How to Take A Self-Guided Tour of Great Smoky Mountains

How to Take A Self-Guided Tour of Great Smoky Mountains

Traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains? Take the opportunity to learn about the region's rich history and culture with the free TravelStorys app!


The TravelStorys app is available for free on both iOS and android. Their self-guided audio tours utilize your phone's GPS to automatically share informational descriptions of attractions you pass on your route. 


The TravelStorys app offers a detailed guide to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while traveling between several KOA campgrounds in the area. Currently, the app offers descriptive tours between Townsend, TN and Pigeon Forge, TN. You can also listen to information about the national park as you travel through the park between Pigeon Forge, TN and Cherokee, NC. 


1. Interactive and Engaging Exploration

TravelStorys revolutionizes the way you explore The Smoky Mountains by providing immersive and interactive guided tours. These tours are more than just audio guides; they're engaging experiences that blend local knowledge, history, and storytelling. With TravelStorys, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the region's natural wonders, cultural heritage, and best destinations. It's like having a knowledgeable tour guide in your pocket, ready to share fascinating stories at every stop.

2. Self-Paced Adventures

One of the significant advantages of TravelStorys is that you can explore The Smoky Mountains at your own pace with self-guided tours. You're not bound to a strict tour schedule, allowing you to linger at your favorite spots, take photos, or simply enjoy the breathtaking vistas. Whether you're hiking to one of the waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biking through Cade's Cove, or driving through scenic byways, TravelStorys adapts to your itinerary, ensuring a personalized experience.

3. Educational Insights

The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in culture. Use the TravelStorys app to learn about the Cherokee ancestors, who hunted mastodons here during the last Ice Age 13,000 years ago! In addition, you will learn about Woodland Indians who built their villages nearly 2,000 years ago. 

4. Accessible to All Ages

TravelStorys is not only informative but also accessible to travelers of all ages. It's an excellent tool for families, allowing parents to engage their children in an educational and entertaining way. Kids will be captivated by the stories and legends of the Smoky Mountains, making it an unforgettable family adventure.

5. Environmentally Friendly

The Smoky Mountains region is full of stunning but fragile natural beauty, and preserving it for future generations is crucial. TravelStorys promotes eco-friendly tourism by encouraging responsible exploration. By using the app, you can minimize the impact of your visit on the environment while still enjoying all that our are has to offer.

6. Keep Your Eyes Open!

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its diverse wildlife and nature. For example, this National Park has the most diverse salamander population globally; more tree species than Northern Europe; and sixty-five different species of mammals. As you drive or hike through the Park, keep your eyes out for wild hogs, birds, and even bears. The ones you’re most likely to catch a glimpse of are white-tailed deer, chipmunks, groundhogs, squirrels, and bats. 


This tour of the Smoky Mountains is sponsored by Kampgrounds of America, whose nearly 500 destinations around North America offer every kind of camping, from simple roadside campsites to premium accommodations and full-service resorts. Founded on the basic concept of the American road trip, KOA supports efforts to improve outdoor education and enjoyment.

Learn more about the TravelStorys app on their website.

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