For families that love to explore the natural scenery and feel the crisp mountain air, Gatlinburg is a great travel destination. Navigating through the uneven paths across the Great Smoky Mountains can be difficult on foot. In a vehicle, you can give your legs a rest and dive deeper into nature. For your next family trip in Gatlinburg, book a UTV rental using this guide to get a comfortable and safe ride across the beautiful trails.
Why Rent a UTV in Gatlinburg?
Whether you’re heading down for a family trip or a weekend getaway, Gatlinburg is a great travel destination to stop at and explore the Great Smoky Mountains. Discovering the sights of Gatlinburg becomes even more thrilling when you’re behind the wheel of a utility task vehicle (UTV). These vehicles provide access to rugged terrain, so you can soak in the scenic beauty of the mountains.
Experience Breathtaking Landscapes
No one wants to spend their vacation tucked away in a hotel room, so get outside and explore. UTVs allow families to traverse areas beyond the reach of bulky vehicles or footpaths. You can venture into the heart of Gatlinburg’s most captivating landscapes, whether you’re driving through lush forests or traveling up the panoramic mountain peaks.
Enhance Family Adventures
Family vacations should be equal parts fun and convenient. While your kids may want to stay inside and check out the local businesses, the UTV rental is sure to keep them intrigued by various outdoor activities. Children and adults alike will enjoy the thrill of navigating twisting trails while staying safely buckled in.
Choose a Suitable UTV
When selecting a UTV for your trip, pick out a safe and steady ride. Here are a couple of components you’ll need to consider.
Determine Vehicle Size
Decide how many passengers you’ll need to accommodate. UTV rentals commonly offer options for two, four, or six people.
Depending on the size of the vehicle, you might have room for bags with hiking essentials and photography equipment. Discuss with your rental specialist what kind of storage you’ll need for the trip to pick out the best vehicle.
Evaluate Engine Power
If you’re planning on tackling steep trails or rocky paths, look into UTVs with high horsepower. Combining a powerful engine with stability features guarantees a smooth adventure no matter how challenging the route becomes.
Communicate with the rental specialist about your driving skills and the path you plan to embark on. This will help the specialist select the best vehicle according to your trip.
What To Expect When Renting a UTV
Before the rental company hands off the keys, you’ll have to undergo a thorough briefing regarding the rental period, equipment, and driving instructions. Take note of these key regulations as a guide during your UTV rental in Gatlinburg.
Pre-Rental Briefing
Most providers include informational sessions before giving out UTV Rentals. Technicians walk renters through vehicle operations, safety measures, and trail maps. While they conduct these inspections, they’ll also discuss any additional fees for damage or missing parts at the end of the rental period.
At this point in the process, you can ask the company about their preferred routes and any extra tips they can provide about the experience. This way, you’ll get trustworthy advice and a safe vehicle to use as you explore the Smokies.
On-Trail Assistance
Many rental companies offer support services in case of emergencies or breakdowns. Having this option will keep your family safe in case the vehicle becomes unsafe to drive or leaves you stranded in the mountains. You can focus on the adventure, knowing that help is just a phone call away if something goes wrong.
Top Two Trails To Explore With a UTV
Once you have the UTV vehicle, where should you travel to? Whether you’re in the mood for a short outing or a day-long trek, Gatlinburg has a variety of incredible trails.
Cades Cove Loop Road
Known for its wildlife sightings, Cades Cove offers accessible routes and stunning views. This 11-mile trip includes scenic paths and hiking up small trails.
The road could take about four to five hours to explore. Be sure to save yourself enough time to take plenty of photos before the end of your rental period.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Rather than fighting the roads with other families, this five-mile loop is perfect for those seeking solitude among the mountains. The rocky terrain and serene views make it a favorite for UTV adventurers. From this trail, you’ll be able to hear the sound of rushing streams and take in the breathtaking sights of the area.
Safety Guidelines for Your Ride
Operating a UTV safely includes preparing your family for the ride and using the right gear. Especially for little ones buckled into the vehicle, adhering to safety measures ensures an enjoyable and accident-free trip.
Gear Up Properly
Always wear helmets, goggles, and seatbelts while riding to avoid injuries. Even on smooth trails, protective gear shields people from unexpected bumps, debris, or sudden stops. Remind your little ones to keep their arms and feet in the vehicle while driving down the paths to keep them safe from harm.
Follow Trail Rules
Stick to marked paths and respect speed limits to prevent accidents. Trail rules protect visitors who may be unfamiliar with the landscape and preserve Gatlinburg’s natural beauty. When you need to, slow down and respect the wildlife and other tourists around the area as you explore on your UTV.
Make the Most of Your Trip to Gatlinburg
Aside from the practicality of your rental, driving a UTV should center around discovering Gatlinburg’s hidden gems and creating memories that last a lifetime. Once you feel comfortable with your rental instructions and know where to take your family, experience the Great Smoky Mountains firsthand!
Capture the Moment
Bring along a camera to document the ride. This could be the camera app on your phone or a professional camera that can highlight all the details of the leaves, rocks, and streams. The Smokies provide breathtaking backdrops for family photos and nature shots, so capture a few selfies during each stop.
Pack Smart
Even when you’re driving in a UTV, pack for the trip just like you would with any hiking trail. Bring snacks, water, and a first-aid kit to keep everyone comfortable and prepared.
As you traverse through these incredible sights, explore even further down rough terrain with a Gatlinburg UTV rental! These vehicles are safe to operate and provide an immersive nature experience. When you get into town, stop by RideOn Rentals to book your exploration vehicle today.
