Great Smoky Mountains National Park self-driving tour

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover why it’s the most visited National Park in the country! Buckle up and prepare for a deep dive into the most famous stretch of the Appalachians.As you drive through these scenic mountains, you’ll hear all about parts of Cherokee history you’ve never heard before, like the ancient Cherokee monarchy and the revolutionaries who fought against it! You’ll also get to hear detailed accounts of Cherokee ancestral legends about these mountains, from the great buzzard who shaped the Smoky Mountains from clay to the witch whose droplets of blood bloom into stalks of corn!The Great Smoky Mountains are so vast that it can be tricky to find all the best spots. Witness the majesty of Rainbow Falls, the 360-degree views atop Clingmans Dome, and the deep-rooted history of the Elys Mill. The flexible route allows you to take all the time you need to admire the timeless wonders of the mountains.Along the way, you will be filled in not just on the rich history of the area and the people who have lived here, but also the complex flora and fauna which call these mountains home. Get to know the creatures of Cades Cove and learn how wildfires form an integral part of this vast, interconnected ecosystem.As you drive, audio stories will automatically pop up and start playing, allowing you to keep your attention on the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.