Explore Smoky Mountain ridgelines on a guided 3-hour private UTV ride
3 Hours
Up to 6 people
Guided UTV tour, Cooler
Ride a guided UTV (side-by-side) into the Great Smoky Mountains wilderness, climbing to mountain ridgelines with wide valley views. Your guide shares Appalachian and Cherokee history, legends, and lore along the way.
Drivers must be 21+ and present a valid USA driver’s license and USA car insurance. Minimum age is 2; bring and install a car seat if required by law. Arrive 30 minutes before departure, wear closed-toe outdoor shoes, and bring layers; rain gear is suggested since tours do not cancel for rain.
No cash refunds. Refunds only if guides cancel due to unsafe weather conditions (excluding basic rain or snow; excessive winds, flooding, and other warnings). No refunds for late arrivals or missed trips.
No. You won’t have access to a public restroom on-site. Restrooms are available at a nearby gas station before you head out.
Wear closed-toe outdoor shoes (no open-toe shoes). Bring layers, since temperatures can change by as much as 15 degrees due to elevation and time of day.
Bring rain gear (tours do not cancel for rain), plus items like drinks, snacks, jackets, a camera, and wet wipes. A cooler is provided at no charge.
2961 Soco Road Maggie Valley, NC 28751
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."
Bryan was an amazing tour guide! The experience is completely worth it! The amount you learn is incredible
Elizabeth Ostrander
March 31, 2026
Bryan was an amazing tour guide! The experience is completely worth it! The amount you learn is incredible
Elizabeth Ostrander
March 31, 2026