Great Smoky Mountains Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Driving Tour, Tennessee - Northern Ol Rocky Top Scenic Drive
Places: 22 POIs
Distance: 25.33 mi
Duration: 1h:37m
GPS-guided narration through
Your Smartphone
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Tour #2209
About this English self-guided 1h:37m driving tour in Townsend
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of the northern section of The Great Smoky Mountains. My name is Dave, and it will be my pleasure serving as your co-pilot today. This driving tour begins at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee, where you can explore exhibits showcasing the rich cultural and natural history of the region. From there, we will head east into the heart of the Smokies, following scenic roads that wind through lush forests, misty valleys, and along clear mountain streams.
Along the way, you'll encounter breathtaking overlooks, historic sites, and diverse wildlife. Your journey concludes at The Place of a Thousand Drips, a beautiful roadside waterfall near Gatlinburg, where the gentle cascades of water trickle down moss-covered rocks, offering a peaceful and picturesque finale to your adventure.
Today’s driving tour runs approximately 30 miles, and we’ll take between 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much you want to stop and explore. There are many places for pullout parking, and some of these stops have Restrooms available. We will begin on East Lamar Alexander Parkway. Follow your GPS navigation, and we will begin shortly. Enjoy!
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
![UCPlaces AI Bot Icon]()
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
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Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
![Map Pin]()
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 0.00mi
, Attraction : Town and Information
8411 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Townsend and GSM Heritage Center
Here we are in Townsend, Tennessee, often referred to as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies," a small, charming town nestled at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Unlike its busier counterparts like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Townsend offers a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal gateway for visitors seeking a more serene experience in the Smoky Mountains. The town is surrounded by scenic landscapes, from rolling hills, to forested mountains, and offers access to popular hiking trails, rivers for tubing and fishing, and historical sites. If you are interested in visiting other points of interest that are not on the tour today, you may want to visit the Great Smokies Visitor Center, which is about 1/4 of a mile back in town.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, our starting point, plays a significant role in preserving the cultural history and traditions of the region. The museum features exhibits that explore the heritage of the Native American Cherokee people and the early European settlers of the Smokies. With both indoor and outdoor displays, visitors can see artifacts such as tools, pottery, clothing, and reconstructed historic buildings like cabins and barns. The center is dedicated to educating visitors about the mountain communities that have shaped the area's history, making it a valuable stop for those looking to deepen their understanding of the Smokies before embarking on an exploration of the national park.
If anyone is hungry, or if you want to gas up and get snacks for the road trip, now is the time. Coming up on the left is the Burger Master, as well as The Riverstone Cafe. If you need to gas up, there is a Marathon gas station coming up on the left as well.
Ok, let’s get going, and explore the Great Smoky Mountains! Follow East Lamar Alexander Parkway, as it becomes Townsend Entrance Road.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, our starting point, plays a significant role in preserving the cultural history and traditions of the region. The museum features exhibits that explore the heritage of the Native American Cherokee people and the early European settlers of the Smokies. With both indoor and outdoor displays, visitors can see artifacts such as tools, pottery, clothing, and reconstructed historic buildings like cabins and barns. The center is dedicated to educating visitors about the mountain communities that have shaped the area's history, making it a valuable stop for those looking to deepen their understanding of the Smokies before embarking on an exploration of the national park.
If anyone is hungry, or if you want to gas up and get snacks for the road trip, now is the time. Coming up on the left is the Burger Master, as well as The Riverstone Cafe. If you need to gas up, there is a Marathon gas station coming up on the left as well.
Ok, let’s get going, and explore the Great Smoky Mountains! Follow East Lamar Alexander Parkway, as it becomes Townsend Entrance Road.
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Place #2
![Map Pin]()
Distance: 0.82mi
, Attraction : River
224 Parkline Way, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Little River
The picturesque stream on our left is the Little River, a mountain stream that begins high in the Great Smoky Mountains and flows through the town of Townsend. The Little River rises in Sevier County on the north slope of Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in Tennessee, at over 6,600 feet in elevation. The river flows a grand total of 59 miles before joining the Tennessee River. But approximately one mile below its source, Little River absorbs several smaller streams at an area known as "Three Forks", where the river gains considerable strength Its journey starts deep in the Smokies, where it is fed by numerous smaller streams and springs, winding through pristine forests, narrow gorges, and scenic valleys. As it flows out of the mountains, Little River becomes a central feature of Townsend, providing a peaceful, meandering waterway that adds to the town's charm.
The river is known for its clear, cool waters, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities such as tubing, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Its stretches within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer some of the most beautiful and accessible riverfront areas, perfect for picnicking or simply relaxing by the water. Anglers are drawn to Little River for its healthy populations of trout, including brook, rainbow, and brown trout, which thrive in the clean, oxygen-rich mountain waters.
Because the Little River originates from the protected area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, its pristine waters are so clean, it is a biodiversity hotspot for fish and other species. Its clean habitat is evident because some of the most sensitive fish species, darter fish, are able to survive there. In fact, recently a new species was discovered, the Percina Apina, which literally means "clean" or "without dirt". The Little River provides drinking water for the over 120,000 residents of Blount County, which is why efforts are made to protect this precious resource.
Little River also passes through some of the park's most beloved areas, including The White Oak Flats Falls, where it enhances the beauty of this historic valley. As the river flows out of the mountains into Townsend, it becomes more gentle, providing an ideal setting for families and visitors to experience the natural beauty of the Smokies in a quieter, less crowded environment.
The first pull off parking area will be approaching on the left. After crossing the bridge, bear to your left and merge onto Little River Gorge Road. There will be another place to park and explore if you wish to venture out.
The river is known for its clear, cool waters, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities such as tubing, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Its stretches within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer some of the most beautiful and accessible riverfront areas, perfect for picnicking or simply relaxing by the water. Anglers are drawn to Little River for its healthy populations of trout, including brook, rainbow, and brown trout, which thrive in the clean, oxygen-rich mountain waters.
Because the Little River originates from the protected area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, its pristine waters are so clean, it is a biodiversity hotspot for fish and other species. Its clean habitat is evident because some of the most sensitive fish species, darter fish, are able to survive there. In fact, recently a new species was discovered, the Percina Apina, which literally means "clean" or "without dirt". The Little River provides drinking water for the over 120,000 residents of Blount County, which is why efforts are made to protect this precious resource.
Little River also passes through some of the park's most beloved areas, including The White Oak Flats Falls, where it enhances the beauty of this historic valley. As the river flows out of the mountains into Townsend, it becomes more gentle, providing an ideal setting for families and visitors to experience the natural beauty of the Smokies in a quieter, less crowded environment.
The first pull off parking area will be approaching on the left. After crossing the bridge, bear to your left and merge onto Little River Gorge Road. There will be another place to park and explore if you wish to venture out.
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Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1
Townsend and GSM Heritage Center
Place 2
Little River
Place 3
Rocky Top
Place 4
Cane Creek Twin Falls
Place 5
Urban Legends
Place 6
Meigs Falls
Place 7
The Sinks
Place 8
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion
Place 9
Urban Legends
Place 10
Mannis Branch Falls
Place 11
Elkmont Historic District
Place 12
Spence Cabin and Ghost Stories
Place 13
Abandonment of Elkmont
Place 14
Fighting Creek Gap
Place 15
Civil War
Place 16
Foliage
Place 17
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Place 18
The John Ownby Cabin
Place 19
Smokies Life and Little Rangers
Place 20
Gatlinburg
Place 21
Grub
Place 22
Bye Bye
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Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 22 stops, covering top attractions such as Townsend and GSM Heritage Center, Little River, Rocky Top, Cane Creek Twin Falls, Urban Legends.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Townsend and GSM Heritage Center (Address: 8411 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!