POV: You’re cruising along a mountain trail with your pals, gazing out over the multi-colored rolling hills while dust shoots out from behind your rig’s heavy-duty tires. It’s fall, and the deciduous trees have gone red and gold while a soft blanket of fog adds an air of mystery.
This is the experience you’ll get if you take a UTV tour through the Smoky Mountains near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Short for “utility task vehicle,” a UTV is an off-roading vehicle that lets you sit side-by-side with friends and family while you adventure out beyond the bounds of paved roads.
If you’ve never off-roaded before, a tour is a great way to get your first taste, and there’s no better place than these exhilarating, mist-covered mountain trails.
What Makes Off-Roading in the Smoky Mountains So Unforgettable?
For connoisseurs of mountain landscapes, the Smoky Mountains are like a top-shelf Tennessee whiskey. The region’s appeal comes from its varied terrain, breathtaking views, and unique culture steeped in a rich history.
For off-roading in particular, the Smoky Mountains are a truly special destination. They’re chock-full of rugged, winding trails that include rocky pathways and muddy creek crossings. You’ll find yourself navigating through dense forests, climbing steep ridgelines, and testing your driving skills amid a backdrop of jaw-dropping landscapes.
If you like the tough and the technical, the Smokies have got that. If you’re a beginner who just wants to see the sights that regular roads won’t get you to, easy trails will take you through mist-covered valleys and across sparkling streams.
How does this adventure compare to other outdoor experiences? Well, for one thing, you can go deeper into the rugged terrain with a UTV than you could on foot (unless you’re ready to commit to a multi-day hike). As you explore, you might encounter abandoned structures that give a glimpse into life in the 19th century.
Understanding UTV Tours: The WildSide Advantage
The technical off-roading skills involved in navigating large boulders, deep ruts, and fallen trees can be a bit much for the initiate. If you’d like to explore the Smokies without having to first surpass the (literal) learning curve of a steep dirt trail, then you might want to start with a tour.
A UTV tour is an off-roading experience led by an experienced driver’s know-how. Your guide will be an expert not only in UTV driving, but also in the park’s trails, obstacles, and terrain. When touring the WildSide park, you won’t need to worry about maintenance, equipment, or the technical aspects of driving in challenging conditions.
- What safety measures are in place? Safety is always top priority at WildSide. From professional equipment to expert vehicle maintenance, we’ve got you covered.
- What kind of trails will WildSide take me on? You’ll be traversing WildSide’s own private off-road trails, which are unpaved dirt trails.
- What makes a tour better than DIY off-roading? This depends on your experience level and personal preferences. For people who don’t yet feel comfortable driving a UTV but crave the thrill of going beyond the beaten path, a tour is an unmatched experience. Moreover, with public off-roading trails being few and far between, a guided tour not only provides expert instruction but also exclusive access to terrain that’s otherwise hard to find.
- Can I get photos and videos of the whole thing? Absolutely! We want you to get all the mementos you can.
WildSide’s tours satiate the thirst for adventurous while providing a secure, hassle-free experience that you can enjoy with your whole family or friends who’ve never set foot in an UTV.
Top Trails and Scenic Routes in the Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is so expansive and varied in its terrain that pretty much every off-roader will agree trying just one trail isn’t enough. These trails are hotspots for UTV enthusiasts in large part because the park is one of the very few that allow side-by-sides inside its borders.
- Cades Cove Loop Road. At 11 miles in length, this one-way loop takes past historic mills, old homesteads, and not one but THREE historic churches (Primitive Baptist, Methodist, and Missionary Baptist). Cades Cove is also known for its abundant wildlife, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
- Roaring Fork Motor Trail. If you’re into the historic stuff, here’s another trail you should try. This relaxing, winding 5.5-mile route will take you through old-growth forest and past many an old log cabin. It’s named for the fast-flowing mountain stream that you’ll see throughout the drive.
- Newfound Gap Scenic Overlook. Technically not a trail, but something to try out nonetheless. Get up to more than 5000 feet in elevation and motor through forests of spruce, pine, and oak! This is a very scenic paved road that goes straight through the park’s center.
- (Kuwohi) Clingman’s Dome Trail Head. Want to get panoramic views in the highest spot in Tennessee? This paved trail culminates in one of the state’s greatest observation spots. Kuwohi is a sacred place for the Cherokee Native Americans, as it was historically visited by medicine people who sought guidance from the Creator.
Note: While these iconic routes are primarily paved roads offering a relaxed, scenic drive, they often fall short of delivering the raw, immersive challenge that WildSide’s rugged off-road dirt trails provide. For adventurers seeking a truly thrilling experience, WildSide offers an adventure that goes far beyond the standard drive.
Preparation & Safety Guidelines for Your UTV Drive
If you’re going to be behind the wheel, then you must be at least 18 years old, tall enough to be properly seated, and in possession of a valid Driver’s License. WildSide requires all passengers to wear helmets and eye protection.
Worried about weather? Your UTV tour guides are experts in driving in all sorts of conditions, rain or shine (off-roading isn’t exactly about protection from the elements, after all). That said, if anything extreme like a tornado is on the horizon, rides will be canceled.
Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and we recommend that you show up 45 minutes before your designated start time.
Get the UTV Tour of a Lifetime Right Here in Tennessee
Thrilling off-roading trails, stunning vistas, and a rich history waiting to be explored — the Smoky Mountains have it all. Let WildSide unlock a world of adventure with an exhilarating ride that’s great for beginners and families.
Ready to put off-roading on your calendar? Book your UTV tour today!
