Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a scenic 6-mile loop located just outside Gatlinburg, offering visitors an unforgettable experience of the beautiful Smoky Mountains. This one-way gravel road provides an up-close view of lush forests, bubbling streams, and historical structures, making it unique among the area's many attractions. It's an ideal spot for those seeking to appreciate nature without hiking extensive trails.
Adventure Guide to Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Grove Center Area
The Grove Center serves as an excellent starting point for the trail. Here, you’ll find informative displays about the native flora and fauna of the area. The highlight is the Grove Center Loop, a short trail that showcases beautiful wildflowers and views of the creek, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
Historic Elkmont
As you continue along the trail, stop at Elkmont, a former logging community turned ghost town. Here, you can explore the remnants of early 20th-century buildings and learn about the area's history. Pay attention to the old cabins, uniquely blending in with the environment, providing insight into the life of early mountain settlers.
Greenbriar Pinnacle
Ending the drive, the Greenbriar Pinnacle offers breathtaking panoramic views. It’s especially stunning at sunrise and sunset, making it a fantastic spot for photography. Be sure to bring binoculars to spot the diverse local wildlife that inhabits the area.
Local Insights
The Roaring Fork trail is a part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is home to more than 19,000 documented species and potentially thousands more yet to be discovered. Enjoying this drive allows visitors to appreciate the park's biodiversity without straying too far from their vehicles.
Visitor Tips
Best Times to Visit: The trail is best experienced in spring and fall, with vibrant wildflowers and stunning foliage.
What to Bring: Binoculars for wildlife watching, a camera, and plenty of water.
Driving Directions: Starting from Gatlinburg, take the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail entrance approximately a 10-minute drive away, off the Cherokee Orchard Road.
Adventure Map
Gatlinburg Info
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Reviews
SweetSouthernLivinga month ago
One of the best Smoky Mountain Nature Trails! We rode the 5 mile scenic motor trail today and saw a bear, 4 turkeys, a rabbit, and a chipmunk 🐿 The road runs along the river and there are several natural trails you can hike. It's a beautiful drive! Make sure to stop at Ely's Mill at the end too 😉
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John Lantera month ago
What a wonderful experience! I highly suggest people with vehicles that they are able to gear down use engine braking and Do it because your brakes will get very hot coming down that hill. I don’t mean that in a bad way. I suggest people pull over and let them cool off or put some water on them to cool them down. It will keep your rotors from warping. Your brakes will get extremely hot even using engine braking.
Peter Templeton2 months ago
Amazing drive. Beautiful and serene. Get there early to avoid crowds! Plenty of pull outs. Make sure your brakes are in good working order. The road out is steep, narrow and will have the brakes smoking. Use engine braking if you are comfortable with it. Also take the time to stop at a few pull outs or cabins along the way to enjoy the nature. It’s a short drive so do not rush and if the people in front of you want to do 10mph, remember why you’re there! To take time to enjoy nature, not blaze the road.
Srinivas Kommaa month ago
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a scenic 5.5-mile one-way loop road located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains. This trail offers a peaceful drive through lush forest, historic log cabins, and serene mountain streams. It’s especially beautiful in the fall, when the foliage is vibrant. Along the trail, visitors can stop for short hikes, including the popular Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls. Wildlife such as bears and deer are sometimes spotted. The road is narrow and winding, adding to its charm but requiring careful driving. Overall, it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Smokies at a relaxed pace.
Timothy Sneada month ago
We Love nature. When we first entered the Park, a Bald Eagle was flying above the Road right in front of us . It was amazing to see it right away. The trail is 10 MPH. Giving you plenty of time to see the amazing sights of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. There is plenty of places to stop and handicap parking available at the shops.
