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Over the Top

Adventure over the mountains and down into North Carolina.

Duration
Half day
Difficulty
Easy
Group size
Max 10 (private trips scale)
Departs
Gatlinburg, TN

Overview

Travel up from Gatlinburg, across the crest of the Smokies, and down into the Oconaluftee watershed toward Cherokee, NC. “Look to the left, this is why the Native Americans called it Shaconage, the land of the blue smoke.”

We walk a short distance to one of the largest turbine grist mills in the area, explore a mountain farm recreating 1800s culture, and visit the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of elk in the valley.

Highlights

  • Cross the crest into North Carolina
  • Historic turbine grist mill
  • 1800s mountain farm
  • Elk in the Oconaluftee valley

Pricing

  • 2–3 guests: $150 per person
  • 4+ guests: $110 per person
  • Children 4–15: $60 each
  • Private tour: $700
  • Children under age 4 are only available on private tours.

Included

  • Professional, certified local guide

Before you go

After booking you’ll receive preparation guidance, a packing list, and meeting instructions. All participants sign a waiver, and multi-day guests complete a short registration and health form.

Read our trip-planning guide

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