Guided Tours
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Since 1977!
The oldest and most respected step on guide service in the Great Smoky
Mountains!
STEP ON GUIDE SERVICE
Our
Guide will board your motor coach for a Smoky Mountain Adventure!
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2008 Guide Rates
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Since 1977! The oldest and most respected step on guide service in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Let our guide board your motorcoach and take your group on a Smoky Mountain Adventure!
Historic, Humorous and Informative!
2 hour light tour $90.00
2 – 3 hour daytime tour $120.00
5 hour tour $175.00
One Way tour $195.00
(One Way tours begin in Cherokee, NC,
Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, TN)
Each additional hour $35.00 per hour
DEPOSIT: A deposit of $50.00 per tour is required to enable us to place your reservation. Your deposit will be refunded if you cancel two weeks prior to your tour date.
Balance is due the day of tour. Refundable up to two weeks prior to your tour date.
TRANSPORTATION NOT INCLUDED
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like falling leaves.” John Muir
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2008 Lunch Options
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Picnic Lunch
Let your group experience a fun-filled picnic in the Smokies!
Lunch ranging from a box lunch to a buffet style picnic or even a sit down meal at a quaint little restaurant is available for your group. Call today for booking information.
Box Lunch: $12.00 per person
Combo turkey & ham on a croissant, chips, cookie, fresh fruit & drink (soft drink selection or bottled water
Picnic Deposit: $100 per tour is required to enable us to place your reservation.
Balance is due the day of tour. Refundable up to two weeks prior to your tour date.
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Back Roads Tour
Approximately 5 Hours
$175.00
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Enjoy the countryside as we take to the “back roads” to see the simpler side of our area and learn the history of East Tennessee; including some of the traditions of the mountain people, the impact of the TVA upon the area, as well as one of the oldest towns in the state. Listen to the tour guide tell stories of “moonshine” and see some of the country where “white lightening” was brewed. Explore the area known as the Moonshine Capital of the World that inspired the movie Thunder Road (1958), the story of what was once a wild and wide open Tennessee tradition was, in fact, the income producer for many families here. Bring your camera for beautiful scenic mountain views of rural areas, mountain valleys and country orchards. We can also sample some wonderful regional cooking, a lunch stop can be arranged on this day.
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Blue Ridge Parkway Tour
8 hours
$280.00
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Known as "America's Favorite Drive". It was the nation's first and ultimately longest rural parkway. Taking 52 years to complete, spanning 469 miles, with some of the most spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains, including the Linn Cove Viaduct "an engineering marvel!". It encompasses some of the oldest settlements of both pre-historic and pioneer life. Built with the concept of constructing a scenic motorway linking the Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks.
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Cades Cove
Approximately 5 Hours
$175.00
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Cades Cove, a 6,800-acre valley near Townsend, Tennessee provides a representative sample of natural and cultural history as well as its recreational opportunities. Cades Cove receives approximately 2 million visitors each year. The story of Cades Cove begins with its very shape and rocks. It is known as a window, meaning that mountains of older rocks surround the valley floor of younger rocks. Evidence suggests that the Appalachian orogeny (or mountain building event) occurred approximately 240 million years ago and that the mountains have been weathering and eroding ever since. This fertile valley supports a wide diversity of plants and animals. The valley floor has approximately 2,400 acres of largely open fields surrounded by forests. Bison, elk, mountain lions, and wolves are among the animals that have been extirpated from the Smokies. Whitetail deer are seen on most early morning or evening visits to Cades Cove. Black bear and wild turkey are less frequently sighted. River otters and barn owls have been reintroduced into the Cove; however, these secretive animals are rarely seen. The Cove also contains a nineteenth century grist mill, historic homes, and churches. The remaining buildings and surrounding landscapes begin to tell the story of Cades Cove's cultural history. An eleven-mile, one-way loop road encircles the valley floor. Some limits apply to this tour.
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Cherokee Adventure
Approximately 5 Hours
$175.00
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Our Cherokee Adventure begins in the Great Smoky Mountains; America’s most visited National Park. Traveling up the Tennessee side of the mountain we will pass the Chimneys and Morton Overlook with panoramic picture stops along the way. Don’t forget your camera! Then it is on to Newfound Gap, the top of the mountain, where we cross the state line for our descent into North Carolina. A stop will be made at a National Park Visitor Center. For an unforgettably enriching experience, we will visit the town of Cherokee and experience the wonders of historical exhibits, plays, music and unique crafts. There is no other travel destination quite like Cherokee, so prepare yourself to open your mind and begin to fathom the complex and often heartbreaking history of the Cherokee people. Your group will learn about the museums and village and the fascinating customs, language, weapons and crafts that in part define the character of these resilient and passionate people. A cultural learning experience at Cherokee will be one that you will carry with you wherever you go.
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Clingman’s Dome
Approximately 3 Hours
$120.00
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At 6,643 feet, Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Named after Civil War General and U.S. Senator Thomas Lanier Clingman; It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest point in the Appalachian Mountain range. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647) in Mt. Mitchell State Park rise higher. The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingman's Dome, marking the highest point along it’s journey from Georgia to Maine. Spectacular vistas await those willing to climb a 30-minute, steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top, which sits equally in both North Carolina and Tennessee. On clear, pollution-free days, views expand over a 100 miles. However, air pollution limits average viewing distances to 22 miles. Cloudy days, precipitation, and cold temperatures reveal the hostile environment atop Clingman's Dome. Although Clingman’s Dome is open year-round, the road leading to it is closed from December 1 through March 31, and whenever weather conditions require. The Spruce-Fir forest in the cool, wet conditions on Clingman’s Dome's summit make it a coniferous rainforest. Unfortunately, pests such as the Balsam Woolly Adelgid, disease, and environmental degradation threaten this unique and fragile forest.
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Historic Arts & Crafts Community
Approximately 3 Hours
$120.00
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The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is the largest group of independent artisans in North America. This historic 8-mile loop has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. Established in 1937, these artisans whittle, paint, sew, cast, weave and carve to create original collectables such as candles, baskets, quilts, brooms, pottery, jewelry, dolls, ceramics, scrimshaw, silversmithing, leather, stained glass, wearable fashions, fine photography, frameable art, oils and watercolors. You will also find lodging, restaurants, cafes, tea room, soda fountain and candy shops. Most have learned their trade from family members and will pass it on to future generations. Enjoy a stop at the Cliff Dwellers TM Gallery, a showplace for contemporary and traditional fine arts and crafts. The historic building was moved from downtown Gatlinburg to the foothills of the Great Smokies at 668 Glades Road in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The Gallery is owned and operated as a cooperative by six local artists and carries the work of approximately 60 other area artists who have been invited to be a part of the Gallery. Come with us to revisit the past with these world-renowned artists and their way of life.
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Historic Sevierville
Approximately 3 Hours
$120.00
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Founded in 1795 and incorporated in 1901, Sevierville was named for John Sevier, the first governor of Tennessee. It is the oldest and largest of Sevier County's four cities and is the eighth oldest town in Tennessee. More than just a beautiful place for a vacation, Sevierville is a community with a proud heritage and history. One of its most enduring symbols is the classic white clock tower on the 105-year-old Sevier County Courthouse with a clock that strikes every half hour in the time-honored tradition. The statue of Dolly Parton on the courthouse lawn was sculpted by local artist Jim Gray and unveiled by Miss Parton herself on May 2, 1987, with her parents in attendance. There's also a statue on the courthouse lawn in remembrance of our veterans. Among the historic landmarks and storefronts of downtown, you'll see Virgil's 50's Restaurant (which doubles as the bus station). The Sevier County Heritage Museum is just a block from the square; also nearby is the new Memorial Riverwalk Trail, a one-mile path along the west branch of the Little Pigeon River featuring unforgettable views of the river and the Smokies.
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Knoxville Township Tour
Approximately 5 Hours
$175.00
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Present-day Knoxville is in the heart of the Great Valley of East Tennessee and at the headwaters of the Tennessee River. This makes the city a center for the region's economy, culture, and history. The natural resources and river-generated power helped establish Knoxville as an important "New Deal" city in the early 20th century, as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and as headquarters to the Tennessee Valley Authority. In 1982, Knoxville was host to a World's Fair and 11 million visitors. The theme, "Energy Turns the World," reflects the city's prominent role in technology. Today, Knoxville is home to pioneers in industry, leaders in the arts, and traditionalists working to preserve our heritage. See the Blount Mansion, the John Sevier Home and much more!
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Little River Tour
Approximately 5 hours
$175.00
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NEW FOR 2008
Highlights: Sugarlands Visitor Center, Scenic Little River Road, Townsend Tennessee
This Scenic drive follows the “Little” River on the way to Townsend – the peaceful side of the Smokies. Hear the stories of the mountain people & lumbermen & CCC’s and railroad companies that forged a living along the Little River. Prior to 1900, this area of the Little River Valley and the surrounding tributary streams was called Tuckaleechee Cove – a name meaning “peaceful valley,” with farming being the livelihood of most families. For about 40 years there was a lot of commercial lumbering ended by the establishment of the National Park.
Consider adding a picnic lunch & Little River Railroad Museum – Call for prices
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Mountain Heritage and Folklore Tour
Approximately 5 hours
$175.00
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NEW FOR 2008
Highlights: Sugarlands Visitor Center, Ownby & Trentham Cemetery, Short walk to Cataract Falls, Arrowmont Arts & Crafts School, Arrowcraft Shop & Historic Ogle Cabin with free time for lunch on own in The Village
This tour focuses on the early mountain people – their way of life, traditions, music, crafts & food. Enjoy an easy walk to Cataract Falls and see excellent examples of flora and fauna. Learn about the Sugarlands or “Forks of the River” settlement. Venture into Gatlinburg to learn about the founding and development of this mountain city. Visit Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts - the 3rd leading arts & crafts school in the nation. Our final stop is Arrowcraft Shop the oldest continuously operating business in Gatlinburg. Adjacent is the Ogle Cabin the oldest structure in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free time at “The Village” for shopping & lunch on your own.
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Newfound Gap
Approximately 3 Hours
$120.00
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For the group that wants to experience the Smokies, but doesn’t have a great deal of time, our mountain top tour is perfect! Travel the scenic mountain road around the famous “Loop” by way of the high-rising Chimney Tops. At the top of the mountain we will stop at Newfound Gap which marks the Tennessee, North Carolina State line. You will have opportunities for photos at scenic stops along the way. At an elevation of 5,048 feet, Newfound Gap is the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Half lies in Tennessee and half in North Carolina. Highlights: Rockefeller Memorial honors a $5 million donation from the Rockefeller Foundation to help complete land acquisitions to bring about the reality of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Appalachian Trail crosses over Newfound Gap Road and straddles the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee for most of its length through the park.
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The “Secret City” Tour
8 hours
$280.00
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Visit two historic cities, representing two different eras. Oak Ridge, TN know as the "Secret City" was the home of the "Manhattan Project" during World War II and the development of the first atomic bomb. Tour the Museum of Science and Energy, additional fee per person. Then visit Norris, TN, home of the Norris Dam, one of the first dams built by the TVA to supply electricity to the Manhattan Project. Tour the museum of Appalachia, additional fee per person. This "living" history museum depicts the most authentic replica of the life and heritage of the mountain people.
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Winterfest Lights
November & December
Approximately 1 ½ -2 Hours
$90.00
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Winterfest in the Smokies is a spectacular event, but to locals and visitors alike, it means one thing: LIGHTS!!! Over 9 million lights go on in early November to turn Sevier County into a magical winter fairyland. Snowflakes and pine boughs deck every street light in Pigeon Forge, Teddy Bears dance and play on street corners, and in historic Patriot Park, majestic light displays remind us all of how precious America truly is. Dollywood compliments her city's festive look with one of her own, a spectacular exhibit of lights as vivid as Miss Dolly herself! Continue on to Gatlinburg and be greeted by chandeliers of twinkling white lights draping over the streets and huge colorful illustrations of the arts that make our crafts community so unique. You'll find sparkling moving lights tucked away on back roads where you would least expect them, and proudly up front along all the main streets. Every shop has its own theme, and when you add them to Gatlinburg's many strings of lights, Tin Soldiers on Parade, and Teddy Bears everywhere, you have an illuminated wonderland that outshines the stars! Winterfest in the Smokies, the brightest vacation spot you'll ever visit!!
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(Standing)
Pictured Left to Right: Karen Houck, B.Z Lane, David Roberson, Joe Kelley,
Bill McDaniel, Dwight McCarter, Alma Williamson and Carolyn Templeton
(Seated):
Pictured Left to Right: Kathy Gwinn, Bob Brittle, Beverly Alverman
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