Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Take a drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and you’ll quickly see why it’s one of the most loved scenic routes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a must-see for first-time visitors. Just a few minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, this narrow, one-way loop winds through dense forest, alongside rushing streams, and past historic log cabins, barns, and mills. You can see waterfalls, shady hardwood trees, and quiet mountain spots that feel far removed, giving you an up-close look at both the natural beauty and history of the Smokies.
Enjoy a variety of scenic and historic highlights:
Nearby Waterfalls
Two of the most popular waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are here including Rainbow Falls that boasts a massive height of 80 ft and is the highest single-drop falls in the park, Grotto Falls which is the only waterfall in the Smokies you can walk behind and the Place of a Thousand Drips is located right along Roaring Fork road.
What to Expect on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- This loop is located near downtown Gatlinburg.
- This is a one-way, narrow road with tight curve. Please drive slowly and carefully
- Buses, RVs, trailers, motor homes or any large vehicles are NOT permitted on this road.
- This road has seasonal access - open mid April thru late November each year (weather permitting)
- There is limited parking at the trailheads and pull-offs so be sure to arrive early during peak seasons
- Cell service is limited along this route, so be prepared with printed and downloaded maps.
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