Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – Just Outside of Gatlinburg
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A Scenic Drive Through Smoky Mountain Wilderness
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park without leaving the comfort of your vehicle. This tranquil, slow-paced drive winds through lush forests, alongside a rushing mountain stream, and past historic structures, providing a rich and immersive nature experience comparable to a hiking adventure.
Located just outside Gatlinburg, within the boundaries of the national park—which does not charge an entrance fee—the motor trail is especially well-suited for families with young children, visitors with mobility challenges, or anyone seeking a peaceful journey through the park’s natural splendor. Despite its accessibility, it remains one of the region’s best-kept secrets, cherished by those who explore it.
The one-way loop extends approximately 5.5 miles along a narrow road, following the banks of Roaring Fork Creek. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of historic log cabins, water mills, and remnants of early settler life. Several hiking trails intersect with the route, allowing visitors to pause and enjoy short walks amid serene surroundings.
One notable stop is the Noah “Bud” Ogle farmstead, which features a self-guided nature trail that offers insight into pioneer life in the Smokies. Another highlight is Reagan’s grain mill, set picturesque alongside the creek. As the trail ascends Piney Mountain, it reaches an overlook at about 3,000 feet elevation—an ideal vantage point during peak fall foliage season in October.
The entrance to the motor nature trail lies just beyond the Rainbow Falls parking area. Along the drive, you’ll find trailheads for popular hikes such as Trillium Gap, Grapeyard Ridge, Baskins Creek, and Grotto Falls. Two scenic overlooks provide excellent opportunities for photography, while the surrounding forest is home to frequent wildlife sightings, including black bears. Visitors should always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and use zoom lenses for close-up views, as approaching animals is both dangerous and prohibited.
Roaring Fork Creek descends roughly 5,000 feet from its source on Mt. LeConte to join the Little Pigeon River. After rainfall, the creek swells, creating dramatic whitewater and enhancing the natural beauty that gives the trail its name. The best time to experience the trail is shortly after rain, when the forest appears refreshed and the sound of rushing water fills the air.
Near the trail’s end, just before re-entering Gatlinburg, visitors can view the Place of a Thousand Drips—a distinctive waterfall visible from the roadside. This formation features countless small streams flowing over carved rock channels, creating a captivating natural display.
To access the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, follow Airport Road (also known as Historic Nature Trail Road) from Gatlinburg’s Parkway at Traffic Light #8 into the park. The motor trail entrance is located shortly after the Rainbow Falls trailhead. Informational booklets are available at the start of the trail or can be purchased online in advance through the park’s official store. These guides correspond to numbered markers along the route and enrich the experience with detailed points of interest.
The trail is open during spring, summer, and fall but closes in winter. Due to its narrow layout, buses and motor homes are not permitted.
Visitors are encouraged to take their time, make frequent stops, and explore the side trails and scenic spots. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the wonders of old-growth forest and mountain streams with the convenience of a leisurely drive.
TIP: Also see our Insider’s Visual Guide to the National Park – and with an abundance of different cabins close to the park to choose from, check out our tips on How to Find an Affordable Gatlinburg Cabin, How to Find a Gatlinburg Cabin With Spectacular Views and How to Find a Secluded Gatlinburg Cabin.