Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

35.675929,-83.485764

5.0/5

based on 3 reviews

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Details

Distance

5.83 miles

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Elyse Clark

This scenic loop drive in the Great Smoky Mountains also has access to three superb waterfalls.

This 6 mile drive is a great way to spend a scenic day in the Smokies. The road is open to cars only (no trucks or RVs) and runs one-way. There are no visitors centers after you head out, so be sure to bring everything you need along.

The drive begins at the historic Ogle farmstead, which is also the location of the Rainbow Falls Trailhead (5.4 miles). Further along you will find the Trillium Gap Trailhead, leading to Grotto Falls (2.6 miles). For an easier access waterfall that doesn't require a hike, be sure to stop at the Place of a Thousand Drips, located toward the end of the drive, at stop 15.

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Features

Photography

Hiking

Forest

Scenic

Waterfall

ADA Accessible

Reviews

PRO

Lucas Bremer

PRO

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

09/22/20

A lot of Iconic cabins in the smoky mountains reside within this loop. Also, several awesome trails are worthy of hiking within this trip.

5.0

Explorer

Jared Beeler

Explorer

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

09/15/20

This scenic drive is pretty great for the historic factor that it offers as well as the nature. Be sure to check out the stops along the rout just watch for stinging nettle.

5.0

Explorer

Gustavo Quiros

Explorer

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

09/23/17

So many places to see along this one scenic road

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail

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Grotto Falls Trail

This is an intermediate hike along Trillium Gap Trail. There are four stream crossings on your way to the falls as you hike through an idyll, often wildflower-sprinkled landscape. Late spring is best for catching blooms. Once at the waterfall, you can walk behind the cascade of water. This is a popular hike, so be sure to arrive early. In the winter, you will need to access this hike via the R...

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Twin Creeks Trail

Hike the Chimney Tops

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Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains

You will find the trailhead to this gravel path just to the left of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The easy walk along Fighting Creek is scenic and tends not to be crowded, either. At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. Please refrain from climbing on or around the falls.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail

Grotto Falls Trail

Quilliam Cave via Courthouse Rock Trail

Twin Creeks Trail

Hike the Chimney Tops

Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains

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