Scenic stops like this are part of the Pink Adventures Tours.
It was not like I had never been on the Gatlinburg Loop during my many visits to the Smoky Mountains. However, I had never been on the roads there in a pink jeep until last week. Pink Adventure Tours came highly recommended by Ellen Liston of Dollywood, a long-time friend. She told me the tours were definitely something different and perfect for all ages.
Matt Auberle is the general manager for Pink Adventure Tours Smoky Mountains. You can also find Pink Jeep in Las Vegas, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon. The Smoky Mountains location opened about two years ago. He was terrific at helping figure out which tour would suit my grandchildren, ages 10 and 11, the best.
Safety/COVID protocols were in place and our group of six had our own jeep with Chunk as our driver/tour guide. His infectious personality made the 2 1/2 hour tour even better, especially when he sang Happy Birthday to my grandson.
Our open-air ride was fully narrated from start to finish and easy to understand and enjoy. We got the history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including some information I did not know. Any question we had, Chunk — a New York native — answered. He also made sure my grandchildren stayed fully engaged in the tour.
He made sure he got our picture at the Great Smoky Mountains National park sign as well at Cataract Falls after our short hike there. My grandchildren enjoyed a visit to the Ogle Cabin to see what pioneer life was like.
But no doubt the tour highlight — probably for all ages — was the off-road driving on the Bear Track, Pink Jeep’s own 4×4 trail in Pigeon Forge. I think it made it even better that it started to rain just before our off-road tour that had a lot of bumps and bounces to get the adrenaline really flowing.
You have a choice of tours and tour times but from what I could tell, every tour is fun and unique. I was impressed with how everyone there seemed to enjoy what they were doing and was intent on making sure each tour was fun.
Reservations are not required but are recommended. You can call 800-873-3662 or 928-282-5000. You can also get more information online at PinkAdventureTours.com.
Don’t let the cost overwhelm you. It’s a unique experience and actually filled out three hours. It was family time in a very different way than normal and I enjoyed it because for a change I didn’t have to do the driving and could enjoy myself with my grandchildren.
If you are going to be in the Pigeon Forge area, I would recommend you check out Pink Adventure Tours. If you do, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
