GATLINBURG HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Shuttle to the Smokies: Direct runs to Alum Cave, Rainbow Falls and other Gatlinburg trailheads
Roundtrip shuttle service from Gatlinburg delivers hikers to Alum Cave and Rainbow Falls (with advance shuttles to Chimney Tops and Newfound Gap) and removes the hassle of driving and parking.
Shuttle to the Smokies: Direct runs to Alum Cave, Rainbow Falls and other Gatlinburg trailheads.
Rocky Top Tours operates roundtrip shuttle transportation from Gatlinburg to some of the Great Smoky Mountains’ most-visited trailheads, offering straightforward access to Alum Cave and Rainbow Falls with options by reservation to Chimney Tops and Newfound Gap — a practical choice whether you plan a day hike or an overnight outing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Direct, roundtrip runs to popular trailheads
Scheduled roundtrip shuttles run to and from Alum Cave and Rainbow Falls, and—by advance reservation—to Chimney Tops and Newfound Gap, simplifying access so you can focus on the trail rather than parking.
Set return pickup times from the trailheads
Return shuttles include set departures (for example, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM from Alum Cave and 2:30 PM from Rainbow Falls); other pickup needs can be arranged by calling for same-day availability.
Hassle-free for day or overnight hikers
The service is presented as convenient transportation for both day hikers and overnight hikers, letting visitors plan one-way or roundtrip access without coordinating private rides or multiple cars.
What the day feels like
What the shuttle experience feels like
A roughly 30-minute shuttle ride deposits you at trailheads so you can begin the hike quickly; the operation is run as roundtrip transportation from a Gatlinburg meeting point and follows a scheduled route that returns hikers to the departure lot according to posted pickup times.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this shuttle works best for
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The shuttle ride is approximately a 30 Minute Ride between the Gatlinburg departure lot and the trailheads.
Departures are from a pay parking lot at 309 Longbranch Rd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738; the lot charges $15.00 and payment is made at the location (the shuttle operator is not affiliated with the parking lot).
Return pickup times are scheduled (examples: 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM from Alum Cave; 2:30 PM from Rainbow Falls); Chimney Tops and Newfound Gap shuttles are available with advance reservations and other trailheads may be possible on request—call to confirm same‑day availability.
Check your confirmation email for your assigned return time and, if you have special pickup needs, call the operator to verify availability for the day.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where does the shuttle depart from?
Shuttles depart from a pay parking lot at 309 Longbranch Rd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738.
How much does parking cost at the departure lot?
The parking lot charges $15.00; payments are made at that location and the shuttle operator is not affiliated with the lot.
Which trailheads does the shuttle serve?
The scheduled route runs to and from Alum Cave and Rainbow Falls; with advance reservations the operator also provides shuttles to Chimney Tops and Newfound Gap and may accommodate other trailheads upon request.
What are the return shuttle times?
Examples of return times include 1:30 PM from Alum Cave, 2:30 PM from Rainbow Falls, and 3:30 PM from Alum Cave; the last shuttle from Alum Cave and upper-elevation trailheads for the day is 3:30 PM.
Can you get a shuttle to Chimney Tops or Newfound Gap?
Yes—shuttles to Chimney Tops and Newfound Gap are available with advance reservations.
What if I need a different pickup time?
For other pickup needs you should call to check availability for that day.