Mingo Falls Elk Jeep Tour

Ride in an open-air safari-style Jeep with local Cherokee and Appalachian descendant guides. Hear regional history, culture, legends, and lore while watching for wildlife in the Smokies.

• Ride through mountain landscapes in an open-air safari-style Jeep
• Learn Cherokee and early Appalachian history, legends, and lore
• Photograph waterfalls, mountain scenery, and wildlife habitat
• Look for elk, deer, black bears, wild turkey, and other native wildlife
• Enjoy time in Cherokee and the surrounding mountain region

Itinerary

Maggie Valley, North Carolina

Begin your guided safari-style Jeep adventure in Maggie Valley, NC before climbing nearly 3 miles to the top of the mountain toward the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive

Travel 14 scenic miles along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway while enjoying panoramic 20+ mile mountain views from elevations exceeding a mile high deep into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the route, guests pass through 5 historic mountain tunnels while descending toward the Smokies.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Explore scenic valleys, rivers, forests, mountain overlooks, and prime elk and wildlife habitat throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Oconaluftee region.

Elk & Wildlife Viewing

Search for wild elk and native Smoky Mountain wildlife including deer, wild turkey, black bears, and more throughout one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the Smokies. Our PM Elk Tour features a 99% elk sighting success rate.

Oconaluftee Baptist Church

Visit the historic Oconaluftee Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in the Smoky Mountains, known for its Appalachian history, peaceful mountain setting, and local haunted legends.

Mingo Falls

Experience breathtaking Mingo Falls, a stunning 120-foot waterfall located on the Qualla Boundary (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Reservation), and one of the hidden natural gems near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Cherokee, North Carolina

Explore the picturesque mountain village of Cherokee, NC, rich in Cherokee heritage, Appalachian culture, mountain history, and Smoky Mountain charm.

Soco Gap Scenic Return

Cross scenic Soco Gap at 4,340 feet elevation while enjoying sweeping mountain views on the return journey back to Maggie Valley.

What's Included

• Cooler

Important details

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in, waivers, and safety instructions
• Complete all required waivers before arrival
• Ages 5+ only
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Bring and secure an approved child safety seat if your child legally requires one
• Requires independent Jeep entry and exit or assistance from your group
• Requires comfort riding in an open-air Jeep on winding mountain roads; may not suit severe motion sickness
• No smoking or vaping inside the Jeep
• Only service animals are permitted unless an animal has prior approval
• Tours operate in rain or snow unless mountain conditions are unsafe