The Smoky Mountains are full of natural beauty, and there are so many great places to check out while you are visiting the area. Today, we are going to be covering a unique spot that is right near downtown Gatlinburg, though it feels like it’s a world away… The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail! This road winds through the lush forest of the Smoky Mountains, and has lots to offer visitors. Let’s go ahead and cover the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to help you plan your visit:
What is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail?
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a one-way road in the Smoky Mountains that takes visitors through a scenic forest landscape and offers plenty of natural sights that can be observed from the comfort of your vehicle. However, if you are interested in getting out and stretching your legs, there are plenty of pull-off areas located along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Where is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail?
To reach the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, you will turn off the Gatlinburg Parkway at Traffic Light #8, then take Historic Nature Trail Road until just past the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, after which you can turn onto the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
How long is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail?
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is 5.5 miles long. It can take between 45 minutes and an hour to complete the drive without stops, however, stops and traffic can impact the overall amount of time it takes to complete the drive.
What things to do are located along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail?
In addition to the selection of pull-off areas along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, there are several other things to do located along this scenic drive. For instance, you can hike the Grotto Falls Trail, which leads to the only waterfall in the Smoky Mountains where visitors are permitted to walk around the back of the falls. Or, if you would like to see a waterfall without hiking, you can stop by the Place of a Thousand Drips, which is visible from the road itself! Additionally, right near the entrance to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, you can see the historic Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin, which has stood since the 19th century.
Is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail open year-round?
Unfortunately, no. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail closes seasonally during the winter, and is open each year from mid-April until early November.
We hope that this information about the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail has been helpful to you as you plan your next getaway to the Smoky Mountains! If you are looking for even more places to take in the scenic beauty of the region, we’ve got you covered with some of the top places in the Smoky Mountains with the best views right here. We look forward to hosting you for your next adventure in the Smokies!
