Smoky Mountain Shuttles offer a convenient and reliable way to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With authorized providers, flexible schedules, and a variety of trailhead and destination options, these shuttle services make it easy for visitors to navigate the park and access popular hiking trails.
Authorized Shuttle Providers
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has several authorized shuttle providers that offer transportation services to visitors. These include:
| Provider | Contact |
|---|---|
| AAA Hiker Shuttle | 865-322-0691 or 423-487-3112 |
| A Walk in the Woods | 865-436-8283 |
| Bryson City Outdoors | 828-342-6444 |
| Smoky Rides | 865-562-2833 |
| Smoky Mountain Guides | 865-223-5397 |
Operating Hours and Schedules
The shuttle providers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer varying operating hours and schedules to accommodate visitors’ needs:
- Smoky Rides: Provides daily shuttle schedules, with reservations required.
- A Walk in the Woods: Operates public shuttle loops with specific schedules, as well as private shuttles.
- AAA Hiker Shuttle: Offers 24/7 service, weather permitting.
Trailheads and Destinations
The shuttle providers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer transportation to a variety of trailheads and destinations within the park:
- A Walk in the Woods: Provides shuttle services to the Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead, Newfound Gap, Bullhead Trailhead, and Rainbow Falls Trailhead.
- Smoky Rides: Offers shuttle services to various trailheads and park destinations.
- AAA Hiker Shuttle: Supports Appalachian Trail thru-hikers and section hikers, operating in the Pisgah, Nantahala, and Cherokee National Forests.
Parking and Tags
Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park should be aware of the parking requirements and options:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Parking tags are required for vehicles parked longer than 15 minutes, which can be obtained through the shuttle services or the park.
- Ober Mountain Parking Lot: This paid parking lot charges $15 per night.
Booking and Reservations
To utilize the shuttle services in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can book and make reservations through the following methods:
- Smoky Mountain Guides: Fill out a form or call 865-223-5397 for pricing within 24 hours.
- Smoky Rides: Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 865-562-2833.
- A Walk in the Woods: Fill out a private shuttle request form or book public shuttle loops.
- AAA Hiker Shuttle: Call 865-322-0691 or 423-487-3112 to arrange shuttle services.
Cost and Rates
The cost and rates for the shuttle services in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park vary among the providers:
- A Walk in the Woods: Public shuttle rates vary, while private shuttle services have a minimum of $75 plus tax.
- Smoky Mountain Guides: Pricing is available within 24 hours of inquiry.
- Smoky Rides: Offers custom reservations and daily shuttle schedules with varying rates.
- AAA Hiker Shuttle: Prices are not specified, but are claimed to be competitive.
Additional Information
The shuttle providers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer additional services and features:
- Smoky Rides: Offers wedding and special event transportation, as well as corporate and group transportation.
- A Walk in the Woods: Public shuttle loops require a minimum of 4 reservations, otherwise, the 4-person rate applies.
- AAA Hiker Shuttle: Drivers have over 28 years of experience driving in the Great Smoky Mountains.
By utilizing the Smoky Mountain Shuttles, visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can enjoy a hassle-free and convenient way to explore the park’s stunning natural beauty and access popular hiking trails.
References
- https://www.smokymountainguides.com/shuttle-services/
- https://smokyrides.com
- https://awalkinthewoods.com/mount-leconte-smoky-mountian-shuttle-service-appalachian-trail-great-smoky-mountains-a-walk-in-the-woods/
- https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm
- https://aaahikerservice.com