Safari Jeep Eco Waterfall Elk Wilderness Adventure

Experience wildlife, waterfalls, and Cherokee history on a guided Jeep adventure in the Smoky Mountains.

4.9 stars• 331 reviews

From$159/ person

Duration

4 Hours

Includes

Guided Jeep tour, cooler, scenic stops

Highlights

Set out on a guided Jeep adventure through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee Reservation. Discover scenic vistas, historic sites, and possible wildlife sightings along the way.

Explore mile-high vistas and backcountry wilderness roads
Visit one of the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians
Discover the historic Oconaluftee Baptist Church from 1836
Learn about Cherokee and early Appalachian history from knowledgeable guides
Spot elk, deer, bear, turkey, hawks, and more in their natural habitat

What's Included

Guided Jeep tour
Cooler for drinks and snacks
Scenic and cultural stops

Minimum age is 5. Parents must provide and secure car seats for children as required by law. No public restroom on-site; facilities available at a nearby gas station before departure.

Cancellation policy

UTV/Side by Side units are exclusively reserved for you and your family, and therefore, we do not offer cash refunds. However, we provide the option of rescheduling your adventure or receiving a gift certificate. Gift Certificates have no expiration date and are fully transferable for your convenience. Refunds ONLY will only be processed if our adventure tour guides have to cancel due to unsafe weather conditions, excluding basic rain or snow but specifically referring to excessive winds, flooding, and other warnings in our area. Refunds are not granted for late arrivals or missed trips; nevertheless, we will make every effort to facilitate rescheduling.

Review summary

4.9

Excellent

331 reviewsGoogle Maps

Brian stands out as an exceptional guide who brings something truly special to these tours of the Cherokee and Maggie Valley areas. Reviewers consistently praise his deep knowledge of Cherokee history and culture (he's Cherokee himself), and many mention being moved by his rendering of "Amazing Grace" in the Cherokee language at scenic overlooks. He's described as friendly, accommodating, and genuinely passionate about sharing the region's stories. The tours hit highlights like Mingo Falls, elk viewing (especially during rutting season), and stunning mountain vistas, with Brian adjusting routes to maximize wildlife sightings and photo opportunities. What makes these experiences memorable is the personalized attention guests receive. Brian takes extra time to answer questions, shares impactful stories from Cherokee history, and doesn't rush anyone through the stops. Several reviewers appreciated that he photographs guests and sends the images afterward at no charge. The tours include some physical elements to note, like the 160+ steps to reach the waterfall, but the consensus is it's absolutely worth the effort. The combination of cultural education, natural beauty, and Brian's warm hospitality creates what multiple guests call a "once in a lifetime experience."

What people are saying

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!