Experience History and Nature in Harmony
Step aboard an ADA-accessible, air-conditioned bus and journey through Cades Cove — the Smokies’ most cherished valley. Learn the stories of its early settlers, marvel at preserved cabins and churches, and encounter wildlife in comfort with engaging narration from expert local guides.
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$47 USD
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All Ages
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3–4 Hours
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Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
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Townsend
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- Step Into Living History
- Ride In Comfort And Connection
- Nature And Culture In Harmony
- Explore Cades Cove
- Guided Smoky Tours
- Comfortable Rides
- Wildlife Wonders
- Rich Local History
- Museum Admission Included
- Engaging Storytelling
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- Guided bus tour through Cades Cove; Museum & Heritage Village admission; Air-conditioned, ADA-accessible transport; Professional local guide.
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- Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water bottle, and camera.
Cades Cove Heritage Tour – Public Bus Tour Features
Step Into Living History
Walk in the footsteps of early Appalachian settlers as your guide brings Cades Cove’s cabins, churches, and homesteads to life. Feel the stories behind every log wall and rolling meadow as history surrounds you on this immersive heritage experience.
Ride in Comfort and Connection
Relax aboard an air-conditioned, ADA-accessible bus designed for every traveler. With panoramic windows and engaging narration, you’ll enjoy every view, photo stop, and wildlife sighting — without the stress of driving or parking.
Cades Cove Heritage Tour – Public Bus Tour Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Itinerary
- Price & Availability
- Food & Drink
- Instructions
- Restrictions
- Transportation
Highlights
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Explore Cades Cove
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Guided Smoky Tours
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Comfortable Rides
-
Wildlife Wonders
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Private Bookings
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Rich Local History
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Photography Stops
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Museum Admission Included
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ADA Accessible Buses
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Engaging Storytelling
Description
Explore the Smokies at a relaxed pace on this professionally guided heritage tour through Cades Cove. Departing from the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, you’ll ride in comfort along the 11-mile loop road, surrounded by valleys rich in wildlife and history. Your guide shares stories of 19th-century Appalachian life while pointing out iconic landmarks like John Oliver Cabin, Primitive Baptist Church, and the Cable Mill Historic Area. Stop for photos, spot deer or black bears, and learn how this landscape shaped a way of life. Admission to the Heritage Center’s museum and outdoor village is included with your ticket for an even deeper look at Smoky Mountain culture and craftsmanship. Perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and first-time visitors wanting to see the Smokies in comfort and connection.
Itinerary
9:15 AM – Check in at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
9:30 AM – Depart for Cades Cove Loop Road
Stops include John Oliver Cabin, Primitive Baptist Church, and Cable Mill Historic Area
Wildlife viewing along the loop (deer, black bears, and turkeys possible)
Photography stop at Hyatt Lane and Visitor Center visit
Return to Heritage Center after 3–4 hours
Price & Availability
$47 Adults (13+); $34 Children (4–12); Free for Ages 3 and Under. Operates Seasonally.
Food & Drink
Guests may bring bottled water and snacks (non-alcoholic only).
Instructions
Check in 15 minutes before departure at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend, TN 37882.
Restrictions
All ages welcome. ADA-accessible buses available. Not recommended for those unable to sit for long periods. Pets not permitted.
Transportation
Transportation provided on guided bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Smoky Mountain History in Comfort
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CONTACT US
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National Park Tours
700 Rochelle Cir
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
