Lil Travel Folks is supported by its readers. If you purchase through a link on my site, I may earn a commission. Learn more
If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day or weekend, consider visiting one of the many off road parks near Gatlinburg TN. There’s something for all skill levels at these parks, from beginners to experienced drivers. You can enjoy the beauty of nature while testing your driving skills on challenging terrain.
Most of these East Tennessee parks have ATV or UTV vehicles available for rent, and most are guided tours, so there’s no worries about getting stuck or stranded alone.
This is a great way to see some amazing mountain views and have a unique experience doing so!
Can you offroad in the Smoky Mountains?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not allow off-road vehicles, however there are many off road parks near Gatlinburg TN that would be perfect for a day or weekend of fun! You can experience nature enjoy breathtaking views and check out beautiful scenery that is only accessible by trail riding.
We’ve rounded up our favorites and even have a wonderful park that lets you bring your own off-road SUV.
Here are our picks for the best off-road rentals and adventures near Gatlinburg:
Off-Road Gatlinburg
If you’re interested in off-roading in the Gatlinburg area, this is a wonderful place to go. They offer street-legal UTV rentals from 2 to 5 seats and also 90 minute off-road tours with steep hill climbs, mud, ruts, rocks and more.
You can also rent ATV’s for 90 minute guided tours with mud, hills, epic views and more.
Types of Vehicles:
Lifted Yahama Viking VI
Kawasaki TERYX4 800 LE S
Honda Talon (2 and 4 seaters)
Polaris Ranger 1000
Can-Am X3 1000 Turbo
Honda Pioneer (5 seater)
Can-Am 570 XMR
Location: 446 East Parkway, Gatlinburg
Learn more about Off-Road Gatlinburg here
Bluff Mountain Adventures
Enjoy a guided ATV or UTV adventure on 6000 acres of land and Smoky Mountain trails, where you will experience some amazing views. Anyone under 16 years old has to be at least 57″ to participate, so this isn’t for the younger ones. The offer several different trails so you can choose the one that best meets your skill level.
You must purchase your tickets in person, and everyone who is planning on riding must be present when you purchase, even if you’re not riding that day. Bring ID for anyone driving.
Types of Vehicles:
450 ATV
Rhino/Wolverine UTV
Viking UTV
Teryx UTV
Location: Ticket office is located at 2186 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
Learn more about Bluff Mountain Adventures here
Firefox Mountain ATV Adventure
Firefox Mountain Adventure Park has ziplining, hiking, outdoor activities and Bear Crawler ATV trail rides! Ride with a tour guide to the top of a mountain and enjoy an awesome ATV adventure to the top of the mountain along the way. Tours last an hour and children as young as 3 can ride, so this is something the whole family can have a great time doing.
The 8-wheeled Bear Crawler ATV’s go through all kinds of terrian and is amphibious, even splashing through creeks and mud, so be prepared to get wet and/or dirty! The best stops are the historic iron mine and Lost Mine Falls.
Types of Vehicles:
8-wheel Bear Crawler
Location: 3757 Thomas Ln, Sevierville
Learn more about Firefox Mountain ATV Adventure here
Smoky Mountain Adventure Tours
Enjoy a true off-roading experience on a 2-2.5 hour guided tour. The company provides the UTV’s and all needed gear. You must be 25 to drive and at least 3 years of age to ride.
Types of Vehicles:
Polaris UTV’s
Location: 4663 Hooper Way, Cosby
Learn more about Smoky Mountain Adventure Tours here
Best Off Road Park Near Gatlinburg
If you are headed to this park, you will need to bring your own vehicle to ride, whether that is a Jeep or another SUV or even a mountain bike (but no ATV’s or SXS vehicles).
Outdoors in the Smokies
This place may say “Jeep Trails” but they welcome all kinds of different vehicles, makes and models, so don’t feel left out if you offroad in a different type of vehicle! They have miles of trails and have broken them down for easy, moderate and difficult levels. You can also book a primitive campsite here, which is really cool.
They are by appointment only, so make sure you call first before heading out, and they don’t allow atv/sxs vehicles. They also have mountain biking you can reserve, so check them out for mountain bikers.
Location: 462 Middle Creek Rd, Cosby
Learn more about Outdoors in the Smokies here
If you’re willing to drive an hour and a half, definitely check out Windrock ATV Park.
Street Legal UTV Rentals
If you’re interested in renting a UTV but aren’t quite ready for off-roading in one, consider one of these companies that allow you to rent a UTV to drive around the Gatlinburg area.
Mountain Life UTV Rentals
There are so many different vehicles to choose from here – from a smaller 2 seater to a few seating 6 people! If you have a large family like we do (four kiddos), then one of these vehicles might be right for you. They also meet all competitor’s pricing for UTV rentals, but be aware they are NOT for off-roading. This is a great way to see the Smokies on the paved streets.
Types of Vehicles:
Can-Am Defender
Many different Polaris vehicles
Honda Talon 1000
Location: 826 E Parkway, Gatlinburg
Learn more about Mountain Life UTV Rentals here
Rocky Top Adventure Rentals
This is another great place to rent UTV’s with up to six seats, but again, these are not for off-roading. You can rent these for up to a week at a time! They also have other vehicles for rent including Slingshot/Vanderhall, Jeep/Bronco, and Corvette. If you’re looking to get behind the steering wheel of a fun ride in the Smokies, check them out.
Types of Vehicles:
2, 4 and 6 seater UTV’s like Can Am, Polaris and Honda
Slingshot/Vanderhall
Jeep/Bronco
Corvette
Location: 544 E Parkway, Gatlinburg
Learn more about Rocky Top Adventure Rentals here
Common Questions about Off Road Parks Near Gatlinburg TN
There are UTV trails in the Smoky Mountains, but they are not as common as Jeep trails. There are a few places that allow UTV’s on their trails (listed above, and these are tours), but the majority of places only allow Jeeps and other similar vehicles.
You can drive a UTV on the street in Gatlinburg as long as it is street legal. There are a few places that will rent you a street legal UTV, and you can find those listed above.
You can also find a gravel road to take a ride on near the park if you want an outdoor adventure that’s not quite as rugged as the off road trails but still a good time. If you want a quiet scenic drive, try the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway or Cades Cove Loop Road. Try Smoky Mountain Jeep rentals for a nice ride, and check out old homesteads and historic buildings.
Final Thoughts on Off Road Parks Near Gatlinburg TN
There are a few different options for an off road adventure near Gatlinburg, but be aware that not all places allow ATV’s. If you’re looking for side by side rentals specifically, be sure to check out one of the companies listed above that offer street legal rentals. And as always, make sure you know the rules of the place you’re off roading before heading out!
