Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Experience the natural beauty of the park from the comfort of your car.

Plan Around Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to trip View park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Details

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers you the unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains from the comfort of your car. The trail -- actually a one-way road -- is a six-mile journey into the wilderness, twisting and turning through forests and alongside rivers and waterfalls. You can stop for a hike to Grotto Falls, where you may be tempted to stop and take a plunge, but be forewarned: these waters never get much warmer than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the surrounding air is always damp and cool. During your drive you will pass through secondary-growth forests, including cove hardwoods, hemlocks, and pine and oak rising above the prolific rhododendrons. Keep an eye out for old log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Note that the nature trail is closed to buses, trailers, and motor homes, and is not suitable for bikes.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

Region

Roads Less Traveled