About this experience
Slow down beside one of the Smokies’ biggest and among the most beautiful mountain rivers. River Magic is an easy guided walk designed for guests who want the peace of moving water, forest shade, deep pools, sparkling cascades, wildflowers, and stories of the landscape without a demanding climb and without the crowds.
This gentle riverside experience blends natural beauty with interpretation from an expert guide. You’ll learn about the plants, wildlife, stream life, and human history connected to these mountain valleys while enjoying one of the most approachable ways to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Best for: Families, beginners, seniors, first-time visitors, nature lovers, and anyone who wants an easy guided river walk near Gatlinburg.
Duration: 3.5 Hours | Difficulty: Easy | Mileage: 4.2 Miles | Elevation Change: 300’ | Ages: All
Meeting Location: Sugarlands Visitors Center
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr 30 min
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Snacks: peanut based (peanut butter crackers, trail mix and/or fruit snacks)
- Professional guide
Not included
- Gratuities are appreciated for good service.
- Lunch
- Drinks are not provided. Bring plenty of water.
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Parking Tag not included. Contact us or purchase here: www.recreation.gov/activitypass/AP2510
Itinerary and highlights
Enjoy a gentle stroll in a quiet part of the Park. You'll walk along a beautiful river, see several small cascades, and explore a remain of a town that used to sit in this area. Perfect for families, seniors and large groups as well as couples looking for an easy introduction to the Smokies
Meeting and pickup information
- We meet clients under the flagpole. Here, you can purchase your parking tag at one of the convenient kiosks.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- A Walk in the Woods
Accessibility and practical details
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Rating: the difficulty of this tour is easy
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Gratuity of 10 to 20% recommended for good service
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please note that, while we do our best to follow the itinerary listed, we may need to pivot due to road closures or events outside of our control. We require a minimum of 2 people to operate this tour. We operate rain or shine.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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