Shuttle Services Set to Proceed in the Smokies
In a move that appears to curb the traffic and parking issues in the Smokies, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service has announced and encouraged the use of shuttle services. Initially, six local companies will offer pick-up and drop-off service to popular locations within the park, including Laurel Falls Trail, Clingmans Dome, Rainbow Falls Trail, Trillium Gap Trail, Chimney Tops, and Alum Cave Trail.
How they will provide these services vary, and may help you decide which one you should go with if you are considering this option. Some will offer transportation between your rental and destinations in the park; some will take you from different locations in Gatlinburg to the trailheads and back.
RockyTop Tours is using the Ober Mountain parking lot as a pick-up and drop-off point. This means you will not only have to pay $15 to park at Ober Mountain, but also $20 for a ride to Laurel Falls Trail, and includes additional fees for other trails.
Smoky Rides also will station at Ober Mountain, and they offer rides through the Smokies at $25 per person. Of course you should do your research for further details from all of these companies on their respective websites which I will link below.
This is proof that the park service is addressing the amount of tourist traffic that has been increasing. As one myself, I really hope it works and doesn’t cause more problems, but it’s a wait-and-see game. Obviously, the parking fee has been a somewhat controversial issue, but something needed to be done. I’ve personally seen it here, and while many may disagree, I feel it’s better than the alternative of doing nothing at all. Let me know how you feel about this!
Here are the others offering transportation service in the Smokies:
Great Smoky Mountain Eco Tours
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