9am, and 2pm. Custom start times are available for private trips. Please book at least 24 hours in advance.
Where we meet
Most trips meet in the upper lot of the Gatlinburg Welcome Center at 1011 Banner Rd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Downtown hotel pickup is often possible, and group pickups can be arranged.
Visit us in Gatlinburg
Stop by the Guide Room in the Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort (lobby), our mountain concierge for trip planning and curated outdoor gear.
Waivers & registration
Every guest signs a waiver. Multi-day backpacking guests also complete a participant registration and health form so your guide can plan around your experience and needs.
GSMNP parking tags
There’s no entry fee to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but vehicles parked in the park must display a parking tag, sold at visitor centers, automated machines, and online. Riding with SMG or our Smoky Rides shuttle means no parking hunt.
Parking tag details on NPS.govFishing licenses
Fishing in the park requires an active Tennessee or North Carolina license. Tennessee licenses are issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and can be displayed on your phone.
Buy a TN license from TWRAWhat to bring
- Comfortable closed-toe hiking shoes
- Water and a light snack (lunch on full-day trips)
- Weather-appropriate layers and rain gear
- A small backpack
Need gear? Ask about rentals
When do your tours leave each day?
Small group van tours depart at 9am and 2pm. Hikes depart at 7:30am, 9am, and 2pm. Custom start times are available for private trips. Please book at least 24 hours in advance.
Where do tours start?
Most tours begin in the upper parking lot of the Gatlinburg Welcome Center at 1011 Banner Rd., Gatlinburg, TN. If you’re lodging downtown, we can often pick you up from your lodging for an additional fee. Groups and private departures can be arranged for custom locations. North Carolina departures include Asheville lodging destinations and Brevard, NC.
How many people are on a tour?
We keep our small group van tours to a maximum of 10 for a premium experience, unless booked as a private trip, which we can scale to the size of your group. Our hikes are often private, or shared with just one other small group.
Will there be other people on my tour?
Often, our small group van tours will. We keep them small and personal. You also have the option to book any of our tours and trips as “private” to guarantee the experience you’d like.
When should we book?
Right now! Spots fill quickly, especially in summer, firefly season, and fall. All we ask is that you book at least 24 hours in advance.
What’s the best way to book?
Book online in a couple of minutes using any “Book Now” button. Prefer to talk it through or customize? Call us at 865-223-5397.
Do I need a park parking pass?
There’s no entry fee for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but vehicles parked in the park must display a parking tag, sold by the park at visitor centers and online. Riding with SMG or Smoky Rides lets you skip the trailhead parking hunt entirely.
Do you offer more than hikes and scenic tours?
Yes: backpacking, fly fishing, kayaking, seasonal tours, corporate team building and retreats, and transportation through our sister company, Smoky Rides.
Your Smoky Mountain adventure starts here.
Book online in minutes, or call and we’ll help you choose the right trip for your group.
Or visit us at the Guide Room, Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort lobby · Mon–Sat, 8am–3pm