Great Smoky Mountain Adventures

Experience The Best Adventures in Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Experience “best-of” guided adventures throughout the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountain National Park. From private guided hiking and sightseeing to snorkeling and whitewater rafting, Under Canvas is here to help you book your ideal Great Smoky Mountain National Park adventure.

Book your stay at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains and you will receive an email one day after booking with details on how to book your adventure.

View of Charlies Bunion in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Private Guided Hiking - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Discover the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains with expert guides, offering unforgettable hikes through hidden trails, wildflower meadows, ancient forests, and rich cultural history, all while gaining insights into survival skills, local wildlife, and the heritage of the Cherokee and early settlers. Explore nature’s beauty and challenge yourself on this inspiring adventure!

  • Price: $551
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Details

Cost: 

  • $551 for 1-4 people
  • $72 per each additional person
  • $152 for camp pick-up (optional add-on)

Timing: 

  • 4 hours
  • 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (limited)
  • Operates April 3 – November 307

Included:

  •  Expert guide
  • Trail customization
  • Snacks
  • Guide gratuity

 

 

Tour Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  • Popular trails include Little River Trail, Baskins Creek Trail, and Chimney Tops Trail

Meeting Point:

  • Standard: Gatlinburg, TN – 13 miles / 25 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains
  • Camp Pick-Up Add-on: Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains – Lobby

Restrictions: 

  • Minimum age: None
  • Party size: 1 – 11 people of the same party

What to Bring: 

  • Transportation (Camp pick-up available for additional fee)
  • Parking tag (If camp pick-up not purchased, can be purchased day of tour)
  • Activewear
  • Rain jacket
  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • Backpack
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Snacks
  • Water bottle
  • Walking sticks / trekking poles (available at Under Canvas)
View of Great Smoky Mountains.

Private Guided Hiking - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Jewel of the Park Service offers a wealth of experiences, from hidden trails with spring wildflowers to pristine streams and historic settler homesteads. Challenge yourself with a hike along a section of the famous Appalachian Trail or wander through old growth forests. Expert guides, with years of experience in the Great Smoky Mountains, share their knowledge of local wildlife, medicinal plants, survival skills, and the history of the Cherokee and early settlers.

  • Price: $1,078
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Details

Cost:

  • $1,078 for 1-4 people
  • $72 per each additional person
  • $152 for camp pick-up (optional addon)

Timing:

  • 8 hours
  • 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Operates April 3 – November 30

Included:

  • Expert guide
  • Trail customization
  • Snacks
  • Guide gratuity

 

 

Tour Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  • Popular trails include portions of the Appalachian Trail, Mt. LeConte, Cades Cove, Little River Trail, Baskins Creek Trail, and Chimney Tops Trail

Meeting Point: 

  • Standard: Gatlinburg, TN – 13 miles / 25 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains
  • Camp Pick-Up Addon: Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains – Lobby

Restrictions: 

  • Minimum age: None
  • Party size: 1 – 11 people of the same party

What to Bring:

  • Transportation (Camp pick-up available for additional fee)
  • Parking tag (If camp pick-up not purchased, can be purchased day of tour)
  • Activewear
  • Rain jacket
  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • Backpack
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Lunch (Grab-n-go available at Under Canvas)
  • Water bottle
  • Walking sticks / trekking poles (available at Under Canvas)

 

Stream in Great Smoky Mountain national park with sun shining through.

Group Guided Hiking - Scenic River Walk

Journey deep into the Kaibab National Forest, where quiet trails wind through dense pines and open up to sweeping views. With more time in the saddle, you can truly settle into the rhythm of your horse and savor the sights, sounds, and fresh mountain air.

  • Price: $143
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Location: Kaibab National Forest

Details

Cost: 

  • $143 per person

Timing: 

  • 2 hours
  • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM departures
  • Operates April 16 – October 12

Included:

  • Expert guide
  • Gentle horse with saddle

 

 

Tour Location: Grand Canyon National Park

Meeting Point: Grand Canyon Village, AZ – 27 miles / 40 minutes from Under Canvas

Restrictions: 

  • Minimum age: 8 years
  • Party size: 1-15 people

What to Bring:

  • Transportation
  • Long pants
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Guide gratuity

 

Woman at bottom of waterfall in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Group Guided Hiking - Thundering Cascades & Falls

With 3,100 miles of streams, the Smokies offer endless opportunities to explore stunning whitewater, cascades, and waterfalls. This adventure takes you from popular trails to hidden gems, through old-growth forests and up to the Anakeesta formation, where you’ll enjoy wildflowers in spring, refreshing swimming holes in summer, and the vibrant fall foliage, all while discovering the magic of the mountains in every season.

  • Price: $77
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Chimney Tops Trail

Details

Cost: $77 per person

Timing:

  • 3 hours
  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Mon/Wed)
  • 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Fri/Sat)
  • Operates April 3 – November 30 (no Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday tours)

Included:

  • Expert guide
  • Snacks
  • Guide gratuity

 

 

Tour Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Chimney Tops Trail

Meeting Point: Gatlinburg, TN – 13 miles / 25 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Restrictions:

  • Minimum age: 8 years
  • Party size: 2 – 11 people (availability dependent)
  • Difficulty: Moderate – 2 miles of hiking on rocky, mountain trail requiring some scrambling and creek crossing.

What to Bring:

  • Transportation
  • Parking tag (can be purchased day of tour)
  • Activewear
  • Rain jacket
  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • Backpack
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Water bottle
  • Walking sticks / trekking poles (available at Under Canvas)

 

Waterfall in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Private Sightseeing Tour - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Join an expert guide for an unforgettable journey through the Great Smoky Mountains, exploring stunning vistas, serene cascades, ancient forests, and historic homesteads. Discover the park’s natural and cultural history, including the medicinal uses of wild plants, local wildlife, and the legacy of the Cherokee and early settlers. With extensive experience in backpacking, primitive skills, outdoor survival, and these ancient mountains, your guide will provide fascinating insights, crafting a unique adventure tailored specifically to you.

  • Price: $749
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Details

Cost:

  • $749 for 1-4 people
  • $72 per each additional person
  • $152 for camp pick-up (optional add-on)

Timing:

  • 4 hours
  • 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (limited)
  • Operates April 3 – November 30

Included:

  • Expert guide
  • Expert guide
  • Route customization
  • Snacks
  • Guide gratuity

 

 

Tour Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  • Popular destinations include Newfound Gap or Clingmans Dome

Meeting Point:

  • Standard: Gatlinburg, TN – 13 miles / 25 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains
  • Camp Pick-Up Add-on: Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains – Lobby

Restrictions:

  • Minimum age: non
  • Party size: 1-11 people of the same party

What to Bring:

  • Transportation (Camp pick-up available for additional fee)
  • Parking tag (if camp pick-up not purchased, can be purchased day of tour)
  • Rain jacket • Walking shoes
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Snacks
  • Water bottle
View from Charlies Bunion in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Private Sightseeing Tour - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

An experienced guide will lead you on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the Great Smoky Mountains, showcasing breathtaking vistas, serene cascades, majestic forests, crystal-clear streams, and historic homesteads. Explore the park’s wonders with experts in local wildlife, medicinal plants, survival skills, and the history of the Cherokee and early settlers, all while benefiting from years of experience in these ancient mountains.

  • Price: $1,078
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Details

Cost: 

  • $1,078 for 1-4 people
  • $72 per each additional person
  • $152 for camp pick-up (optional addon)

Timing:

  • 8 hours
  • 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Operates April 3 – November 30

Included:

  • Expert guide
  • Route customization
  • Snacks
  • Guide gratuity

 

 

Tour Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  • Popular destinations include Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, or Clingmans Dome

Meeting Point:

  • Standard: Gatlinburg, TN – 13 miles / 25 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains
  • Camp Pick-Up Addon: Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains – Lobby

Restrictions:

  • Minimum age: None
  • Party size: 1 – 11 people of the same party

What to Bring:

  • Transportation (Camp pick-up available for additional fee)
  • Parking tag (if camp pick-up not purchased, can be purchased day of tour)
  • Rain jacket
  • Walking shoes
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Lunch (Grab-n-go available at Under Canvas)
  • Snacks
  • Water bottle
Family sitting on top of mountain in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Group Family Hike - Bear Cub Adventure

The Bear Cub Adventure invites young explorers to connect with the wild beauty of the Smoky Mountains on an exciting, guided hike. Families will learn about the majestic black bears that call the forest home, with guides sharing stories and insights on bear behavior, conservation, and safety. Along the way, children will enjoy a hands-on craft, a bear story, and receive a special goodie bag to remember their adventure.

  • Price: $67
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Sugarlands Nature Trail

Details

Cost: $67 per person

Timing:

  • 3 hours
  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Operates Monday-Wednesday and Saturday, April 3 – November 30

Included:

  • Expert guide
  • Kids craft
  • Snacks
  • Guide gratuity

 

 

Tour Location:Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Sugarlands Nature Trail

Meeting Point:Gatlinburg, TN – 13 miles / 25 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Restrictions: 

  • Minimum age: none
  • Party size: 2 – 11 people (availability dependent)
  • Difficulty: Easy – Scenic trail

What to Bring:

  • Transportation
  • Parking tag (can be purchased day of tour)
  • Activewear
  • Rain jacket
  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • Backpack
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Water bottle
  • Walking sticks / trekking poles (available at Under Canvas)
Sunset in Smoky Mountain National Park

Group Hike - Discover Days Gone By

Discover the rich history of the Smoky Mountains on a special tour that unveils the largest collection of human artifacts in any National Park. Journey through scenic oaks and pines to uncover the lives of early settlers, their challenges, triumphs, and daily routines. Perfect for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers, the tour takes you through beautiful homesteads, bringing to life the stories that still resonate in the mountains.

  • Price: $121
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Details

Cost: $121 per person

Timing:

  • 3 hours
  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Operates Thursdays only, April 3 – November 30

Included:

  • Expert guide (Historian – Samantha Suttles)
  • Snacks
  • Guide gratuity

 

 

Tour Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Meeting Point: Gatlinburg, TN – 13 miles / 25 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountainss

Restrictions: 

  • Minimum age: 5 years
  • Party size: 2 – 11 people (availability dependent)
  • Difficulty: Easy – 2.5 miles

What to Bring:

  • Transportation
  • Parking tag (can be purchased day of tour)
  • Activewear
  • Rain jacket
  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • Backpack
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Water bottle
  • Walking sticks / trekking poles (available at Under Canvas)
Wildflowers in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Group Hike - Spring Wildflower Walk

Experience the magic of spring in the Smokies on this half-day guided hike, highlighting the season’s most beautiful wildflowers. Led by an expert guide, you’ll explore the park’s top trails, perfectly timed to witness the flowers in full bloom. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and natural beauty of the Smokies, making it an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers seeking a stunning outdoor experience.

  • Price: $125
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Details

Cost: $125 per person

Timing:

  • 5 hours
  • 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Operates April 3 – April 20 (No Monday/Thursday tours)

Included:

  • Expert guide
  • Snacks
  • Guide gratuity

 

 

Tour Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Meeting Point: Gatlinburg, TN – 12 miles / 25 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Restrictions: 

  • Minimum age: 6 years
  • Party size: 2 – 11 people (availability dependent)
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – Up to 4 miles of hiking

What to Bring:

  • Transportation
  • Parking tag (can be purchased day of tour)
  • Activewear
  • Rain jacket
  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • Backpack
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Water bottle
  • Walking sticks / trekking poles (available at Under Canvas)

 

Group River Snorkeling - Beat the Heat

Cool off and dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Great Smoky Mountains on our “Beat the Heat” river snorkeling tour. Snorkel in some of the clearest waters in the Eastern U.S., exploring the park’s rich aquatic life, including bass, darters, minnows, and salamanders. With over 2,900 miles of streams, this small-group adventure offers a refreshing way to experience the park’s hidden natural beauty, making it the perfect summer escape.

  • Price: $135
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Details

Cost: $135 per person

Timing:

  • 4 hours
  • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Operates Wednesday-Saturday, May 28 – September 13

Included:

  • Expert guide
  • Snacks
  • Guide gratuity

 

 

Tour Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Meeting Point: Gatlinburg, TN – 15 miles / 30 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Restrictions:

  •  Minimum age: 8 years
  • Party size: 2 – 11 people (availability
    dependent)

What to Bring:

  • Transportation
  • Parking tag (can be purchased day of tour)
  • Activewear
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel (available to rent from guide)
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Water bottle
  • Walking sticks / trekking poles (available at Under Canvas)
Fall in the Smoky Mountains from atop a mountain.

Group Hike - Fall Color Quest

The breathtaking beauty of fall in the Smokies comes alive on this half-day guided hike, where you’ll explore scenic trails and witness the stunning transformation of leaves into a vibrant mosaic of reds, oranges, and yellows. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this adventure offers a chance to immerse yourself in the crisp autumn air and vibrant landscape of one of Earth’s most beautiful places.

  • Price: $163
  • Duration:4 hours
  • Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Details

Cost: $163 per person

Timing:

  • 8-10 hours
  • 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM flexible departures
  • Operates April 17 – October 26

Included:

  • Expert guide
  • In-Park transportation
  • Snacks
  • Guide gratuity

 

 

Tour Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Meeting Point: Gatlinburg, TN – 12 miles / 25 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Restrictions:

  • Minimum age: 6 years
  • Party size: 2 – 11 people (availability dependent)
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – Up to 4 miles of hiking

What to Bring:

  • Transportation
  • Parking tag (can be purchased day of tour)
  • Activewear
  • Rain jacket
  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • Backpack
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Water bottle
  • Walking sticks / trekking poles (available at Under Canvas)
  • Car/booster seat (if required)

 

Two people ziplining over mountain tops near Smoky Mountains National Park.

Group Ziplining - Mountaintop

The Mountaintop zipline tour offers an exhilarating experience, with six dual zip lines, four aerial bridges, and a rappel from the platform. Enjoy 360˚ panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains, a fun UTV ride to the top, and fascinating insights into the area’s rich history.

  • Price: $113
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Location: Gatlinburg (near Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Details

Cost: $113 per person

Timing:

  •  2 hours
  • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Additional departures may be available
  • Operates Monday – Saturday, April 3 – December 1 (no Sunday tours)

Included:

  • Expert guide
  • 6 ziplines and 4 aerial bridges
  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Safety tethers and trolley
  • Water koozie
  • Photos (available for purchase after tour)
  • Locker (for car keys – valuables to be locked in vehicle)

 

 

Tour Location: Gatlinburg (near Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Meeting Point: Gatlinburg, TN – 21 miles / 40 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Restrictions:

  • Minimum age: 7 years (Youth under 70 pounds may ride tandem with sibling or guide)
  • Maximum weight: 250 – 270 pounds
  • Party size: 1 – 12 people (availability dependent)

What to Bring:

  • Transportation
  • Form-fitting activewear (avoid baggy items)
  • Close-toed shoes
  • Hair tie (long hair must be tied back)
  • Guide gratuity
Group of rafters on the Pigeon River near Gatlinburg TN.

Group Whitewater Rafting - Extreme Upper Pigeon

Get ready for the ultimate thrill on the Upper Pigeon River, where you’ll tackle intense rapids, massive waves, and heart-pounding hydraulics in a small raft. This high-energy, action-packed adventure promises an unforgettable ride for adrenaline junkies ready to push their limits!

  • Price: $112
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Location: Pigeon River

Details

Cost: $112 per person

Timing:

  • 1.5-2 hours
  • 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
  • Operates Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday – May 26– September 1 (No Sunday, Monday, Friday tours)

Included:

  • Expert guide
  • Class III-IV rapids
  • Life jacket
  • River shuttle

 

 

Tour Location: Pigeon River

Meeting Point: Hartford, TN – 33 miles / 55 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Restrictions:

  • Minimum age: 12 years
  • Minimum weight: 70 pounds
  • Party size: 1-15 people (availability dependent)
  • Raft size: 3 people per raft
  • Experience: All participants must know how to swim. Previous rafting experience is strongly recommended.

What to Bring:

  • Transportation
  • T-shirt and shorts over swimsuit
  • Water shoes (ankle-strap required)
  • Sunscreen
  • Guide gratuity
  • Dry clothes for after (changing rooms available)
Group of rafters on the lower Pigeon River near Gatlinburg TN.

Group Rafting - Lower Pigeon

The Lower Pigeon River rafting trip is perfect for families and those seeking a relaxing float through the scenic Pigeon River Gorge. This leisurely 5 1/2-mile adventure, available from May to September, offers calm waters ideal for water fights and splashing, making it a fun experience for all ages. If you’re seeking a slower-paced, picturesque rafting trip, this is the perfect choice for a memorable day on the river.

  • Price: $56
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Location: Pigeon River

Details

Cost: $56 per person

Timing:

  • 1-1.5 hours
  • 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM departures
  • Operates Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday – May 26– September 1 (No Sunday, Monday, Friday tours)

Included:

  • Expert guide
  •  5.5-mile scenic float
  • Life jacket
  • River shuttle

 

 

Tour Location: Pigeon River

Meeting Point: Hartford, TN – 33 miles / 55 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Restrictions:

  • Minimum age: 3 years
  • Party size: 1-50 people (availability dependent)
  • Raft size: 6-8 people per raft

What to Bring:

  • Transportation
  • T-shirt and shorts over swimsuit
  • Water shoes (ankle-strap required)
  • Sunscreen
  • Guide gratuity
  • Dry clothes for after (changing rooms available)
Family going through rapid on the Pigeon River.

Group Whitewater Rafting - Upper Pigeon

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure on the Pigeon River, tackling Class III-IV rapids. Perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers, this thrilling trip takes you through big waves, drops, and rock maneuvers while offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, blending excitement and natural beauty at every turn.

  • Price: $59 per person
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Location: Pigeon

Details

Cost: $56 per person

Timing:

  • 2.5-3 hours
  • 11:00 – 5:00 PM departures
  • Operates Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday – May 26– September 1 (No Sunday, Monday, Friday tours)

Included:

  • Expert guide
  • Class III-IV rapids
  • Life jacket
  • River shuttle

 

 

Tour Location: Pigeon River

Meeting Point: Hartford, TN – 33 miles / 55 minutes from Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Restrictions:

  • Minimum age: 8 years
  • Minimum weight: 70 pounds
  • Party size: 1-50 people (availability dependent)
  • Raft size: 6-8 people per raft

What to bring:

  • Transportation
  • T-shirt and shorts over swimsuit
  • Water shoes (ankle-strap required)
  • Sunscreen
  • Guide gratuity
  • Dry clothes for after (changing rooms available)

Guests must have a tent reservation confirmed before an adventure request is processed. Contact Under Canvas Reservations Team at 888-496-1148 or reservations@undercanvas.com.

Select dates to view availability.