Four hours is enough for Smokies highlights.

This tour strings together moonshine and wine tastings with quick, scenic breaks, so you get both the fun stops and the photo moments without spending a full day driving. It runs as a small-group shuttle adventure starting at 2:00 pm from Pigeon Forge, then loops you back to the same meeting point.

I love that it keeps things small, max 13 travelers, which makes the timing feel more controlled. I also like the variety built into the route, including a first stop at Moonshine Depot, later tastings at Junction 35 and Tennessee Mountainview Winery, and a final nature payoff with a waterfall.

One possible drawback: if your main goal is lots of long, dramatic Smoky Mountain viewpoints, the pacing can feel more “tasting-focused” than expected, and there have been reports of a delayed start. If you’re not into alcohol tastings, several stops may feel like more detours than you want.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small group size (up to 13) keeps the vibe friendly and manageable
• Multiple tasting stops cover moonshine, spirits, and wine across the route
• Foothills Parkway photo stop gives you classic Smokies views in a short window
• Free entry at Stop 1 and Stop 5 helps offset the paid tastings
• A waterfall finale adds a non-liquor “wow” moment at the end

Entering the Route From 2005 Wears Valley Rd

This is a 4-hour, afternoon tour that starts at 2005 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, with pickup and return at the same meeting point. You’ll be riding with Smoky Bear Shuttle, and you’ll get a mobile ticket, which makes check-in easier than digging for paper.

The timing matters. A 2:00 pm start means you’re usually hitting scenic pull-offs with good daylight for photos, but you also need to think about food and energy. If you want to enjoy tastings without feeling rushed, show up with a plan for a light meal beforehand.

This is also the kind of tour where the shuttle does the hard work. You’re not figuring out parking, backtracking roads, or timing multiple separate stops. For a half-day, that convenience has real value.

Shuttle Timing and Group Size, the Real “Comfort Factor”

With a maximum of 13 travelers, this tour tends to feel like a guided outing instead of a crowded bus experience. That matters because the schedule is built from several short segments. When groups are small, it’s easier to keep everyone moving and to fit in quick photo stops.

Still, run your schedule with a little cushion. Even when everything is planned, tours in this area depend on short drives between stops and the pace of tastings at each business. One delayed departure has been reported, so if you have dinner reservations later, give yourself extra buffer time.

I’d also keep your expectations grounded: this isn’t a slow scenic hike. It’s a highlights loop where you’ll get bursts of views, then shift to tasting experiences and back out again.

Stop 1 at Moonshine Depot (161 E Old Wears Valley Rd)

Your first tasting moment starts at Moonshine Depot at 161 E Old Wears Valley Rd. This is where the tour kicks off with a fun tasting experience at a small business with a rich local reputation. The tour window here is about 25 minutes, so you’re not stuck waiting around.

Admission for this stop is listed as included (the ticket is free for this part). That’s a strong start for the value of the tour, because alcohol tastings can add up fast if you’re paying per stop on your own.

What you’ll likely appreciate here is the warm-up vibe. Early tastings often set the tone, and you’ll have a chance to get your bearings before the itinerary becomes more “route-and-room” than “one long event.” If you want to taste thoughtfully, go in ready to pick a couple favorites rather than trying to sample everything.

Stop 2: The Mountain Mile at Junction 35 for Spirits and Currahee Wine

Next up is The Mountain Mile, with tastings at Junction 35. This section is about 1 hour, which is longer than most of the route stops. Here you’ll find moonshine and various spirits, plus Currahee wine.

Admission is listed as not included for this stop, which is important for your budgeting. This is likely one of the pricier tasting segments during the tour, so if you’re comparing value, mentally separate Stop 1 and Stop 5 (free) from stops where you may need to pay for additional samples.

I like this stop for two reasons. First, it gives you multiple categories in one place, so you can sample across styles rather than committing to just one spirit type. Second, it’s the closest thing to a “food-and-drink hub” in the itinerary, since the route before it is brief and the stops after it get more view-focused.

If you’re the type who doesn’t want to drink much, you still might enjoy browsing and learning, but you may not get the same value as a wine or spirits person.

Stop 3 on the Foothills Parkway: Quick Views, Great Photos

Then you hit Foothills Parkway, a stop designed specifically for breathtaking views and photo opportunities. The allotted time is 25 minutes, and the goal is pretty simple: get out, look around, take photos, and get back on the shuttle.

This is the moment where you should adjust your expectations. Since the time is short, you’re not going to see every overlook along the parkway. Instead, you’ll get a focused taste of the scenic look people travel for.

If you care about photos, use this stop strategically. Plan on a couple photos from the same area rather than sprinting to find the perfect angle and losing time. If the view is clear, it’s worth taking the shot right away, because weather in the Smokies can shift fast.

I also think this is a strong stop for mixed groups. Even if someone in your group doesn’t love tastings, they can enjoy the scenery without feeling like they’re being dragged to a bar.

Stop 4 at Tennessee Mountainview Winery for a Scenic Tasting Break

After the parkway views, the tour heads to Tennessee Mountainview Winery for about 30 minutes. This stop is built around a delightful tasting where you can savor local wines while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Smokies.

Admission is listed as not included here. So again, your real cost depends on what tasting option you choose. If you love wine, this is the segment that can feel most rewarding, because it’s both scenic and wine-forward, not just spirit-forward.

In terms of rhythm, this stop nicely balances the earlier spirits-focused stop. By the time you reach the winery, you’ve already had a moonshine start. Switching to wine can feel like a reset for the palate and the pace.

If you prefer lighter drinks, this is where you’ll likely enjoy spending your time most. If you only want to sample a sip or two, you can still get the atmosphere and scenic setting without committing to heavy sampling.

Stop 5 at 2135 Wears Valley Rd: Waterfall Finale

The last scheduled stop is at 2135 Wears Valley Rd, where you’ll experience a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush scenery. This part of the tour runs about 25 minutes, and admission is listed as free for this stop.

This is a big reason the tour works even when tastings aren’t your top priority. A waterfall stop offers something different from alcohol tastings, and it gives you that outdoors payoff you usually want in the Smokies. It also functions like a natural reset after you’ve been indoors at tasting rooms.

Photo-wise, it’s usually the kind of place where you can take multiple shots from different angles without needing long hiking time. Keep it simple: find your view, take your photos, and soak up the cool, damp air if it’s flowing well. When your feet are still fresh, you’ll enjoy this more.

Price and Value: Is $119 Worth It?

At $119 per person for about 4 hours, the value depends on what you want most. If you like structured tasting stops and you also want a few scenic hits, this price can feel fair because you’re paying for guided routing and transportation plus some included tasting value.

Here’s the key value breakdown based on what’s listed:

• Stop 1 and Stop 5 are free with included tickets for those tasting or site portions.
• Stops 2, 3, and 4 have admission listed as not included, meaning you may pay separately for tasting samples at the businesses.

So the tour’s cost “shifts” depending on how much you choose to drink at the two tasting stops where admissions are not included. If you’re willing to spend on tastings, you’ll likely feel you got your money’s worth. If you’re trying to minimize alcohol spending, the tour can feel more expensive per hour than you expect.

I also think the tour’s strongest value is convenience. You don’t need to map the route, drive between multiple places, and keep track of parking and timing. For many visitors staying in Pigeon Forge, that convenience alone can be worth it for a half-day.

But there’s a matching caveat. If your main dream is lots of unbroken time on dramatic Smokies overlooks, you may feel under-served. This route mixes tastings heavily, and the scenic stops are short by design.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink)

This tour is a great match if you want:

• Tastings as part of your Smokies day
• A guided half-day that saves driving and logistics
• Quick scenic stops for photos, not a long “nature-only” day

It’s also a good fit for couples and small groups who like a mix of activities. The itinerary has enough variety that you’re not stuck doing one thing for hours, and the small-group size helps keep it smooth.

You might rethink booking if:

• You’re not interested in moonshine, spirits, or wine tastings
• Your expectation is that you’ll spend most of the time on viewpoints for extended wandering
• You’re very schedule-sensitive, since at least one delayed departure has been reported

Should You Book Highlights of the Smokies?

If you’re the type who enjoys trying a few samples and you’re happy with short, focused scenic breaks, I’d say this is a solid booking. The mix of included value at the first and last stops, plus the classic Foothills Parkway photo window, hits the sweet spot for many visitors who want variety without a full day commitment.

But if you want a mostly outdoors, viewpoints-first itinerary with minimal tasting time, plan for a different tour. This one is built around alcohol-friendly stops, and the scenery is more of a highlight than the main course.

My practical recommendation: if you book, go in with a plan for the tastings. Decide how much you want to try at each place, and prioritize the parkway and waterfall time for photos and fresh air. Do that, and this route can feel like a fun, efficient Smokies day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 4 hours (approximately).

What is the tour price?

It costs $119.00 per person.

What time does it start, and where do I meet?

It starts at 2:00 pm and meets at 2005 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37862, USA.

Is this a small group?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 13 travelers.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes. The tour includes a mobile ticket.

Are tastings included at each stop?

Not all stops include admission. Stop 1 and Stop 5 list tickets as free, while stops at The Mountain Mile (Junction 35), Foothills Parkway, and Tennessee Mountainview Winery list admission as not included.

Is there a winery and wine tasting?

Yes. One stop is Tennessee Mountainview Winery for a wine tasting experience.

Are there any non-alcohol nature stops?

Yes. There is a waterfall stop at 2135 Wears Valley Rd with time for photos and views.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time (free cancellation). If you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.