Description
FULL TOUR DETAILS
THE ROUTE
FIVE DAYS. TWO STATES. ONE INCREDIBLE ROAD TRIP.
Arrival / Bryson City
The Smoky Loop / Gatlinburg & Tail of the Dragon
Franklin Loop / Cherohala Skyway
Highlands / Cashiers Spur
Farewell / Check Out
THE FULL ITINERARY
Day One / Wednesday 6 October — Arrival
Welcome to the Smoky Mountains. Today is all about arriving, getting settled into the cabins and easing into the trip.
Once you’re unpacked, head into town to pick up groceries and anything else you’ll need for the stay.
Before calling it a day, make sure the cars are fuelled and ready — tomorrow morning we head straight into the mountains.
17:30 — MOUNTAIN LAYERS BREWING COMPANY
We’ll head into Bryson City for drinks and something to eat at Mountain Layers Brewing Company.
From 18:00–20:00, we’ll join our friend Cynthia for their regular trivia night — the perfect relaxed start to our Smoky Mountains adventure.
Day Two / Thursday 7 October — The Smoky Loop
211 MILES OF MOUNTAIN ROADS.
An early start takes us deep into the Great Smoky Mountains.
From elk spotting and breakfast at Mabel’s Kitchen to Gatlinburg and the legendary Tail of the Dragon, today is all about incredible roads, mountain scenery and one unforgettable drive.
You’ll have several hours to explore Gatlinburg at your own pace before we continue the Smoky Loop.
From Tennessee moonshine and famous movie cars to panoramic mountain views, boutique shops and the Moonshine Mountain Coaster, there’s plenty to choose from.
After leaving Gatlinburg, we’ll make our way through Townsend before stopping at Hub 129.
Then it’s time for one of the biggest highlights of the trip — the legendary Tail of the Dragon. Famous for its relentless corners and mountain setting, this is one of the most iconic driving roads in America.
Keep it smooth, enjoy the road and don’t forget to wave for the roadside photographers.
PHOTO STOP — CHEOAH DAM
DINE — TAPOCO TAVERN
Day Three / Friday 8 October — The Franklin Loop
LAKES / MOUNTAIN ROADS / CHEROHALA.
Another full day in the Smokies, combining peaceful mountain lakes with some of the best driving roads of the trip.
We’ll start with breakfast at Granny’s Kitchen before heading onto the Franklin Loop and stopping at Nantahala Lake.
From there, we continue towards Santeetlah Lake and the Dragon’s Spine, before taking on the spectacular Cherohala Skyway.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll stop at Killboy and Fontana Dam before making our way back to the cabins via the Hellbender Route.
From Santeetlah Lake we begin the climb up the Dragon’s Spine.
Used for hillclimb events, this spectacular mountain road rewards the drive with incredible views across the Smokies.
From the Dragon’s Spine we continue onto the Cherohala Skyway, one of the standout roads of the trip.
High mountain views, sweeping bends and mile after mile of incredible scenery make this one of the most memorable drives in the Smokies.
After the Cherohala Skyway, we stop at Tellico Beach Drive In for a bite to eat before continuing around the Cherohala Dragon Loop towards Tellico Lake.
KILLBOY — Pick up a souvenir, take a photo with the famous Dragon statue and visit the legendary Tree of Shame.
FONTANA DAM — Our final major stop of the afternoon takes us to Fontana Dam, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Our chefs will be serving up a freshly prepared BBQ back at the cabins.
Alongside dinner, enjoy a moonshine tasting experience with flavours including Apple Pie, Banana Split, Blood Orange, Cherry and Elderberry.
Day Four / Saturday 9 October — Highlands
CASHIERS SPUR / WATERFALLS / MOUNTAIN TOWNS
This morning is yours.
After two big days behind the wheel, take some time to relax at the cabins before we head out for our final driving day.
We’ll follow the Cashiers Spur towards the beautiful mountain town of Highlands.
Once there, you’ll have time to explore the town, browse the shops, grab a coffee and enjoy a slower afternoon in the mountains.
On the journey back we’ll stop at one of the area’s most recognisable waterfalls.
A final spectacular Smoky Mountains photo stop before heading back towards Bryson City.
TUCK & TABLE. Our final evening together.
Dinner in Bryson City and a chance to raise a glass to four incredible days in the Smokies.
Day Five / Sunday 10 October — Farewell
Today we check out of the cabins and bring our Smoky Mountains adventure to a close.
Five days. Two states. Legendary roads. Mountain lakes, waterfalls, Tennessee towns and some unforgettable drives.
One incredible trip — and plenty of stories to take home.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
What’s included?
- 4 NIGHTS’ ACCOMMODATION — Cabin accommodation throughout the tour.
- TOUR GUIDE — Hosted and guided throughout the Smoky Mountains experience.
- DETAILED RUN PACK — Maps, route information and direct route links.
- WELCOME MEAL — A relaxed first evening together in Bryson City.
- BBQ COOKOUT NIGHT — A freshly prepared BBQ back at the cabins.
- MOONSHINE TASTING EXPERIENCE — A selection of traditional and flavoured moonshines.
PRICE & BOOKING
£2,800 – Based on two people sharing per car
£1000 non-refundable deposit to secure your place.
