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Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

35.675929,-83.485764

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

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

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Reviews

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

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.

So many places to see along this one scenic road

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

Grotto Falls Trail

Quilliam Cave via Courthouse Rock Trail

Twin Creeks Trail

Hike the Chimney Tops

Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains