Smoky Mountain Elk & Waterfall Safari Jeep Tour
Price: $149.99 per Person
Experience the Wild Side of the Smokies
Journey deep into the Great Smoky Mountains on a guided open-air safari Jeep adventure through elk country, waterfalls, Cherokee heritage sites, scenic mountain valleys, and the world-famous Blue Ridge Parkway.
This immersive small-group experience combines wildlife viewing, panoramic mountain scenery, authentic Appalachian storytelling, Cherokee culture, and hidden Smoky Mountain gems into one unforgettable Western North Carolina adventure.
99% Elk Sighting Success Rate on PM Tours
Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Adventure
Visit Stunning 120-Foot Mingo Falls
Guided by Local Cherokee & Appalachian Descendant Guides
Book Your Safari Adventure
★★★★★ Rated One of the Most Unique Smoky Mountain Adventures
Small-Group Experience · Wildlife Viewing · Scenic Mountain Exploration · Cherokee Storytelling
QUICK TOUR DETAILS
| Duration | 3–3.5 Hours |
|---|---|
| Starting Location | Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
| Tour Type | Open-Air Safari Jeep Tour |
| Group Size | Small-Group Experience |
| Private Tours | Available for up to 11 Guests |
| Ages | 5+ |
| Best Tour Time | PM Elk Tours |
| Best For | Wildlife, Waterfalls & Scenic Adventure |
Likely to Sell Out During Peak Elk Viewing Season
Experience the Smokies Beyond the Crowds
This is not a crowded bus tour or a rushed sightseeing attraction. This is a cinematic Smoky Mountain safari experience designed to immerse guests in the landscapes, wildlife, culture, and spirit of the mountains. Your journey begins in Maggie Valley before climbing nearly three miles in elevation toward the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the route, guests experience winding mountain roads, panoramic overlooks, scenic valleys, wildlife habitat, historic mountain tunnels, and hidden corners of the Smokies many visitors never discover. Every stop is intentionally designed to feel immersive, authentic, and unforgettable.One of the Best Elk Viewing Tours in the Smokies
Our PM Elk Tour features an incredible 99% elk sighting success rate, making it one of the top wildlife viewing experiences in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Guests frequently encounter:
- Wild elk
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkey
- Black bears
- Native Smoky Mountain wildlife
Evening hours provide the best opportunity to witness elk activity throughout the Oconaluftee region inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Watching wild elk roam freely through the valleys of the Smokies is often the highlight of our guests’ entire mountain vacation.
Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Adventure
Travel along one of America’s most breathtaking mountain roads while enjoying panoramic views stretching deep into the Appalachian wilderness. Tour highlights include:- Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway drive
- Travel through 5 historic mountain tunnels
- Elevations exceeding one mile high
- Sweeping mountain overlooks
- Scenic photography stops
- Cross Soco Gap at 4,340 feet
Visit Mingo Falls & Cherokee, North Carolina
Experience breathtaking Mingo Falls, one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located on the Qualla Boundary within the Cherokee Reservation, Mingo Falls plunges approximately 120 feet through lush mountain forest and is widely considered one of the hidden natural wonders of the Smokies. Guests also explore Cherokee, North Carolina, where guides share regional history, Cherokee heritage, mountain traditions, and authentic Smoky Mountain storytelling throughout the journey.Guided by Local Cherokee & Appalachian Descendant Guides
Unlike generic sightseeing attractions, this experience is led by local Cherokee and Appalachian descendant guides who bring the Smoky Mountains to life through authentic storytelling and regional knowledge.
Throughout the tour, guests learn about:
- Cherokee culture and heritage
- Appalachian mountain traditions
- Elk restoration in the Smokies
- Historic mountain communities
- Regional folklore and legends
- Wildlife habitat and ecology
- Great Smoky Mountains history
This creates a far more meaningful and immersive experience than traditional tourism attractions.
Scenic Stops & Photography Opportunities
This experience offers some of the best scenic and wildlife photography opportunities in the Smoky Mountains. Guests frequently capture:- Wild elk sightings
- Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks
- Mountain tunnel drives
- Waterfall photography
- Cherokee landscapes
- Smoky Mountain sunsets
- Wildlife and scenic valley views
Why Guests Love This Tour
★★★★★ “The highlight of our Smoky Mountain trip.”
★★★★★ “We saw elk everywhere and the views were unbelievable.”
★★★★★ “Felt authentic, immersive, and completely different from tourist attractions.”
★★★★★ “The storytelling and scenery made this one of the best experiences of our vacation.”
★★★★★ “If you want to experience the real Smokies, this is the tour.”
Visiting from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Asheville?
Many of our guests travel from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Asheville, Bryson City, Cherokee, and surrounding mountain communities to experience one of the most authentic wildlife and scenic adventures in the Smokies. Unlike crowded tourist-strip attractions, this immersive Jeep safari takes guests deep into the mountains for a more peaceful and meaningful Smoky Mountain experience centered around wildlife, waterfalls, scenic drives, and authentic regional storytelling. For travelers seeking the real Smokies beyond the crowds, this experience is well worth the drive.What’s Included
- Guided open-air safari Jeep tour
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park exploration
- Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway drive
- Elk and wildlife viewing opportunities
- Visit to Mingo Falls
- Visit to Cherokee, North Carolina
- Scenic overlooks and photography stops
- Cherokee & Appalachian storytelling
- Local expert guides
- Small-group immersive experience
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing
- Walking shoes
- Light jacket
- Camera or smartphone
- Bottled water
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
Perfect For
This Smoky Mountain Jeep adventure is perfect for:
- Families visiting the Smoky Mountains
- Couples seeking scenic adventures
- Wildlife photographers
- Nature lovers
- Blue Ridge Parkway travelers
- Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge visitors
- Asheville travelers exploring Western North Carolina
- Guests seeking authentic Smoky Mountain experiences
- Travelers looking for unforgettable elk viewing opportunities
Tour Availability & Booking
Due to limited seating and high seasonal demand during peak elk viewing months, advanced reservations are strongly recommended.
Private Jeep safari experiences are also available for families, couples, photographers, and small groups seeking a more personalized Smoky Mountain adventure.
Experience the Authentic Smoky Mountains
From wild elk and waterfalls to scenic mountain drives and Cherokee storytelling, this unforgettable open-air safari delivers one of the most immersive ways to experience the Great Smoky Mountains.
If you’re searching for authentic mountain scenery, wildlife encounters, and meaningful regional storytelling beyond crowded tourist attractions, this is the Smoky Mountain adventure you’ve been looking for.
Escape the Crowds. Experience the Real Smokies.
Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our guided wilderness tours.
What are the chances of seeing elk?
Our PM Elk Tour features a remarkable 99% elk sighting success rate, making it one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Does the tour enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes. The tour explores scenic wildlife areas, overlooks, and elk viewing regions inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Does the tour travel on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Yes. Guests enjoy a scenic Blue Ridge Parkway drive featuring panoramic mountain views and historic mountain tunnels.
What waterfall do we visit?
Guests visit breathtaking Mingo Falls located on the Qualla Boundary near Cherokee, North Carolina.
Is the Jeep open-air?
Yes. The tour uses a custom open-air safari-style Jeep specifically designed for scenic mountain exploration and wildlife viewing
How long is the tour?
The guided Jeep adventure lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
Are private tours available?
Yes. Private Smoky Mountain Jeep tours are available for groups up to 11 guests.
Contact Us
Still Have questions? Get in touch with us.
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Policies and Procedures
Refund Policy
UTV/ Side by Side units are reserved solely for you and your family only, and with that we do not offer any refunds. We do offer you re-scheduling or gift certificate without expiration date and that are fully transferable. The ONLY refunds that will be processed are refunds when our adventure tour guides cancel due to UNSAFE weather conditions. This does not include basic rain or snow; it refers to excessive winds and warnings directly in our area.