Your Best Summer Experience Isn’t By Car, It’s on a UTV in North Carolina

I am the type of person who tries to live life to the fullest, filling the years with adventures and constantly trying new things. So, if I were to do something different with my summer in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, an off-roading adventure would be at the top of my list. The times I've been off-roading have been an absolute blast and a fantastic way to go further into the wilderness in a shorter amount of time than you could on a hike. How does a UTV Adventure in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina this summer sound to you? If you ask me, it's a great idea!

Based out of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, Scenic Tours and Rentals, LLC, offers one of the most memorable ways to explore the Great Smoky Mountains. The 3-hour UTV Adventure in the Smoky Mountains shows off a different side of the mountains as you go off-roading on some rough and rugged trails. You'll be off the beaten path on this tour, so you can only imagine the scenery and the wildlife you'll spot along the way.

The guided tour starts at Scenic Tours and Rentals, located at 2961 Soco Road in Maggie Valley. From there, you'll get onto a UTV and head out onto gravel and dirt roads into some of the more remote areas of the Smoky Mountains. Your guide will tell you all about the area you're exploring, along with the history, legends, and lore of this mountainous region.

Along this off-roading trek, you'll see waterfalls, including a 120-foot cascade, take in the stunning mountain vistas, and view plenty of flora and fauna as you climb to a higher elevation. Towards the end of the adventure, you'll be treated to a panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains. What can be better than that?

As you climb to higher elevations, it's advisable to wear layers and also bring a face mask and goggles, or sunglasses to protect yourself from the dusty trails. You should also take water and snacks. To drive a UTV, you must be at least 21 years of age.

Whether you're an adventure seeker like me or want to explore the wilderness in a unique way, I can't think of anything better than this UTV Adventure in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. You can book your tour with Airbnb Experiences.

What are some of the most thrilling, exhilarating adventures you've taken in the Tarheel State? If you don't mind, please share with us any noteworthy tours you've taken by sending a message through our nominations page.

Another unforgettable way to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a drive along Lakeview Drive. This incomplete 6-mile scenic drive through the park is known as the "Road to Nowhere," but it's worth taking for the views of Fontana Lake and the surrounding mountains. It also runs through a historic tunnel and eventually leads to a parking area with several incredible trails.