Explore the
Great Smoky Mountain Wilderness
in a UTV
Unleash your spirit of adventure with our UTV Excursions, a testament to our dedication to fostering positive impact in Western North Carolina. Our expert guides, more than just navigators, are stewards of the untouched wilderness, providing a glimpse into the region’s ecological marvels. In our rugged UTVs, the thrill of off-road exploration meets our commitment to responsible tourism. Each ride is a unique encounter with nature, embodying the values that make us pioneers in sustainable tourism. Join us for a personalized UTV adventure, where every trail blazed contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our guided wilderness tours.
How old do you have to be to operate?
Scenic Tours & Adventures requires that a customer be at least 21 years old to operate our vehicles. All drivers must be listed on the rental agreement and have a valid driver’s license.
Do I need to make a reservation or can I just show up?
Walk-ups to our office are welcome, but we recommend that you make a reservation in advance as we book up quickly.
Contact Us
Still Have questions? Get in touch with us.
Happy Customers
Read what our clients have to say about us
Elizabeth Parker
13:41 30 Dec 25
Bryan was awesome! We weren't able to go on the Blue Ridge because it was closed due to ice but he took us through the Cherokee Reservation and then took us up some trails that has us looking down on the parkway. I've been to this area quite a few times and never experienced it like this. Bryan was a wonderful tour guide, very knowledgeable and entertaining. I highly recommend this tour if traveling to the area
Christian Saunders
16:24 04 Dec 25
Scenic Tours and Adventures will always hold a piece of my heart!
Bryan, our Tour Guide, took us on an incredible Jeep tour through Cherokee NC. Sharing stories and educating us on the Cherokee land and Nation.
The views were stunning. Waterfalls, mountain scenery, riding along the Oconaluftee River and coming upon a gang of elk and one random deer frolicking through the herd, a unique interaction to witness.
The most moving moment of the day was hearing Bryan sing Amazing Grace in Cherokee while standing among the elk. It touched my soul and is something I’ll never forget!
His knowledge, kindness, and heart made the entire experience feel personal and meaningful. Whether he knows it or not, Bryan is family now.
When we return to Cherokee, we’ll be taking another tour for sure. If you’re looking for a memorable adventure, this is the company to choose. Call Nina to book your trip with Bryan today. Beautiful people, beautiful company, beautiful experience. We HIGHLY recommend!
Bryan, our Tour Guide, took us on an incredible Jeep tour through Cherokee NC. Sharing stories and educating us on the Cherokee land and Nation.
The views were stunning. Waterfalls, mountain scenery, riding along the Oconaluftee River and coming upon a gang of elk and one random deer frolicking through the herd, a unique interaction to witness.
The most moving moment of the day was hearing Bryan sing Amazing Grace in Cherokee while standing among the elk. It touched my soul and is something I’ll never forget!
His knowledge, kindness, and heart made the entire experience feel personal and meaningful. Whether he knows it or not, Bryan is family now.
When we return to Cherokee, we’ll be taking another tour for sure. If you’re looking for a memorable adventure, this is the company to choose. Call Nina to book your trip with Bryan today. Beautiful people, beautiful company, beautiful experience. We HIGHLY recommend!
Kris G
12:13 12 Nov 25
1000/10 recommend this place!
Brian was an absolutely amazing guide! He gave us all kinds of info and history about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, local vegetation and wildlife, was personable with all 8 of us, and took us to see the wild elk in the national park! I learned so much about the tribe that I didn't know, which has made me gain more respect for Native peoples than I already do!
It really was so much fun and worth the price of it (especially if you smoke & do the adults only tour😉)! Kids and adults alike would have a blast on the basic tours.
Brian was an absolutely amazing guide! He gave us all kinds of info and history about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, local vegetation and wildlife, was personable with all 8 of us, and took us to see the wild elk in the national park! I learned so much about the tribe that I didn't know, which has made me gain more respect for Native peoples than I already do!
It really was so much fun and worth the price of it (especially if you smoke & do the adults only tour😉)! Kids and adults alike would have a blast on the basic tours.
Emily Ruby
16:42 03 Nov 25
We did the Sacred Smoke Tour. And it was SO fun! Bryan was an amazing tour guide. We loved learning about the Cherokee history and how the Res works. Mingo Falls was breathtaking…all the steps are worth it! We will be booking again when we come back! Best part was hitting the food truck before heading to the National Park for elk viewing. When we got to the park we saw a herd for almost 100 elk! It was incredible to witness. Book your tour with Bryan today…you won’t regret it!
Bonus tip: Definitely recommend getting the sweet fry bread. You’ll thank me later!
Bonus tip: Definitely recommend getting the sweet fry bread. You’ll thank me later!
Karim A
00:45 03 Nov 25
Loved every minute of the tour. My wife and i enjoyed our time. Our tour guide was great, he was informative, experienced, and funny. You can tell he grew up here. He was very respectful and assured that we all had what we needed to enjoy our time. I would highly recommend the tour if you are planning to visit the area.
K Norman
22:44 25 Oct 25
Bryan was a fabulous guide through the Great Smokey Mountains, super knowledgeable about the area history and happy to answer questions. The views he brought us to were incredible! He was also the group photographer, making sure to snap some pics along the way of everyone which he shared at the end so we could all have photos of ourselves enjoying the day. The fall leaves were different colors at different elevations and the whole trip was just stunning. Great experience. Recommend!
Selena Mayeaux
13:41 14 Oct 25
We enjoyed the jeep tour we went on yesterday! I wasn’t sure if it would be my thing or not, but my husband wanted to try it out… I wound up thoroughly enjoying it! Brian was very knowledgeable and an excellent tour guide. Seeing the beautiful scenery, the Cherokee land, Mingo falls and the elk was well worth it!
Highly recommend this tour!
Highly recommend this tour!
Casey Miles
00:55 28 Sep 25
Brian and his tour through the Maggie Valley and Cherokee areas was absolutely excellent! I loved the historical content in his tour, and I think this may have been my favorite part of the tour. The places we went were great. The off road section of the tour went to one of the fire towers. We stopped to see an elk herd just outside of Cherokee and got excellent pictures! Mingo Falls, Stonemont Church, and the Soco Falls trail head.
Mr. Brian, thank you!
Mr. Brian, thank you!
Erin Miles
23:54 27 Sep 25
Absolutely awesome! We got the royal treatment (the only couple that went cause of the rain- then it cleared up and we had blue skies and sunshine!) Brian was an excellent guide. Extremely friendly and very informative! We loved the history he shared with us. The stops along the tour were great! In some cases, breathtaking! Brian was concerned for us and others we encountered while viewing the elk during the rut. He was always greeting strangers we passed and was very professional! We highly recommend this tour. We'll most definitely be back!
Lee Delk
11:34 27 Sep 25
The tour was great. Bryan, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the history of the Cherokee Nation. He took us to several scenic routes and when the tour was ending, he asked if we all wanted to see some elk and, of course, we did. We spent an extra hour or so driving around the national park where we saw lots of elk. I would recommend this tour and Bryan as your guide.
Judy Bales
19:43 16 Sep 25
We really enjoyed our tour of the reservation and the Tribal Trout hatchery. The trout are something to see! We had an “Indian Taco” @ Bird Town, it was delicious! Getting to see the Cannabis Farm was amazing!! It was really nice to learn some Cherokee history from Bryan; as we rode through the reservation! We definitely recommend Scenic Tours & Adventures; and hope to visit again soon!
Christine Galgano
13:36 15 Apr 25
4/12/2025
I did the 3 hr off road UTV Wilderness adventure. All the staff was very nice and helpful. They even provide warm pants and windbreakers in case you forget to bring warmer clothes! It does get old up on the mountain! Bryan was a great guide. He shared a lot of knowledge about the area in general and is very knowledgeable about the plant/animal life and biodiversity at the various elevations on the mountain. Bryan is also a wealth of knowledge about the Cherokee nation as a good part of the tour takes place on the reservation. You even get to drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway! Bryan made the trip great fun sharing not only what he knows but his humor as well! Highly recommend the tour! Will definitely do this again!
I did the 3 hr off road UTV Wilderness adventure. All the staff was very nice and helpful. They even provide warm pants and windbreakers in case you forget to bring warmer clothes! It does get old up on the mountain! Bryan was a great guide. He shared a lot of knowledge about the area in general and is very knowledgeable about the plant/animal life and biodiversity at the various elevations on the mountain. Bryan is also a wealth of knowledge about the Cherokee nation as a good part of the tour takes place on the reservation. You even get to drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway! Bryan made the trip great fun sharing not only what he knows but his humor as well! Highly recommend the tour! Will definitely do this again!
Sarah Grimes
14:00 12 Apr 25
We had a great experience on this UTV tour. Bryan was a great guide and we learned so much about the Cherokee culture and history. Lots of elk along the way as well! This tour is great for all ages and I loved driving the UTV. Highly recommend, but make sure you bring plenty of layers as you'll be going up and down the mountains. Didn't forget the snacks and water too. The gravel roads were mostly very well maintained.
Ariel Stanley
17:09 10 Apr 25
It was awesome sauce. Beautiful view.🎀🎀🎀 everyone should go.
Geody Vaughn
16:43 31 Mar 25
We had a terrific time on our tour. Brian was an informative & charming guide. We learned a lot about the area, wildlife & Cherokee culture. Highly recommend!!
Michael McGreevy
13:15 31 Mar 25
Incredible experience. The views/nature were astonishing. Brian was not just very knowledgeable but an upstanding human being. Can’t thank you guys enough
Elliot Weldy
00:39 29 Mar 25
What an amazing experience this was! Our guide Bryan was amazing, knowledgeable and friendly! The route he took us on was breathtaking and adventurous! We saw more in 4 hours than we ever would have seen trying to guide ourselves. We also learned so much about the area and Cherokee culture. It was so interesting and such a well rounded trip! I would highly recommend this tour to everyone young and old. I would definitely do it again if the opportunity comes up in my future! Thank you Bryan for making this the highlight of our vacation!
Kiara Tompkins
13:03 25 Mar 25
This is on of the BEST tours I’ve ever been on! From the views, the history, and the tour guide — we couldn’t have asked for a better time. It was a cold morning on the day of our tour but we were given snow bibs and coats to keep us warm on our mile high journey up into the mountains. Our tour guide, Bryan got the jeep ready with the heater in the back and off we went. Bryan provided us with history of the surrounding area and Cherokee culture, while also tying in some of his own lived experiences to bring everything to life. We made several stops along the way to look at the beautiful mountain landscape and wildlife. We even stoped at a waterfall and got to hike to the top for some beautiful pictures.
One of my favorite stops was in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park at Lufty Baptist Church. Bryan provided us with a moving history of the Cherokee people and the Trail of Tears and the history of the church itself. He also sang “Amazing Grace” in Cherokee and it was SO powerful.
For the price, duration, and quality of this tour, it can’t be beat! I highly recommend anyone visiting the Cherokee/Bryson City/Maggie Valley area take this tour. You won’t be disappointed!
One of my favorite stops was in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park at Lufty Baptist Church. Bryan provided us with a moving history of the Cherokee people and the Trail of Tears and the history of the church itself. He also sang “Amazing Grace” in Cherokee and it was SO powerful.
For the price, duration, and quality of this tour, it can’t be beat! I highly recommend anyone visiting the Cherokee/Bryson City/Maggie Valley area take this tour. You won’t be disappointed!
Richard H
21:54 10 Mar 25
Awesome UTV tour with Brian. Fun and even a bit challenging trails up and down the mountains. Beautiful views and we got to see some Elk. Highlighted by Brians excellent narration and wealth of knowledge in regard to the Cherokee Reservation and way of life. Absolutely 10 out 10. Highly recommend.
Paula Carnell
20:24 07 Dec 24
High atop a mountain top, we had the best family adventure ever! Bryan, our guide, was an expert driver through the hills and curves of our mountain adventure. He gave us an enlightening discourse about the people of Cherokee, and their ways. He, also, helped us navigate the cannabis shop; which, was the biggest we had ever seen. All in all, a beautiful experience was had. We are ready to come back this summer.
Katherine
23:02 24 Nov 24
A couple of days before our trip I called Scenic Tours & Adventures to get more information and be able to choose the best tour for my husband and me. A real person answered the phone! Nina was knowledgeable about each tour and answered all my questions. I chose the 3 hour UTV tour. We arrived the morning of our tour and Nina checked us in. She is a lovely person. Bryan, our guide and the owner, met us and away we went. He was knowledgeable about the mountains, nature and his people of the Cherokee nation. He told us all about the great history with interesting facts and stories. Best of all there was snow on the ground with clear skies so you could see for miles! Bryan found the elk, directed us on great trails, and we saw a beautiful waterfall! My husband drove so Bryan was able to take photographs along the way and shared all of them with us. I would recommend a tour for anyone who loves the outdoors and taking in God’s beautiful creations!
Kathleen Gresh
18:06 27 Oct 24
If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure steeped in culture, history, and natural beauty, this scenic tour of the Cherokee Reservation and Smoky Mountain National Park is it! We were lucky enough to have Bryan as our guide, and he brought the journey to life in ways we couldn't have imagined.
From the very start, Bryan’s warm and welcoming personality put us at ease, making it feel like we were exploring with a friend rather than a guide. His stories of his family’s Cherokee heritage were mesmerizing, adding depth and personal connection to every landmark and trail. It wasn’t just a tour; it was a journey through history, culture, and Bryan’s genuine love for the land. Each story he shared was woven with pride and reverence for his ancestors, making our experience not only informative but deeply moving.
This tour was everything we had hoped for and so much more. Bryan’s passion for his heritage and the landscape shines through, making this experience truly unique. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone wanting an authentic, awe-inspiring journey into Cherokee history and the heart of the Smokies!
From the very start, Bryan’s warm and welcoming personality put us at ease, making it feel like we were exploring with a friend rather than a guide. His stories of his family’s Cherokee heritage were mesmerizing, adding depth and personal connection to every landmark and trail. It wasn’t just a tour; it was a journey through history, culture, and Bryan’s genuine love for the land. Each story he shared was woven with pride and reverence for his ancestors, making our experience not only informative but deeply moving.
This tour was everything we had hoped for and so much more. Bryan’s passion for his heritage and the landscape shines through, making this experience truly unique. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone wanting an authentic, awe-inspiring journey into Cherokee history and the heart of the Smokies!
tyler beggs
01:28 17 Oct 24
Awesome experience! Bryan is extremely knowledgeable and shares his Cherokee ancestry well! I highly recommend booking a tour today! The Smokey Mountains are beautiful this time of year and always are! Maggie Valley is open for business! Come visit now!
Lisa Sucena
14:01 26 Sep 24
Such a adventure! We booked last minute and we're able to easily be accommodated. The experience was so great and our guide was so engaging and informative. We went to very remote areas and saw beautiful untouched nature and views. It was easy and low impact but the experience and sights packed a punch! Bryan was so knowledgeable and we learned so much about the area. I can't say enough great things, you'll have to experience it for yourself! You won't be disappointed!
Jeff Williams
15:52 05 May 24
We had a wonderful experience and our tour guide was awesome
Brittany Tubbs
19:10 01 May 24
Amazing time! If you’re ever in or around the Maggie Valley area Scenic Tours & Adventures is the place to go for the best scenic tour you can ask for. Cole was our tour guide and I must say he was fantastic! He was so polite and made us feel super safe and made the experience so fun! Side note he takes the greatest photos, thanks Cole!
Anabella Amaya
03:28 29 Apr 24
The most wonderful tour I could ever ask for. With the most perfect and friendly staff
Fabiola Angulo
01:26 29 Apr 24
Great experience that was worth it,,,, all the children had a great time, we loved the tour that Bryan gave us,,,,We want to repeat this wonderful experience
donald wilks
18:51 23 Apr 24
Enjoyed a great Tour with Cole as he was very professional n knowledgeable
I felt very safe as he was a great Driver
We experienced Elk n many waterfalls
Really had a great time
I would highly recommend him !!!!
Debbie Wilks
I felt very safe as he was a great Driver
We experienced Elk n many waterfalls
Really had a great time
I would highly recommend him !!!!
Debbie Wilks
Beth Fatolitis
02:14 14 Apr 24
My daughter, daughter in-law and I had a wonderful day on the four hour tour. Cole was our driver/guide, and he was amazing!! Cole knew the area and history and was able to show us places that we would not have been able to go by ourselves. We would highly recommend!
Kelly Smith
02:45 06 Apr 24
1 out of 10???! 20! Brian was a fantastic tour guide. He was friendly, knowledgeable and funny. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for something fun to do. It was peaceful and serene. My 15-year-old son hasn’t stopped talking about it. Do yourself a favor and book a 4 hour tour.
Mette Rose Halfer
23:02 27 Mar 24
Cole did a fantastic job guiding us through a memorable ATV ride through the Smokies. Thanks for a fantastic (and muddy 😀) ride.
We had an amazing time and Cole was very attentive to all participants including the little ones. He served us with fantastic pictures and videos. This was indeed a highlight on our vacation
We had an amazing time and Cole was very attentive to all participants including the little ones. He served us with fantastic pictures and videos. This was indeed a highlight on our vacation
Vincent Bryant
20:56 25 Feb 24
George Rocheford
03:27 22 Feb 24
Added an incredible special adventure onto an already amazing trip. If you ever get to have the privilege to ride along with the Cole Train himself consider yourself blessed. Cole was an incredible source of knowledge, anecdotes, wisdom, and dad jokes. And you’d never know he is a professional photographer, he knows incredible photo op spots and tricks. Just ask him to take a photo with yourself in a cool spot he’ll make it happen. He knew everything you could ever ask about the Cherokee Preservation and was always up for whatever we wanted to see or do. The sights were nothing short of beautiful, the weather was perfect but don’t shy away from going in the rain either, Cole says there’s nothing like being inside a cloud at the top of the smokies and I’ll gladly take his word for it. Cole is also full of amazing recommendations for things to do, places to see, and things to eat in the area. I wish I had the opportunity to take this tour sooner in my trip to have pick his brain for more trip ideas as everything he suggested and we saw was incredible. If the best rating I can leave is a 5 star, riding with Cole was a 10.
Shawn Houle
21:52 18 Feb 24
Cole was a dope tour guide. The views were beautiful and he knew the area very well. My wife and I had a great time and felt greatly accommodated. I also liked that they offered extra gear for the cold before we head out. I recommend this place to anyone! 5 stars
Feliesha Salmon
21:45 18 Feb 24
This was a fun tour! Cole was awesome, definitely a huge part of the fun! Very knowledgeable about the area, told great jokes, took a lot of pictures for us, which he made us feel comfortable asking him to do! Overall this was a great adventure and we will be back for sure!
Lora Carr
23:20 08 Feb 24
We had a great time with our guide, Kolton. Our day started out at 6am with a pick up ride to the Yellowstone Gate. Once fitted in our suits we took a quick safety class on the sleds and we were off. The Old Faithful Trip also included a stop to see hot springs, waterfalls, and miles and miles of fun in the snow.
The entire trip was amazing.
The entire trip was amazing.
Sarah Weaver
19:44 05 Sep 23
Our tour guide was amazing! He went out of his way to make sure we had a good time. He was very knowledgeable about Cherokee history, folklore, and culture. He showed us what kind of plants were edible. My husband was able to drive toe UTV. Our trip was completely worth the time! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! If ever you visit, Maggie Valley, make sure to stop here, you won’t regret it!
Kevin Croft
21:37 20 Aug 23
Brian and his wife are awesome people. Brian feels the tour's with knowledge about the Cherokee and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Beautiful views and waterfalls along the way. 4 hour ride and every second is worth it. Brian also teaches you about the plants and animals around you through out the tour. Worth every penny! Had a blast and will be back again real soon. Thanks again Kevin C.
Charley Horton
00:27 01 Aug 23
Highly recommend this tour! Bryan is an amazing guide. The mountains are absolutely beautiful as well as the elk and the waterfalls. Bryan also had a lot of amazing information about the Cherokee people. Thank you Bryan for this amazing experience that we will treasure for years to come.
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.