If you have grand dreams of kicking up some mud on ATV trails in the Smoky Mountains, I have some good news and some bad news. In this recreational ATV riding guide, I share the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to ATV riding in the Smoky Mountains.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer to off-road adventures, these trails offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the mountains while experiencing the thrill of navigating rugged terrain.
So gear up, rev your engines, and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping ride through the spectacular scenery of the Smoky Mountains!
Are there ATV Trails in the Smoky Mountains?
In the traditional sense of the word, no. I’m sorry to report that there are no official ATV trails in the Smoky Mountains for your to ride on your own ATV.
However…
The good news is there are several ways to ride ATVs and UTVs in the Smoky Mountains and there are definitely some awesome places not far from the national park where you can ride your ATV on some amazing Tennessee ATV Trails.
But, before we talk about those, let’s discuss how you can still ride an ATV in the Smoky Mountains.
There are several outstanding places to take a guided ATV trail riding tour and you can ride ATVs on the streets and in Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains.
ATV Recreational Riding in the Smoky Mountains
Guided ATV trail tours in the Smokies are perfect if you have young family members who want to experience the thrill of ATV trail riding in the Smokies, but may not be experienced enough to drive an ATV for themselves.
More experienced ATV enthusiasts are allowed to drive their own ATV on these guided Smoky Mountain tours.
Unfortunately, there are no off road ATV trails in the national park, however, there are street legal ATV rentals available in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
ATV Trails In The Smoky Mountains
ATV Riding in Pigeon Forge, TN
There are four main ATV trail tour providers near Pigeon Forge, TN in the Smoky Mountains.
All of these tours offer you an opportunity to experience the Smokies in a unique and exciting new way.
Bluff Mountain Adventures
Bluff Mountain Adventures is a popular and well known place to rideATV’s in the Smoky Mountains. Located in the gateway town to the Smokies, Pigeon Forge, TN, Bluff Mountain offers guided tours for ages 12 years and up and from beginner to advanced.
While the tours are guided, you will be able to drive your own ATV if you meet the minimum requirements. There is no need to bring your ATV helmet or worry about renting an ATV to participate as this is included in the price of the tour.
Jayell Ranch
Jayell Ranchis also located in Pigeon Forge, TN behind Dollywood and Dollywood Splash country. No reservations are taken, so just show up and start riding.
Jayell Ranch offers a 1 hour guided ATV orUTVtour through 12 miles of the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
In addition to ATV and UTV tours in the Smokies, you can make a day of your time at Jayell Ranch by adding in a ziplining adventure or horseback riding.
Big Rock Dude Ranch
For a really fun family day on the ranch, visitBig Rock Dude Ranchin Pigeon Forge, TN to ride ATVs in the Smoky Mountains. Big Rock Dude Ranch offers 30 minute guided tours for ages 16 and older as well as combo tickets to ride horses and ATVs.
Bring the whole family and the little ones can enjoy the FREE petting zoo, playground, and picnic area while the older family members ride horses and ATVs.
There is also a Gem mine, stocked fishing pond, Civil War Museum, General Store, and Cafe serving up hot dogs and drinks.
Big Rock Dude Ranch is definitely a great way to get away from the tourist traps in Pigeon Forge and experience the Smoky Mountains in a relaxing and unique way.
Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park
If you really want to explore the Smoky Mountains on an ATV that is truly unique, book a ride on the Bear Crawler atFoxfire Mountain Adventure Park.
This 8 WHEELER ATV will take your family on an exhilarating ride through ALL TERRAINS near Pigeon Forge in the Smokies.
Be prepared to get a little dirty as you splash through streams, climb over logging trails, and make your muddy climb up to the top of Foxfire Mountain.
The best part about the Bear Crawler is that children as young as 3 years of age can ride, making Foxfire is another great place to rideATV trails in the Smoky Mountainsand have an all day family adventure that veers away from the normal Smoky Mountains attractions and experience a more non-touristy activity in the Smokies.
ATV Riding In Gatlinburg, TN
Although there aren't any designated ATV trails for independent riding in the Smoky Mountains, there are still numerous opportunities to enjoy ATV and UTV excursions in the area.
There are a few ATV/UTV rentals around Gatlinburg that offer self-guided rentals as well as guide tours.
UTV Rentals In The Smoky Mountains
As we mentioned, there is nowhere within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to take an ATV off-road, however, there are still ways to enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountains on a street-legal UTV rental. Located in Townsend, TN, Mtn Trax UTV Adventure rents UTVs, or side-by-sides, that are street legal.
These UTV’s are allowed on roads in the Smoky Mountain area including within the national park on Cades Cove, Rich Mountain, Tremont, Townsend, Foothills Parkway, Elkmont, and the town of Gatlinburg.
You may ride your UTV rental on any roads in the region that have a posted speed limit of 40 mph or less. What a fun way to explore the Smokies with your family.
Mtn Trax offers 2, 4, and 6 seater UTV rentals. You can learn more about their rates and UTVs here.
For more about UTV rentals in the Smoky Mountains check out our posts on the best UTV rentals in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
- Best UTV Rentals in Gatlinburg
- Best UTV Rentals in Pigeon Forge
Where to Stay in The Smoky Mountains
Want some more information on where to stay with your family while visiting the Smoky Mountains. We have a few articles that might help you decide.
- Kid-Friendly Hotels Near Dollywood
- Kid-Friendly Hotels Near The Island
- Pigeon Forge Cabin Rentals
- Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals
More ATV Trails In Tennessee
If you’re a bit disappointed that there isn’t anywhere to hook up the trailer and bring your own ATV to ride in the Smoky Mountains, don’t be.
There are several great places to get off-road and kick up the dust in Tennessee near the Smokies. Check out out these other great ATV trails in Tennessee for more ideas.
Note: If you are wondering why we didn’t include Wayehutta OHV Trail System on the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains as an option for bringing your ATV to ride in the Smoky Mountains, it’s because, unfortunately, according to the National Forests in North Carolina site, the Wayehutta OHV Trail System is currently closed due to a landslide. We will keep an eye on that and update the post as soon as the trail system is reopened.
Join our ATV Trails Near Me Facebook Group To Connect With Even More ATV Enthusiasts!
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
GET THIS FREE ATV PRE-RIDE INSPECTION CHECKLIST!
More ATV Riding Resources
- Freedom Rings Loudly on These 16 ATV Trails in Pennsylvania
- More than 1000 Miles of ATV Trails Awaits You on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System!
- 13 Adrenaline Rushing ATV Trails In Virginia You Need To Ride
- 15 Best Places To Ride ATV Trails in Alabama
More Related Resources
Gear up for adventure! Before hitting the trails on your ATV, make sure you’re properly equipped with essential ATV gear. Safety first, thrill-seeker second!
After a thrilling ATV adventure in the Smoky Mountains, keep the excitement going for the little ones with a National Park scavenger hunt printable!
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