Private Tour pricing is described on each private tour. A nominal service fee and USDA forest-use fee are added to the tour purchase total during final checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We are located in a temperate rainforest with over 200 rain days and over 100 inches of rain per year, so tours do go out rain or shine. In the event you have to cancel your tour you will be given a full refund, as long as you call 864 373 4022 at least 5 days in advance from the time of your tour. No refunds are given within 5 days or less of the tour date and time. If you are unable to make it to your tour on the day selected due to an unforeseeable event please contact us so that we may reschedule your tour. Any tours canceled by Highland Excursion, for any reason will receive a 100% refund.
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Also known as a Mountain Horse, the Pinzgauer is a rugged, open-air adventure vehicle used for backcountry transportation. We offer tours in a Pinzgauer or in a Mercedes G-Wagon depending on the number of guests or other factors like vehicle availability. While these vehicles are unique and add to the enjoyable experience for many people, they are not especially suited for some disabled people or those who have an issue with their physical mobility. Our goal is to keep our customers as comfortable as possible while providing them with enjoyable tour experiences. Please contact us with any questions.
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We are an authorized and insured Federal permitted Outfitter/Guide service. Our tours vary depending on local road conditions, weather, tour length and guests physical ability, but we frequent the following locations: Highlands Town, Sunset Rock, Sunrise Rock, The Giant Poplar tree, Secret Falls, Blue Valley, Brooks Falls, Picklesimer Rock House, White Water Falls, Granite City, Slick Rock, Silver Run, Horse Pasture River, Chattooga River, Cullasaja Gorge, Sliding Rock, Horse Cove, Whiteside Cove, Whiteside Mountain, Gorges State Park, Nantahala National Forest and Panthertown National Forest.
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Infants are welcome and Free for 1-2 yrs old. However, Pinzgauer and Mercedes G-Wagon tour vehicles are not suited for an infant/toddler car seat, so infant will have to ride in an adults lap.
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We welcome dogs to come along on our Private Tours ( Unfortunately dogs can not come along on Kayak, Electric Boat and Electric Bike Tours ) – dogs should be kept on a leash for activities outside of the tour vehicle. Guest can invite “Aussie”, our Mountain Guide dog on their tours as well–just type “Bring Aussie” in the note section or check the Aussie box. Aussie is great with people and kids and helps keep children entertained on the tour. However, we have to check Aussie’s schedule. He is very busy and can not allows join your tour. You can meet Aussie on our Tour Information page.
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We do offer special pricing for large groups during certain times of the year and depending on how busy our schedule is. You may contact us with any inquiries.
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***PICNIC LUNCHES NOT AVAIABLE RIGHT NOW DUE TO COVID
Lunch tours are fun, but they do take away from some of your sightseeing or hiking. Not all tours allow a picnic. Picnic lunch not included in price. Additional cost is added to your tour.
Please contact us with any picnic lunch inquiries.
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It is customary to tip the guide, 20% of your tour price is the industry standard. You may tip the guide in Cash or send it to your Guide via Venmo.
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For the comfort of all guests, items prohibited include, but are not limited to, *firearms, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, drones, glass containers, alcohol, coolers, professional video equipment, illegal substances, guns, weapons of any kind, or cremated remains.
*If you have a concealed weapons permit you may carry your handgun concealed. Make sure it is unloaded and safe. Federal US Forest Service firearms restrictions apply.
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***All Tours are Private Tours at this time due to Covid.
Although our tours are intimate due to vehicle size (max of 6, 8, or 12 people), there will likely be other guests on the Shared Tours. However, Private Tours are for your group only.
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A fun, safe and educational experience! Our guides are extensively trained in the flora, fauna, geology and history of the area. They are CPR certified, Off Road Driver Safety trained, and Wilderness First Responders. They will conduct their tour professionally while educating you on the area all while having a fun and entertaining time.
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We welcome kids of all ages. Infants 1-2 yrs old are Free. You know your child better than we do. So do remember the guests on the trip with you. Adventure Vehicles can not accommodate a car seat but there are lap belts for all that can sit in seats.
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For the safety of our passengers, all guests must have upper body strength with the ability to hold themselves up during the tour. Guests are responsible for getting themselves in and out of our vehicles for their tour. There are 2 full steps to climb in and out of the vehicles. Vehicles are not wheel chair accessible.
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We offer Driving and Hiking Tours. Driving Tours include small walks on some uneven terrain. Hiking Tours can include a few miles of hiking. Please read about each tour on description of each tour. All Private Tours can be customized for your group to accommodate your abilities.
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Right now all tours are Private Tours for your group only due to Covid.
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Our tours operate rain or shine. Rainfall is generally very short lived, and may offer the chance for you to see rainbows or waterfalls over our famous mountains. We do carry rain ponchos and umbrellas on the vehicles in case of inclement weather. In the case of extreme weather, Highland Excursion and/or the US National Forest Service reserves the right to modify, shorten or cancel any tour to prevent damage to trails or avoid unsafe conditions.
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Our trucks have canopies that offer some relief from sun exposure. We recommend wearing a hat and sunscreen. A bottle of water will be provided to wet your whistle.
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Tours are conducted in our open air vehicles, there is no air conditioning in these vehicles. We rely on Mother Nature–summer tours average temp of 75-85 with low humidity. On cold days we do have a basic golf cart heater. Vehicles are equipped with canopies to shield you from the sun and we provide blankets during colder weather.
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Yes, gift cards can be purchased on our website or you contact our friendly customer service team for a purchase over the phone.