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Scenic highway · Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
A narrow one-way road that leaves Gatlinburg and crosses the forest alongside streams, old cabins and waterfalls.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a roughly 9 km one-way road that starts on Cherokee Orchard Road at the edge of Gatlinburg and returns to town after crossing the forest. The name comes from Roaring Fork Creek, which rushes down the mountains with rapids.
Along the route are cabins and a family mill from people who lived in the area before the park, such as the Ephraim Bales house. Trails branch off the road to waterfalls including Grotto Falls, where you can walk behind the cascade, and Rainbow Falls.
The road is narrow and winding, and buses, trailers and motorhomes are not allowed. It closes in winter, generally from December through March.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours by car; half a day if you include the Grotto Falls trail.
Best time
From spring through fall, when it is usually open. After rains, the streams and waterfalls tend to have more water. Check whether the road is open.
How to get there
It begins about 3 km from downtown Gatlinburg, via Historic Nature Trail and Cherokee Orchard Road.
Tip
Do the Grotto Falls trail, about 4 km round trip, one of the park’s few waterfalls you can pass behind.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
What is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail?
A one-way roughly 9 km road through the forest, with old cabins and trails to waterfalls.
Is the Roaring Fork open year-round?
No; it usually closes from December through March.
Which waterfall should you visit on Roaring Fork?
Grotto Falls, which you can pass behind, on a trail of about 4 km round trip.