The 13 Top Tours & Things To Do In Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Which Is Best?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn’t just a pretty place — it’s a treasure trove of ways to explore, learn, and enjoy. Whether you’re craving an adrenaline rush on a river raft, a leisurely scenic drive with audio commentary, or a walk through history and waterfalls, the park offers a variety of tours that suit nearly every interest.

We particularly enjoy the 3-Hour Nantahala River Fully Guided Rafting Experience for its fun, beginner-friendly rapids, and the Waterfalls and Breweries Tour from Bryson City for a full day of nature and craft beer.

This list covers everything from self-guided drives and art hikes to historic museums and zip lining over waterfalls. No matter your pace or interests, there’s something here to make your visit memorable.

Quick Overview of Tours & Things To Do

In this guide, we’ve gathered the best ways to experience the Smokies, including guided river rafting, self-guided audio tours, waterfall and brewery trips, and cultural explorations. For those who want a thrill, the zip line over a waterfall is a standout. If you prefer learning at your own pace, self-guided driving and audio tours provide detailed insights without the rush.

For a more relaxed day, scenic drives with audio guides or visiting the Cherokee Museum are excellent options. The full list below offers a range of choices, each with its unique appeal.

1. 3-Hour Nantahala River Fully Guided Rafting Experience

At number 1, this guided rafting trip makes full use of its prime location right at the Nantahala River takeout, simplifying logistics. For just over $65 per person, you get about 3 hours of family-friendly rapids suitable for beginners, with guides like Zak keeping everyone entertained with stories and water-gun antics.

The trip covers around 8 miles of gentle but fun rapids, with reviews praising the scenery and organization. The fact that you only ride the bus once — finishing at your car — makes this trip smooth and hassle-free.

Several reviews mention how welcoming and professional the staff are, with Adam standing out as a guide who enhances the trip with his humor.

This tour is perfect for families with kids aged 7 to 11 and anyone seeking a safe, fun introduction to whitewater rafting. Afterward, you can relax at the riverside restaurants and soak in the mountain surroundings. The value is excellent, blending adventure with convenience.

Bottom Line: If you want a guided, beginner-friendly river adventure that’s easy to book and fun for all ages, this rafting trip hits the mark.

2. Waterfalls and Breweries Tour from Bryson City, NC

Number 2 on our list combines nature and craft beer in a full-day private tour. For $168, your group visits four waterfalls in the Cullasaja River Gorge, with hikes down to the falls, along with five top breweries in Franklin, NC. The tour expertly balances outdoor activities and tastings, offering a complimentary pint at each brewery, with round-trip transportation included.

The waterfalls stop involves some hiking – about a mile round trip on the third stop – so it’s best suited for those comfortable on foot.

Guests frequently praise guide Mark for his knowledge and friendliness, making the experience educational and fun. Visitors note the scenic beauty of the waterfalls coupled with the relaxed brewery visits as a highlight. This trip offers a great way to enjoy multiple aspects of mountain life in one day, especially if you’re into beer, hiking, and waterfalls.

Bottom Line: Perfect for groups seeking a full-day mix of outdoor adventure and craft beer, with the convenience of transportation and guided commentary.

3. Great Smoky Mountains & Cades Cove Self-Guided Driving Tours

Number 3 offers a self-guided audio experience that lets you explore Cades Cove and the surrounding areas at your own pace. For just $24.99, you’ll receive a downloadable tour that guides you through sights like Mingus Mill, historic churches, and scenic overlooks. The tour plays automatically via GPS, so you can pause or skip as you wish, making it ideal for a flexible day of sightseeing.

Reviews highlight how helpful the informative narration is, especially when exploring landmarks like the John Oliver Place or Cades Cove’s wildlife and history. The tour provides insights into the Civil War’s impact on the area and details about local life, making it educational as well as scenic. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a drive with commentary and wish to avoid guided groups.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for independent travelers who want full control over their schedule, with educational and scenic stops along the way.

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour

Number 4 offers a shorter, budget-friendly self-driving tour for $16.99, ideal for those on a time crunch or just wanting a taste of the park. The tour covers key spots like Clingman’s Dome and Rainbow Falls, with GPS-guided narration that enriches your visit. You can explore at your own pace, stopping at overlooks or pulling off for photos.

Reviews note that while there’s a slight learning curve, the information provided enriches the drive and adds context to the stunning scenery. It’s best for visitors who want a quick, flexible introduction to the park’s highlights without committing to a full-day adventure.

Bottom Line: For a cost-effective, flexible introduction to the Smokies, this tour makes a good option, especially for short visits.

5. Sevierville: Waterfall Canopy Zip Lining in Smoky Mountains

Number 5 features an adrenaline-pumping activity: zip lining over a waterfall. For $99, you’ll soar on seven zip lines and cross two sky bridges during a 2-hour adventure. The zip lines vary in length, giving you plenty of variety, and the expert staff ensures safety and fun for all ages. The experience is highly rated for its unique setting and lively guides.

This tour is perfect for families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers looking for a thrill. The highlight is definitely zipping directly over the mountain waterfall, which offers some incredible photo opportunities. It’s a great way to combine adventure with scenic views.

Bottom Line: For a memorable, high-energy experience with a stunning natural backdrop, this zip line tour is a top pick.

6. Museum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket

Number 6 offers an educational visit to learn about the Cherokee culture and history. For $15, you get access to the Museum of the Cherokee People, which features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and stories. It’s an excellent stop for history buffs and families alike, with exhibits like the story of the Cherokees spanning 13,000 years.

Visitors praise the engaging displays and the way the exhibits bring Cherokee history to life. The museum provides a deep dive into Native American culture, making it a meaningful cultural experience separate from outdoor activities.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those interested in Native American heritage and seeking an educational, family-friendly outing.

7. Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Number 7 is a self-guided audio tour of Cades Cove, perfect for exploring the scenic loop at your own speed. For $14.99, you’ll learn about Civil War impacts, historic cabins, and wildlife, with stops at key landmarks like the John Oliver Place and the Primitive Baptist Church.

Guests appreciate how the audio commentary enriches the drive and makes history come alive. It’s flexible and suitable for families or solo travelers who want to enjoy the scenery and stories without the pressure of a guided group.

Bottom Line: A flexible, informative way to explore Cades Cove and its stories at your own pace.

8. Clingmans Dome Self Guided Walking Audio Tour

Number 8 features a self-guided hike up Clingmans Dome with an audio tour. For $9.99, this tour guides you on a half-mile walk to the observation tower, sharing stories about the area’s geology, history, and flora. The panoramic views at the top are unforgettable, especially on clear days.

Reviews highlight how the stories add depth to the hike, making the effort more rewarding. The tour is perfect for those who enjoy hiking but want some context along the way.

Bottom Line: Great for walkers and nature lovers wanting to learn more about this iconic landmark.

9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Number 9 is a highly comprehensive audio tour covering 14 key stops, including Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap, and Alum Cave Trail. For $15.99, this tour is ideal for longer stays or multiple trips, as it covers all the essentials in a 14- to 15-hour itinerary.

Reviewers mention its expert narration and how it brings the park’s ecology, geology, and history vividly to life. It suits travelers who want the most detailed experience possible.

Bottom Line: Perfect for serious explorers or repeat visitors who want a thorough understanding of the Smokies.

10. Flatland Cavalry at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort

Number 10 moves into entertainment, with a live concert experience at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort. For around $77, you can enjoy the music of Flatland Cavalry, a band blending country and Texas roots, in a lively setting.

While not a natural activity in the park itself, this event complements your trip with nightlife entertainment. The resort’s amenities, including dining and gaming, add to the experience.

Bottom Line: Best for those looking to combine a night of music and relaxation with their Smoky Mountain visit.

11. Great Smoky Mountains NP Driving Tour smartphone autoplay APP/GPS

Number 11 offers a hands-free GPS-guided driving tour for $9.75. It automatically plays stories about Cherokee legends, settler history, and local wildlife as you approach each point of interest, making it perfect for drivers who want narration without distraction.

The app is user-friendly and offers unlimited use, making it great for multiple trips or extended visits. Reviewers find it informative and easy to use, especially when exploring at a relaxed pace.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want autoplay narration and flexibility during your drive through the Smokies.

12. Guided Art Adventure Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains Nat’l Park

Number 12 combines nature walk and art instruction. For $250, you’ll enjoy a 3.5-hour beginner-friendly hike with a guide who shares stories and identifies plants used by the Cherokee. Afterward, you get to paint your own landscape under expert guidance, capturing waterfalls, cabins, or sunsets.

This experience is unique for blending outdoor activity and creative expression. It’s ideal for travelers interested in art and nature but may not suit those seeking high-intensity adventure. The focus on personalized instruction makes it a memorable artistic outing.

Bottom Line: For creative souls wanting a peaceful, inspiring outdoor activity, this tour delivers a full artistic experience.

13. Private Professional Photoshoot in the Smoky Mountains

Finally, the professional photoshoot offers an effortless way to get stunning images amid the park’s scenery. For around $225, a photographer captures your group or family in iconic spots, providing high-quality keepsakes.

This service suits those celebrating milestones or wanting memorable family portraits with minimal effort. Many reviews mention the ease of the process and beautiful results that they cherish long after the trip.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want professional photos without the hassle, perfect for marking special occasions.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time available, and specific interests. For adventure lovers, the rafting or zip line tours are unbeatable. If you prefer a relaxed, educational experience, self-guided drives or museum visits are ideal.

For a mixture of nature and culture, the waterfalls and breweries tour offers both. If capturing memories is your goal, the professional photoshoot is hard to beat.

Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like river rafting or zip lining, which sell out quickly in peak seasons. Think about your fitness level and whether you prefer guided or self-guided experiences. And don’t forget to check weather conditions — some tours, like hikes or zip lining, are weather-dependent.

Final Thoughts

The Great Smoky Mountains provide a wide array of tours and activities that cater to different tastes and energy levels. For those seeking adventure, the Nantahala River rafting and waterfall zip lines stand out.

For travelers wanting to enjoy history and culture, the Cherokee museum and self-guided drives are excellent picks. And if capturing memories is your priority, the professional photoshoot adds a personal touch.

No matter which you pick, booking early and planning your days around your interests will ensure a smoother, more fulfilling experience. The Smokies are waiting — now’s the time to choose your perfect adventure.