Looking for a unique way to explore the Smoky Mountains with your family? RideOn UTV Rentals in Gatlinburg, TN offers self-guided UTV and Jeep rentals that let you cruise Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Greenbrier, Cades Cove, and more at your own pace. We’ve got pricing, requirements, and our honest family review so you can plan your own adventure. Thank you to Rideon Rentals for hosting us for this review!
I’m going to be honest with you: when I first heard about renting a Jeep in Gatlinburg, TN, I was all in. Like maybe jumping up and down excitedly. I absolutely love Jeeps and cruising around in this red monster met my every expectation. I used to have a Jeep Wrangler before I got married and had kids and was cool – this day brought that all back.
My daughters and I spent the day driving through the Smoky Mountains, doors off and top down, with wind in our hair and the most incredible mountain views stretching out in every direction. We drove Roaring Fork Motor Trail and the Greenbrier area, stopped for a picnic, found a swimming hole, and made memories that my girls are still talking about. RideOn UTV Rentals made the whole thing easy, fun, and totally family-friendly.
Quick Facts: RideOn UTV Rentals
- Location: 221 Bishop Ln, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Drive from Greenville, SC: About 3 hours
- Vehicles: 2, 4, and 6-seater UTVs (Polaris and Can-Am), Jeep Wranglers, E-Bikes, Mobility Scooters
- UTV Pricing: Starting at $165 for 2 hours (current promo: book 4 hours, get 2 extra hours free)
- Jeep Pricing: Starting at $200/day
- Driver Age: Must be 21+; passengers can be any age
- Parking Pass: National Park parking pass included at no extra cost
- Website: rideon.rentals
- Phone: (865) 604-4918
What Is RideOn UTV Rentals?
RideOn UTV Rentals is a family-owned rental company based in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They specialize in street-legal UTV (side-by-side) rentals, which means you can drive them on public roads, scenic parkways, and through nearby towns like Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
They also rent open-air Jeep Wranglers, E-bikes, and even mobility scooters. But the star of the show is definitely the Jeep experience because, well, it’s a Jeep, and because it was what we rented. Think of it as the coolest way to see the Smoky Mountains without being stuck inside a regular car. You get the open-air feeling, the mountain breeze, and the freedom to stop wherever you want.
With over 400 five-star reviews and a price-match guarantee, they are one of the highest-rated rental providers in the Smokies.
Our Family’s Adventure on the Trails
When we arrived at RideOn, the owner Edy greeted us and immediately made us feel comfortable. He walked us through the vehicle, gave us maps, and helped us plan our route based on how much time we had and what we wanted to see. He didn’t rush us at all. It felt like getting directions from a friend who knows every back road in the Smokies.
We chose to drive Roaring Fork Motor Trail first. If you haven’t done this drive before, it’s a one-way loop through old-growth forest with waterfalls, historic cabins, and some of the most peaceful scenery you’ll find in the national park. Doing it in a Jeep with the doors off? Totally different experience than driving it in your minivan. You can hear the creek, smell the forest, and feel the cool mountain air.
After Roaring Fork, we headed to the Greenbrier area. This was where the day really got magical. We found a spot to pull over for a picnic and discovered a swimming hole. This is the kind of core family memory you can’t plan for but maybe comes a bit more easily cruising through the Smokies in a Jeep.
That’s the beauty of renting from RideOn. It’s a completely self-guided experience. No tour guide telling you when to stop and go. No strict schedule. Just you, your family, and the open road through some of the most beautiful mountains on the East Coast.
Jeep Rental Options and Pricing
RideOn keeps their pricing simple and transparent. Here’s what you can expect:
Street-Legal UTV Rentals (Polaris and Can-Am)
- 2 hours: $165
- 3 hours: $220
- 4 to 6 hours: $295
- 7 to 8 hours: $385
- 9 to 12 hours: $450
- Full day: $520
They are running a promotion right now: book a 6-hour rental and you only pay the 4-hour rate ($295). That’s two extra hours for free, no coupon code needed.
Jeep Wrangler 4-Door Rentals
- 12 hours: $250
- 2 or more days: $200/day
Jeeps come with unlimited mileage, a soft-top option, and the option to take the doors off. Perfect for Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, and Roaring Fork.
What’s Included with Every UTV Rental
- Street-legal UTV (Polaris or Can-Am)
- Safety orientation before you hit the road
- Local road maps and route suggestions
- National Park parking pass (no extra cost!)
- Phone holder, phone charger, and ice cooler
- Free parking at their Gatlinburg location for your personal vehicle
What About Off-Road Tours?
RideOn’s UTVs and Jeeps are street-legal, which means they are designed for paved roads and approved routes. They are not for off-roading inside the national park. But if your family is craving some mud and hills, RideOn partners with Smoky Riders in Sevierville, which offers 45-minute guided off-road UTV tours on private mountain trails. It’s a completely different experience, but a great add-on if you have the time.
Tips for Families
- Book at least 4 hours. You’ll want time to stop, explore, and soak it all in. The 6-hour deal (at the 4-hour price) is the best value right now.
- Pack snacks and drinks. RideOn provides an ice cooler, so bring a packed lunch and make a picnic out of it. That was one of the highlights of our day.
- Bring sunscreen and layers. The mountain air can be cool even on warm days, especially with the doors off.
- If you have little ones who need a car seat, bring your own. Passengers can be any age, but car seats are required for kids who need them.
- Ask Edy and the team for route recommendations. They know the best spots and can tailor your drive to your family’s interests and comfort level.
- Roaring Fork Motor Trail is seasonal (closed in winter). Check the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for road closures before you go.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
There are a few requirements to keep in mind when booking with RideOn:
- Driver age: You must be at least 21 years old to rent. Passengers can be any age.
- Valid driver’s license: Bring your physical license. They don’t accept learner permits.
- Car insurance: You need to provide proof of your personal auto insurance (printed or digital). RideOn does not offer additional coverage.
- Credit card: The driver must provide a major credit card on file. No security deposit is required.
- Return with a full tank: You are responsible for returning the vehicle with a full gas tank.
- Pickup and drop-off: The rental location is at 221 Bishop Ln in Gatlinburg, just off the main strip. Free parking is provided for your car while you ride.
- Cancellation policy: Cancel 72 hours or more before your rental for a full refund. They also offer a Flex Cancel option at checkout for extra flexibility.
Good to know: Helmets are not required in the UTVs since they are street-legal vehicles with a roof and windshield. Seat belts are required for all passengers. All vehicles operate in light rain, but RideOn will reschedule in severe weather.
Where Can You Drive?
RideOn’s team will help you map out the best routes based on your time and interests. Some of the most popular drives include:
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A stunning one-way loop through old-growth forest, waterfalls, and historic homesteads.
- Cades Cove Loop: An 11-mile loop with wildlife, open meadows, and mountain views. One of the most visited spots in the Smokies.
- Foothills Parkway: Scenic mountain ridge road with incredible panoramic views.
- Greenbrier: A quieter area perfect for a creekside stop, picnic, or finding your own swimming hole.
- Newfound Gap Road: The main road through the park, connecting Gatlinburg to Cherokee, NC, with overlooks along the way.
- Downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge: Cruise through town for food stops, shopping, and local attractions.
More Adventures Near Gatlinburg
If you’re planning a whole Smokies trip with the family, here are some more ideas from us:
Looking for a place to stay in the Smokies? We have the scoop on a resort with three waterparks.
👉 Wilderness at the Smokies (2026): This Resort Has 3 Waterparks in Sevierville, TN
Pigeon Forge is just 10 minutes from Gatlinburg. Check out one of our favorite family resorts nearby.
👉 Relaxation and Family Fun Combine at Camp Margaritaville Pigeon Forge (2026 Family Getaway)
Want a fun indoor activity in Gatlinburg? This one is wild.
Frequently Asked Questions About RideOn UTV Rentals and Jeep Rentals: Gatlinburg
How much does it cost to rent a UTV in Gatlinburg?
UTV rentals at RideOn start at $165 for 2 hours. A full day rental is $520. They are currently running a promotion where you can book 6 hours and pay the 4-hour rate of $295. Jeep rentals start at $200/day.
Can kids ride in the UTV?
Yes! Passengers can be any age. If your child requires a car seat, you’ll need to bring your own approved car seat. All passengers must wear seat belts.
Do I need experience driving a UTV?
No experience is needed. RideOn provides a full safety orientation before you head out, covering vehicle operation, route guidance, and emergency procedures. The UTVs are easy to drive and feel similar to a regular vehicle.
Is a national park parking pass included?
Yes. All rentals include the required Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking pass at no extra cost. This pass is required if you park inside the park for more than 15 minutes.
Can you take the UTV off-road?
No. RideOn’s UTVs are street-legal vehicles meant for paved and approved roads only. Off-road driving in the national park is not permitted. For off-road adventures, RideOn partners with Smoky Riders in Sevierville, which offers guided off-road UTV tours on private trails.
How far is Gatlinburg from Greenville, SC?
Gatlinburg is about a 3-hour drive from Greenville, SC, making it a very doable day trip or a perfect weekend getaway destination.
Book Your Family’s Smoky Mountain Adventure
Honestly, renting a Jeep from RideOn was one of the best things we’ve done as a family in the Smokies. It was easy to book, the staff made us feel completely at ease, and the experience of cruising through those mountain roads with the doors off and the top down is something I’d recommend to every family. If you’re heading to Gatlinburg, put this on your list. You won’t regret it.
Book your rental at rideon.rentals or call (865) 604-4918.
