Cades Cove Sightseeing Bus Tour from Pigeon Forge
4.5
Cades Cove Sightseeing Bus Tour from Pigeon Forge
By Tennessee Mountain Tours
About
See a different side of the Great Smoky Mountains on a half-day group tour to Cades Cove. With round-trip bus transportation from Pigeon Forge, you’re able to skip the stress of navigation and appreciate the stunning surroundings. Listen to live commentary that goes beyond your typical guidebook. Learn about the diverse native wildlife as well as the cove's history and Cherokee heritage.
Ages 0-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 4–5 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Visit one of the most popular parks in America
- Learn about the local history and wildlife
- Travel comfortably by coach from Pigeon Forge
- Observe native wildlife in its natural habitat
- Driver/guide
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Live commentary on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
What's not included- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- 2703 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USAPlease meet in the parking area below "The Listening Room". Your guide will be in a white van or bus. Please check in with your driver.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 35220P7- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 35220P7
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Dreamer127994002810 contributionsPHENOMENAL ExperiencePam was absolutely phenomenal as a tour guide! She was very sweet, patient, and funny with our group. Highly recommend this tour, as you get a lot of bang for your buck.Written 13 March 2024
- nonag3350 contributionsWe had a group of 6 and laughed all the way throughout.We had an incredible time despite the fact that we don’t drink much. Our guide was Pam and she was great. The bartenders were so much fun.Written 26 February 2024
- 418mistym0 contributionsNot that greatThe tour guide was great but the places we went too were just not great. All of the tastings were free regardless of being on the tour or not. It’s just not worth $60 a person.Written 2 January 2024
- CynthiaG130 contributionsSmoky Mountain Christmas LightsI was very impressed with the Christmas Lights. There was only 1 location. However, the guide and her husband were very entertaining.Written 1 January 2024
- Joy F0 contributionsDecember in TennesseeSkyland New discovery...nice place, nice views of pigeon forge Tennessee. Cinnamon bread was amazing and match that with hot caramel apple cider.😋 For those who aren't fans of chairlifts or mountain coaster they have a shuttle bus😉Written 31 December 2023
- M3970MGwills0 contributionsGreat time we enjoyed itThe driver Mr Tennessee Dustin was a great guy to ride with very informative and kept us out of as much traffic as possible also told some history of the towns we enjoyed riding with him would recommend take a trip with himWritten 30 December 2023
- Bethann550 contributionsTour Guide Know His StuffGreat tour. Dustin was a great guide, he is very knowledgeable about the area and he added a lot of history. I recommend this Chistmas light tours. It was lots of fun.Written 20 December 2023
- rogerhV7163VW0 contributionsGREAT TOURGREAT TOUR. GUIDE WAS VERY FRIENDLY AND WELL INFORMED WITH THE AREA. LOOK FORWWARD TO NEXT YEAR. RECCOMMEND TO FRIENDS AND FAMILYWritten 18 December 2023
- kathyd9800 contributionsCouple from Mentor OhioGreat tour. Really got to know the history which was amazing. The tour guides made it fun, we sang and laughed what a great time. Would recommend this tour.Written 18 December 2023
- tgapu1230 contributionsGreat funDustin was a great guide. This stories and history of the area was very interesting and humorous. The tour is not necessarily unique in that you could see the lights on your own but not having to drive and have the narration made it all worth while. One suggestion is to not “stuff” the bus. We had 12 but all were couples and 4 in the back row is a tough fit 😊Written 12 December 2023
- Tonya M0 contributionsTotally not what I expected. We had already drive around and seen all this before.I thought we were going to an actual christmas light show or exhibit, not just driving around the streets. Something like christmas interest at shaky mountain.Written 4 December 2023
- H8907LCanthonyo0 contributionsI would highly recommend this tour. Maybe I’ll take vacation a little bit early next year and see even more color.Oh my gosh, it was just a fantastic trip. I even went on it twice. I have never seen anybody as knowledgeable and enjoyable as Dustin. he was absolutely fantastic. Every single person on the tour enjoyed him guiding us. Even though this was a little bit later in the year, there were still plenty of color to see. We were not rushed and allowed to take many many pictures. Dustin has quite a family history in the area, and he shared that with us, and allowed us to share things with him.Written 3 December 2023
- Pattie L0 contributionsChristmas lightsThe lights that we found were beautiful, but maybe I was expecting too much because there weren't nearest many lights as I expected.Written 2 December 2023
- bobaloo0000 contributionsDisappointedNot really the tour guides fault but two of the three places we were supposed to visit were closed and we could not go. The company running the tour should have known this and not offered the tour for the night we went. I also found it ironic that a company that offers a Christmas light tour had no lights up at the meeting spot. We drove right past them. No lights, no signs, no standing outside with a reflector vest and flashlight. No music playing. Nothing. They need to improve that. The van itself was old, uncomfortable and warm. The tour guide was the best part. Not only did he patently wait for us to backtrack but he also was actually entertaining on the tour and very apologetic. I would skip this and drive around yourself though.Written 2 December 2023
- 285marissah0 contributionsGreat time!We had a great time on the wine and moonshine tour! Our driver Pam was lovely and our group was great!Written 21 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
36 reviews
Excellent
27
Very good
5
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
0
mishaJoy
Clearwater, FL13 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
I can't believe we spent $120 to basically sit in traffic, stop at a a minute market twice and spend about 30 minutes at Cade's Cove. It was a long drive, and while the driver Matt was nice and friendly, we felt like we'd be getting out and seeing much more, and that we'd enjoy an exciting, more enriching experience. In his defense, our fellow passengers were as dull as old shaver. And the woman who answered the phone (Jessica?) had less personality than a lampshade so that should have been a red flag. The highlight of the trip was listening to Matt play the piano sing at the beautiful little church. I could kick myself for taking that long, boring bus ride instead of walking a trail and seeing waterfalls. 5 hours is deceptive. You're mostly in slow traffic. So BORING.
Written 3 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cusitin
Secaucus, NJ31 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
I am giving this three stars solely because I don’t like giving negative reviews. I don’t think it’s worth it. My husband and I took this tour and even though Matt was funny and made the trip enjoyable, the tour is something you can do on your own. It was a total waste of time. We didn’t see any animals so it was just riding around. We stopped at a church and then the guide dropped us off so we can walk around Cades Cove where there was a house and a mill and visitors shop. You can do this in your own car.
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shassell06
Hitchcock, TX53 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We enjoyed seeing the beautiful mountain landscapes. The bus was like a sauna inside and the roads were so congested it was like sitting in rush hour traffic. It was a long 5 hours in a bus. If you like looking at old buildings you will like this tour. We were going for the wildlife and only saw a few turkeys and one deer.
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debby S
Parkville, MO87 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
Our tour guide was very informative & friendly. She wanted to make sure everyone was pleased with their tour. They also showed us a video that was very interesting. The area is a “must see”. We saw black bears hanging from the trees, & turkeys & deer. Don’t really know how people lived back then. Money well spent!
Written 19 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you all for coming to visit the Smoky Mountains and especially for coming to see us for your tour. Im so happy you all got to see some great wildlife on your tour of the Cove. Our guide Pam sure does know how to entertain folks doesn't she. Its a rare treat to see baby cubs running around playing in the spring time. Thank you for taking the time to write a great review and please come see us again sometime.
Written 28 April 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
andwapp
Andover, KS19 contributions
Oct 2018
This is definitely a must if you are travelling to the Smokie National Park. The bus driver worried about the traffic and everyone in our group was able to be a sightseer. The guide was extremely knowledgeable about the park, wildlife, vegetation and old historic mill and buildings that you get to see. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Just a hint: going earlier in the morning avoids a lot of traffic and gives you more of a chance to see wildlife. We took off at 8:30 am and were so glad we did!
Written 31 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tal5418
Mishawaka, Indiana180 contributions
Oct 2019
Our WWII Navy Reunion Group did this tour and had Matt as our driver/tour guide and everyone really enjoyed it! Our group was picked up right on time where we were staying and Matt filled us in on so many tidbits of information throughout. What an extra pleasure it was when we visited the one old church on the route and discovered that he also played the piano! We highly recommend this tour and Matt as the driver.
Written 31 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were so glad you joined us for a tour and I am glad to hear Matt exceeded expectations yet again. He is a great guide is he? Please do join us again on your next visit and thank you for taking the time to leave this amazing review.
Written 28 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jan
Whispering Pines, NC23 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
Our guide, Matt, was wonderful and very knowledgeable. He told great stories and made the journey fun. The loop was very crowded, so it was nice to not have to worry about the traffic and to let Matt do the driving. Many of the passengers were disabled (canes, walkers, limited mobility,) and Matt took great care to get as close to the curb and venues as possible.
Note for people with disabilities: This trip is not wheelchair accessible because the bus is not wheelchair accessible. The bus is fine for walkers, rollators, canes, and those with limited mobility. Matt was skilled at helping people with limited mobility get on and off the minibus. The venues themselves do not lend themselves to rollators, because of gravel and exposed aggregate. People with canes and regular walkers do well, but the old Methodist church has a very steep incline, and people with limited mobility will have to skip this part. It was a small part, so it was no big deal.
Note for people with disabilities: This trip is not wheelchair accessible because the bus is not wheelchair accessible. The bus is fine for walkers, rollators, canes, and those with limited mobility. Matt was skilled at helping people with limited mobility get on and off the minibus. The venues themselves do not lend themselves to rollators, because of gravel and exposed aggregate. People with canes and regular walkers do well, but the old Methodist church has a very steep incline, and people with limited mobility will have to skip this part. It was a small part, so it was no big deal.
Written 12 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shickelgrubber
Alexander City, AL11 contributions
May 2018
Take a few hours and go explore. Turn of the damn cell phone and relax, it will do you good. There are several historic churches in which you may find some of your ancestors there. It will transform you back into the simpler days of yesteryear when life was hard but people appreciated it. You can imagine the all days sings and the famous food served at dinner.
Written 3 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheryl M
Houston, TX11 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Our driver and guide Matt was superb! He was knowledgeable, friendly and funny! I'm so glad we decided to take this tour for all of the history. It was very enjoyable. I highly recommend this tour!
Written 21 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric H
9 contributions
I wish it had included a food stop. Otherwise the driver was very good and we really enjoyed his style. We would recommend this trip and this bus had much better leg room. Great driver on a cold day
Written 15 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are working on a new version of Cades Cove that will include food. Check back with us again on your next trip and maybe we will have it all put together .Thanks for being our guest, the advice and the review.
Written 28 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MamaMoosie
Pittsburgh, PA7 contributions
How long does the tour last? What time does the bus drop you back off in Pigeon Forge?
Lisa Jo
2 contributions
I'm in a wheelchair do you have a bus with a lift and will I be able to do any sightseeing when we get to Cades Cove?
Jan
Whispering Pines, NC23 contributions
The bus is not wheelchair accessible. I use a rollator, and I managed with that, but you can't get in and out with a wheelchair.
For those who use a rollator, forget about sight seeing, even though the park area says it is accessible. The sidewalks are not smooth, and your rollator won't work on them. That part was very disappointing for me, but certainly not the tour companies doing. They were wonderful.
caitlinmarie88
Uniontown, PA
We have a 10 month old, would that be an issue? Also is there a charge for a child?
We just went on this tour 2 weeks ago. We had a 9 month old with us and had no problems. The bus was very roomy and we took our cooler with us with snacks. Ask for Matt for your guide!! He's from there and very knowledgeable as well as being very nice and friendly. I can't remember for sure but I don't think there is a charge for a child. Have fun!
Raven S
5 contributions
Does the tour run in November ?
SilverZZR
Pigeon Forge, TN207 contributions
Not at this time. Due to the high amount of traffic in the fall season we don't do cades cove. It usually takes about 5 hours to get through the loop that time of year ... however, we may add it to the calender on slow days so feel free to call us when your vacation dates near.