Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Reviews

Such a beautiful hike to rainbow falls. This was our first time to do this hike. We enjoyed all the beautiful scenery! As we were leaving, we saw a black bear!!

The times I have visited, I always go early. Nice and peaceful drive. Beautiful scenery. Unfortunately I did not see any bears. There are a lot of places to pull off. Plenty of hiking and waterfalls. Worth checking out if in the area. I would visit again.

Nice drive, several good stops along the way. All the times I have been to Gatlinburg over the years, this was my first time to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. We enjoyed our visit, love the views, the homesteads, would definitely go again.

This was the the perfect drive on a rainy afternoon. We stopped at some of the historic sites and hiked the Trillium Gap Trail to the waterfalls. We did not continue on to Mt. LeConte. This is an easy trek to a beautiful waterfall you can walk behind.
I would definitely pick up a Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail booklet at the visitor center. That way you know what you're looking at and can understand the history of the area.

This was a beautiful drive -- waterfalls, wildlife and trails. There are places to pull over to take pictures or allow vehicles to pass.

This road is no more dangerous than any other mountain road in the Smokies. True, it is one lane, one way & narrow but keep to the posted speed limit of 10 mph & it presents no problems. The one way, narrowness just means you don't have people running all over you when you want to slow down & take in the sites. That being said, extra wide pickup trucks and dulies won't have a lot of clearance from the roadside foliage, but most vehicles won't have a problem. It may look close from inside, but clearance is adequate. It is a truly beautiful & peaceful drive.

The trail is easy to follow. It is very peaceful and beautiful. We went after it rained and there were running streams by the car. This would be good for a person that has a hard time walking.

Fantastic experience in May anyway...saw a bear by the side of the road, not much traffic and absolutely the most beautiful green trees in all of our life!

Enjoyed the drive through the roaring fork motor trail so much I did it twice. Highly recommend the hike to Grotto falls and stops at the historic homes.

Excellent drive with enjoyable scenery along the road. A number of places to stop and get out, however parking is limited. It is worth the ride.

Beautiful drive! Very little parking for the falls trail. You will need to get there early. There are a couple of pull off points for some great pictures. Many cars move slow to try to spot wild life but there are spots for them to pull over to let speedier cars by. We went in fall and the colors were so amazing.

Awesome drive. We stopped 3 bears on our way to the drive. We were on the parkway section outside of Pigeon Forge. Tip: if you see park rangers on the side of the road slow down and look. We saw rangers every time we spotted a bear. The traffic through Gaitlinburg is awful but the park is worth it. The scenery is stunning.

This was a good alternative to hiking with small children. Best part, it’s free. It’s a 6 mile one way loop thru the Smokey Mountains. Expect it to last a least an hour depending on how many stops you make. There are various places to pull over and enjoy the view or see some historic cabins. It’s also how you hike back to see the backside of a waterfall. We didn’t do this but it seemed very popular as that stop was very crowded.

This road is very narrow and windy and steep. There are several areas to pull over to enjoy the stream and woods. Some parts are a real tight squeeze due to narrow road and cars parked on road. It is not at all straight forward finding the entrance to the road, but go to traffic light No. 8 and take a left as you approach from the north.

I was so surprised how much we enjoyed this! It was the highlight of our trip! It was after a rainy night and the water falls and streams were in full force! Majestic!

The trail was really busy. It is one way!! There were bears near the road so people were stopping to take pictures, which backed everything up- so we took pictures too! There were no parking places opened to do any of the trails, which was disappointing. Someone said it was like walking a park trail in a car. I would rather walk. I wouldn't do it again unless I was sure I could park and hike.

First time taking this beautiful ride while stopping on the side of road to take pictures two men in motorcycle zig zagging😈coming back seen a woman on stretcher skid marks where she was laying hope she was OK seen the 2 men sitting off the side of road not sure if they caused it.

was near to Gatlinburg and is great motor trail.. highly recommend. we had older parents and was nice to see wooded trail without having to hike.

We drove the look on a weekday and while the road was crowded there was still parking avaliable. Beautiful scenery and wild life. The trails are not for people with mobility problems.

Awesome windy road in Smoky Mountains. Close to Gatlinburg. Many trailheads. Went at dusk and saw mamma bear with three cubs.

Very narrow and winding mountain road. Most of the way I was in first or second gear going 10-20 miles/hr. Felt sorry for guy ahead of me whose break lights were always on. Some people still need to discover benefits of downshifting. Most automatic transmissions allow it.

Easy driving along a winding road, some areas are a little thin to drive through, but lots of trailheads to try, and lots of bears in the area so be careful

Love this drive! We were there early, by 8:00 am. So bears riding in and out, did not see them on the Grotto Falls hike. We also found the “fairy house” which is fun to see. Go early or late to enjoy this drive!

Good motor trail. However even during the week, in the late morning tons of cars and if you want to stop to hike, even the overflow parking lot was filled and lots of cars parked on the side of the road. People then walking and crossing on the road and they don’t pay attention as they are on their phones.

Did see a black bear driving around and where the cars had dispersed a bit.

What a beautiful drive. I could have re drove it again if I would have time in the same day. Enjoyed the store at the end and the lady was so nice to talk with. A GREAT family experience. Don't miss this if you love nature

You'll really enjoy this beautiful drive that loops through the scenic woods just outside of Gatlinburg. The trail is winding, so drive slowly and let down your windows to enjoy the fresh mountain air. Be sure to stop at the country store at the end of the drive to shop and enjoy some delicious homemade treats.

We did this after doing Laurel Falls so it was nice to take a break from walking but still enjoy nature. We saw a bear for the first time in 17 visits spread over 10 years. Our kids (8 & 6) enjoyed the old cabins along the trail & seeing the river below. This is a great way for folks to enjoy the Smoky Mountains if they have mobility issues or just need a break from hiking.

We drive this scenic route 3-4 times during our week stay in the Smokies due to the frequent bear viewing opportunies. This is a beautiful area with some great photo ops even if you don't see any bears.
Cute little park on the right with picnic tables as you enter this motor trail for a lunch break right beside a beautiful mountain stream.
There are historical sites and buildings here at various stops with wonderful information and great photo opportunities. Also two different trailheads for hiking to waterfalls. Stop at the quaint little store on the right as you leave the motor trail for great homemade items and crafts. They usually have homemade snacks available also.
Don't enter this trail with speeding through in mind. This is a long winding road through the mountains and there are folks taking their time to take in the beauty of the mountain views. If a bear is spotted, you may be stalled in the road for a while...so don't enter if you don't appreciate Mother Nature at it's finest!!

We took this road on a rainy day and it was wonderful. A sunny day would have been great too. there are quite a few old settlers' home along this road and they are open. Imagine farming this soil and moving all these rocks and boulders. Imagine then building your own home and barn and mill. What stalwart people these people were. It certainly gives you pause to think about all they did with the few tool they had. A wonderful drive through the past.

We had an amazing drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The only disappointment was there was very little water in the stream, so the cascades were very low. We also didn't see any wildlife -- and there were sure lots of cars at the parking areas when we needed to stop for bath room breaks. Like other reviewers, I encourage you to go early.

Fantastic! Saw some bears. We drove a Yukon XL thru, it was a tight, but no issues. Really beautiful drive. Not a lot of people there so still felt like we were in nature.

We were here on a Tuesday in July and thought that it would be a little less crowded and it wasnt bad for the drive (which is wonderful).
We intended to go hiking to some falls but found that the parking was full with people waiting to park ahead of us we decided to skip the hike and instead found parking on a nice stream and spent the next hour letting our grandkids splash around .
The drive itself is very nice and we will plan to go again during slower time to enjoy hiking .

This was the 2nd time my hubby and I did this tour, the 1st time was 2 years ago and it was amazing-so much so that we wanted to do it again. Don't go on a holiday weekend!!! It was so crowded we could not enjoy anything. The traffic was bumper to bumper and when the parking areas got full everyone was parking along the sides of the drive and it was just horrible. All we did is drive through, toward the end we just wanted to get out. Very Disappointed.

Beautiful drive! We saw lots of Turkey but unfortunately no bears. The drive follows the river and with several gorgeous views. A few hikes also start off of this drive.

One of the most enjoyable drives ever. A very slow, winding road thru heavily treed forest. Some nice scenic overlooks and narrow bridges over rushing streams. Very photogenic. We saw 4 bears along this road. Don't listen to the idiots who complain about going slow. If you want to drive fast, don't go on this road. Go for the scenery and beauty, but be patient.

Make sure you go 10mph or less. There are no guardrails at the high point of the one-way portion. Peaceful drive with several opportunities to pull off and take in the view.

We weren’t sure what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised. We arrived early, 8:45am,l. We had hoped for an earlier start but it stormed the night before, very violent thunder storms. Then it stormed again around 6:45-7:45am. Luckily, everyone else was running an hour behind.
We stopped at the Ogle homestead for a few minutes then headed on through. The beginning is beautiful but underwhelming if you’ve already seen parts of the park. The views aren’t better here than anywhere else.

We stopped to hike to Grotto falls. This was a 2.4RT. Uphill the entire way to the falls but worth it. The falls are beautiful. The hike was pretty as well.

By the time we headed down the trail was packed as was the parking lot.

We continued on.l and stopped at the next homestead and then into the grist mill. The roaring fork river is next to the road after grotto falls.

We came up on a place of a thousand drips. That was beautiful. We also stopped at Elly’s which was a nice way to end the morning.
All in all, including hiking we spent about 4.5 hours.
There are restrooms at Rainbow falls lot, grotto lot and at Elly’s.
This is great if are able to hike. It’s also great if you are physically disabled. You can get a good high view and see a waterfall without ever really leaving your car.

Definitely worth driving through Roaring Fork! A one way drive through the Smoky Mountains with so much to see! We went over several bridges and were able to enjoy Little Pigeon Stream before it became an actual river. There are several old abandoned structures from yesteryear to explore and appreciate. There are are few great spots to stop and take a photo of downtown Gatlinburg from above the town. We were intent on seeing a bear, but we never did locate one, but several others I talked with did see a bear. Take it all in, it’s breathtaking.

The motor trail was a very nice drive but wish it was longer. It didn't take us very long to drive through but glad we did it. We did see a momma bear in a tree with her baby and she wasn't happy that a lot of people were stopping and getting out of their car to take pictures. If you have a 1/2 hour to kill or just looking for a nice relaxing drive then this is for you.

As other reviews mention, make sure you take this trail early in the day during peak season. This was our favorite, though, and certainly worth any traffic you encounter.
Around 9 am in October the traffic volume was easy to deal with. We stopped at almost every location on the tour. The homesteads were nice to walk around and the general scenery was beautiful. Once you get to the creek you'll know it was worth your time. Although the tour didn't take more than an hour and a half, we left feeling refreshed and like we knew more about the history and landscape of the Gatlinburg area.

We have taken this 5.5-mile tour a couple of times and it is a wonderful way to spend an hour or so driving through a heavily wooded area so near to the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg. Before the trail becomes a one-way route, we stopped at the Ogle farmstead and took the 3/4-mile hike that a sign said was "an easy walk", although my wife and I disagree that it was easy (lots of roots and uneven ground and a few streams that we had to ford). On our first trip on the trail we saw a black bear and our second trip resulted in a wild turkey sighting. However, most of the narrow trail is cut into the side of a mountain and there is significant and heavy foliage that limits wildlife sightings considerably. There are many pulloffs, including a couple of places were you can see into the distance quite a ways. You should be aware that the exit of the trail comes out a significant distance from where you enter, on the other side of Gatlinburg.

This was a great activity to do while in the Smokies. We saw a bear! Go early in the morning for wildlife and less people. It was much less crowded compared to cades cove.

I didn't get a chance to hike the various trails off of the Roaring Fork road, but did see two black bears, turkies, and enjoyed seeing the old cabins, mills, etc. The fall scenery was outstanding.

Quiet break from the "energy" of Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. This trip we saw a momma bear and cub. Always a great, relaxing drive - turn off the air and radio, open the windows and go slow.

A great half hour drive through history. It's a one-way road so make sure you find the correct entry. Once there, you'll be taken up the mountain and along the way, you'll see settlers homes and farms, the doctor's house, and a grist mill with water still running through it's trough. If you like hiking on foot, you'll also find a couple of trails to waterfalls up there as well. At the very end of the drive, there's a great little shop that you won't want to miss that carries local wares as well as some cookie and fudge snacks, too.

Many people have no idea this wonderful motor trail even exists. It is full of history in cabins left behind and many walking trails to explore. The 5 mile loop can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours depending on your level of interest, This motor route is a quiet getaway from the traffic of Gatlinburg. We saw a mama bear and her cub right on the road. It was an unexpected treat for sure.
So you don't have to go way up in the mountains to see nature and take a hike. This trail is basically right in town but once you start driving you would never know town is so close.
I highly recommend this short drive,

We usually see bears on this motor trail. This trip our son found a few salamander. Plenty of spots to pull off and take a hike. Beautiful founds of the mountains and creeks. This is one of our favorite spots in the Smoky Mountains!

Beautiful, short drive. Go early and avoid the crowds. We stopped and did the hike to Grotto Falls which I would recommend!

Another wonderful scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains NP. The road is very narrow and there are quite a few places to stop along the way. The hikes to the falls are very popular and no parking could be found.

Awesome drive on the Motor Nature Trail. Beautiful winding and narrow road thru the park. Didn't see any wildlife, and part of this was closed for the winter. See worth the effort.

A very scenic drive through the Smokys, on this very narrow, one way 6 mile ‘road’ that curves its way amongst the forests, creeks and fairly scary drops to one side! There are plenty of places to stop along the way to take photos etc or visit cabins, but parking is fairly limited. Also bear in mind that if one driver in front of you on the road decides that they’re gonna do 1 mph all the way along, then so are you, and so is everyone behind you. We didn’t see any animals, but the few stops we made were worthy of some photos and we enjoyed our tour.

Our 2nd time on the driving trail and just as good.Right after we got on we saw a momma bear and 3 cubs. It was awesome. Lots of places to pull over and explore. Bud Ogle's is a good stop. Really rocky so be careful. Lots of cars pulled off road in non-parking spaces. Once you get around this you will enjoy the drive. Roads do tend to get very narrow. A cute little store at the end of the trail.

The road needs guardrails and cars that park along the road should be fined and towed. Could not hike to Rainbow or Grotto Falls on a Thursday morning because there was nowhere to park because of the amount of cars already there. There were cars parked along the road and made it a terrifying and dangerous situation for people driving past them. I don't know how there aren't a lot of cars going over the edge. Once you make it past those 2 places there are some beautiful places where no people or cars are. We just started walking some trails and found some hidden gems. Drive a small vehicle and it may be a better experience.

Beautiful!!! Great drive through beautiful forest and along water. Parking for the rainbow and grotto falls were full when we were there around 10 am. No bear sightings unfortunately. Just a great drive to take your time and enjoy nature. I liked this drive better than cades cove

Amazing road. Bears on the road, streams and waterfalls, so green with all the variety of plants. just lovely. Recommended for those who love nature

the trail itself it is not so interesting as the Cades Cove Loop road. It is just a one way loop road though the wood, there are no so many exiting view along the road. Besides the traffic is ougful and parking spots are very limited. But this road has many points where you can stop and take a hike to the waterfalls or explore old cabins. this place is a must see if you plan to take a hike to the waterfalls. If you prefer just driving, I would suggest the Cades Cove Loop road.

We enjoyed our time on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail off US-441. The road has many winds and turns and eventually takes you to two destinations of killer waterfalls. Lots of hiking trails, streams of water, wildlife, and good photo opportunities.

Nice shorter motor tour. Best to take this in early morning or late evening to have a chance to see animals and avoid the crowds.
First drive was late evening and saw a bear with cubs.
Went another day and stopped and looked at the various stops to see some old structures.

Loved driving the path! Great views at the top.. water was flowing after the storm. Many places to stop off and see the buildings but as it was raining we didn't visit any of them. didn't get to see any wildlife during our visit.

Really nice drive through the woods. We saw a bear near the beginning of the trail and heard another one and saw the brush moving but it didn't come out far enough for us to see it.

Very winding road with great views of the creek. But if your the driver you can't take your eyes off the road very much because the roads are narrow and the drop offs are HUGE! You would not want to run your vehicle off this road. It would be really bad. Overall fun experience.

Overall great experience.

A single-lane slow-moving drive through a section of the park. We heard it was less traveled than Cades Cove, but I’d say it’s pretty close. We experienced more traffic here than CC. Folks need to remember to slow down and enjoy the scenery. If slow-going isn’t your thing, that’s fine, but don’t go here then.
There are several trails and waterfalls you can explore along the way, as well as a few historical cabins. It’s free to ride the road. There’s a lot of brush build up; we saw 1 deer, and a Turkey hen with 4 babies.

I only drove probably about 1/2 the entire Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, but DEFINITELY pull over at get out at Ogle Place...it's GORGEOUS and there are 2 cabins (the sign tells you the history) to see and a 3/4 mile trail to walk if you want. It is so peaceful and if you are an inspiring photographer, definitely you get some great photos here.
This entire motor trail is just beyond words...worth the time...and you may even see some bears!

We went early morning and only a few other people were out. I highly suggest doing this so you can avoid spending forever in traffic or finding parking. We drove the trail and stopped at Grotto Falls. A great hike with perfect views and peaceful sounds.

A little hard to find but it starts in Downtown Gattlinburg. Well worth the hour or so. Early mornig or late afternoon best time to see deer and bear.

This was a beautiful drive through the mountains.
This is a one way drive—no way to turn around—so once you start you’re committed. Make sure you have gas!
No gps service either.
Several nature stops along the roaring fork—old cabins and beautiful scenery.
The place of a thousand drips was beautiful!! It is the last stop
On the route.

Great, beautiful drive even in the rain. Didn't see any bears as they probably were somewhere outta the rain. Like Cades Cove, other visitors make the place somewhat unenjoyable and they violate the rules.

The rules? Not using pull offs, stopping in the roadway, holding up 9, 10 vehicles when pulling off would take a second and help make the trip enjoyable for all.

Place and trip is beautiful with a lot of historical places to see and visit. There is NUMEROUS places for photo opportunities, just be responsible so all can enjoy the beauty of the area.

The drive was so beautiful! It is a perfect option for when it's way to hot to enjoy a hike.

The multiple historical cabins were so awesome to see and experience! Definitely be careful driving through and take a Dramamine if you get motion sick easily.

The views are so breathtaking and you can enjoy them from the comfort of your air conditioned vehicle! There were plenty of pull-over opportunities to get out and take pictures. Good luck if you drive anything bigger than a small 4-door sedan! Those winds and turns will get ya.

To my surprise the Roaring Fork was Open Christmas Day and my Mother, Son, and Myself were able to take in the beauty and tranquility of the Roaring Fork. I've been coming to this exact spot for over thirty years and it never gets old to me.

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a beautiful, short ride with a few places to stop and explore. We didn't get out to hike to the waterfalls, or the cabins as there were 2 large bears and 3 cubs while we drove the 5-6 mile trail.

This is a great scenic drive right off of the parkway in Gatlinburg with mountain overlooks. It was a lot less crowded than Cades Cove and we saw three bears on the drive. Two were right on the road. There are lots of spots to pull over and stop. The creek runs through It so there is beautiful scenery all through it. It took about 45 minutes to an hour to drive. This was our first time visiting and will be a definite place to visit when we go back.

To begin, Apple Maps led us astray. We wound up at the bottom of the loop. Thankful to have found Ely’s Mill! They provided us with a hand-drawn map on how to get to the start of the trail. Without that, the trip would have been a bust. So visit Ely’s Mill when you’re done!

The loop is fantastic. While we were unprepared for any major hikes, they did appear to be several opportunities. There are several spots where you can pull off the narrow trail, which is much appreciated. We utilized several of these to get out and wade through the mountain streams.

If done correctly, this is at least a two hour trip. Multiple reports of bear sightings - although we missed them. It’s just a good time. Roll your windows down and soak it all up. It’s worth your time!

The beautiful scenery!! The waterfalls were awesome and the old homeplaces were really interesting!!

We have been on this motor trail several times and we have stopped at most of the sights along the way. This time we stopped and saw an area that had been affected by the forest fire a few years ago. While the area is recovering you can see the remains of trees that were blackened and are now huge sticks.
The temperatures are a few degrees cooler due to the elevation and the shade. Note that the trail may be closed in the winter.

We didn’t see any bear at the time we went but we saw gorgeous scenery! The water falls and creek was amazing.

Very peaceful and notice you may loose cell service. It’s recommended if you need GPS download your map.

Very nice drive. We saw bears at the beginning near Gatlinburg. Several places to stop along the way including Grotto Falls Trail. Beautiful scenery!

The weather wasn't great, so we decided to drive this nature trail. The area is beautiful. There are a bunch of pulloffs you can park at and visit different sites along the way. Abrams Falls trail is closed so we decided to hike to Grotto Falls. Absolutely beautiful. We actually walked behind the falls. Parking is limited so i would start early.

Nice driving tour of a small portion of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Not far from Gatlinburg. Pick up an information brochure for $1 at the start. A dozen stops along the route including scenic views and historical pioneer sites. Best to go early in the morning after sunrise or in the hour or 2 before sunset to avoid crowds and for wildlife spotting. Good opportunity to see black bears along here. A saw 3 different bears from my car including briefly a mother bear and her cub. Could spend an hour doing the drive but a hike to Grotto Falls from the trailhead on the tour is well worth the time and effort but will add to the time you will need.

If you enjoy nature, but prefer to do it in the car, then this is a good recommendation. You can also park in certain places and hike to see some of the beautiful falls. We stuck with just driving through and stopping to enjoy the streams and tall trees. We enjoyed the cabins and learning about how the American Indians lived in those times. There is also a beautiful pit stop at the end of the trail that showcases some antique trucks. A nice afternoon drive overall. If you can, rent a UTV for a 360 view, do so.

There's nothing like the feel and smell of the forest air that hits you as soon as you get out of your car. Something that we all need more of! Roaring Fork is a spectacular area to drive around and hike and is a must-do in GSMNP.

A beautiful trail for the Great Smoky Mountains, We drove through with the advise of a local. There are scenic places where you can stop and enjoy the view. There are streams where you can explore by walking in them of tubing. Also there are some neat older buildings and shops along the way. Would definitely go back.

Beautiful scenery and a peaceful drive when trying to socially distance. Took a drive on a Sunday and driving through areas near trail heads was challenging. Enjoyed driving along a mountain stream, it was very relaxing.

We drove this 7 mile, very skinny road mainly to get to the trail to Grotto Falls. Go very early in the morning to get a parking spot near the trail to Grotto Falls. The road itself is long and very winding, with a lot of traffic in summer.

A beautiful, one way road that also has multiple trails, including grotto falls. I recommend going early as traffic gets more congested as the day goes on. If you plan to hike go very early as the parking lots fill quickly and after that it is only random road parking which is hard to find. There are out houses at the grotto falls trail entrance, but nothing with running water.

This road was jam packed! There was no parking near any trails, and people were walking over a mile from their parking spot on the steep road in order to get to the trails. We drove the entire loop the first time with no parking.

The second time we found a parking spot that was a mile away and walked up hill to get to it (luckily that meant that it was all downhill after the trail!).

The road is super steep up and down. We could smell our brakes on the way down! Be aware that your vehicle will need to handle the steep drive or don't attempt this one.

We have seen a total of 7 bears. 2 mama bears, 4 bear cubs, one lone bear. What a thrill, they were so close but they seemed calm and kept eating. We stayed quiet and did not try to feed them. The flowing creeks on both sides of the road are the most beautiful scenery you could experience. The sounds, the views, the babbling creeks with mountain creek rocks, the wild life make for an experience you will never forget. Once you go you are hooked. And,,,,, it’s all free.

This trail is great! It doesn't not have quite the views that Cades Cove does but its also never as busy. We love taking this when its a busy day to get out of the hustle and bustle. We also love the shade and nice river views. The houses are cute and also worth a stop when you are going by!

This motor trail is amazing we saw 3 bears and has so many beautiful things to look at. We went in the old ogle brother’s houses. We were in and out of the car a lot. The waterfalls have trails to them, but they are around 3 miles round trip and on the website are moderate hiking. So if you have smaller kids something to keep in mind. We really enjoyed how beautiful it was and seeing some bears along the way at a safe distance. A must to do!

This is a 6 mile, one way, driving tour with beautiful views. There are places to stop along the way to hike but also with limited parking. This is perfect if you want to experience the park and have little children or mobility issues!

As many times as I've been to the Smokies I've never taken this auto trail - didn't know what I was missing! We opted for this because of my 4 & 8 year old grandkids. This drive is not the time "commitment" you get with Cade's Cove, and in October especially, Cade's Cove can get a little long with younger kids. Roaring Fork has ample pull offs thru-out the drive, the kids and us adults loved the chance to play along multiple mountain streams, climb huge boulders, see old farmstead cabins and an old grist mill. We spent about 2-3 hours on the 5.2 mile loop road. It starts and ends right out of Gatlinburg, so very convenient to do the trail and then end up in town enjoying the rest of the day.

5 star view and plenty or bear activity. The path is very windy and narrow but once ya get there it’s worth the wait. We saw lots of fall colors and 4 bears, just be aware there are not very many spots to stop and there is only one bathroom at the very end of the loop. Plan accordingly! There is also a cool little mill and a locally owned shop there. It is a very narrow one way road so it does get backed up at times, but that was alright with us.

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg Tennessee, is a scenic beautiful short 5 to 7 mile oneway
loop drive.
It has many curves, so keep your attention on the road for the next curve, because they come frequently. It is up hill in some places but not to steep..
We drive it in a Volkswagen Jetta, a small vehicle just fine with no problems.
It is worth the trip and very scenic with old houses and different old structures . Several waterfalls along the way.
Beautiful streams and creeks .
Several wildlife to see along the way.
I would definitely recommend trying this at least once very beautiful drive.

So much fun!! Loved seeing the old cabins, mill and taking a hike along the trails. At the end is a cute shop where they show you how to make honey.

Oohhhh this was our favorite part of our trip! We drove this every evening but 2 during our stay in Gatlinburg and saw bears all but 1 day! This is a must to do!

Awesome views, but be warned if you get motion sickness I beg you to please take some medication 20min prior to going.

This single lane drive is gorgeous. 10 m.p.h speed limit with stop and go traffic on windy roads to view wildlife was peaceful until a SUV with New York plates 3 cars back keep honking and yelling at all to speed up. They finally pulled off at the Falls trail. I guess they were in a hurry to hike. How disrespectful of others and nature.

Go early because if you wait until after 9 or 10 you will be stuck in Gatlinburg bumper to bumper traffic for awhile.
P.S. watch out for bears here and also a-holes!

My husband and I have been visiting the Smoky Mountains every spring for at least 10 years and this is our favorite part of the visit. It is not as crowded as the Cades Cove Loop Drive and the scenery is breathtaking. You wind up and down the mountain on a narrow one way road. The drive is less than 10 miles but you see many falls, settlers homesteads and even a gristmill. Don't miss this.

We found this tour around just as interesting and lovely as Cades Cove, but far far less crowded. There aren't as many opportunities to pull over, but everyone seemed to be pretty mellow and not in a big rush, so with a little patience we managed to stop and see pretty much all there was to see. Lots of history and lots of wonderful views.

This is an incredible place to drive through. It was the first time we had ever seen bears in real life out of all the years we have visited the area. The entire drive is beautiful and so peaceful.

We were told about this location from a friend! It was only about 2 miles from where we’re staying! We entered and started taking the loop! Yes I messed up Lol and missed the turn to take the loop so we went out and reentered and so glad I did, we ran into a bear 🐻 on the way back to the loop and unfortunately I got him on my other camera! We did the loop and there were lots of pull offs and the sites and waterfalls were really nice!

Drive through and enjoy the country side of the Smoky Mountains. History and native wildlife to see. A nice, slow drive.

I took this short drive at the recommendation of one of the park rangers. You do have to exit the main part of the park to get to it so I ended up doing it as I was preparing to leave the park. The road is winding and not very wide so you must drive very slowly but the forest was beautiful and there were some trails worth exploring here. I recommend visiting early or late though. I went midday and the more popular trails were difficult to park near. I was able to pull off in a couple of secluded parts of the road though towards the end and am glad I did. Got to really be immersed in the forest and the flowing river and it was so beautiful. I didn't hike any trails but I probably spent 45 min to an hour driving and getting out at a couple spots to explore. I would suggest if you want a shorter scenic drive.

Our first trip around Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, one needs to take in more of the beauty of the Smokeys Mountains, and the area around Gatlinburg. So beautiful! At the end of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is Ely's Mill, where we got married this year, another little relic hidden away from downtown Gatlinburg! Take your time and end enjoy all of nature's beauty! We loved it!

Its a great place to enjoy a quiet drive, go at first light to really enjoy. There is a great chance, if you are quiet enough that you will see animals foraging for breakfast. Don't for get to look up, bears love the tree tops because thats where the nuts are. The trails are very crowded by early morning.

This was a marvelous drive through the Smokies. I would highly recommend driving through this trail. There are multiple pull-offs along the road where you can get out and take a picture. There are a few historic buildings scattered throughout the trail. There are also some trailheads that begin here and there are quiet walkways that you can take for as long as you want. We saw a juvenile bear walking along the side of the road, which was adorable and fascinating. This drive takes about 45mins too an hour depending on the traffic, weather, wildlife, and how often you want to stop and get out.

Beautiful drive with lots of trails- we didnt see any bears but the people ahead of us did. Only negative thing would be some travelers were driving much faster than the speed limit of 10 mph and would tailgate you….

We had a wonderful drive! Saw a mama bear with her three cubs. They were frolicking around in the wood, it almost seemed like they were putting on a show for us. In all we saw 9 bears on this drive.

Out of Rangers' control but disappointed to not see bears as we usually do. Saw one turkey. haha This is a 1 lane 5 mile scenic loop. Views are breathtaking and the cooler temps are exciting. Nice to park and walk through old homesteads with sounds of rushing river nearby.

Wonderful, stunningly beautiful this fall with vivid colors abundant. Favorite hike is Rainbow Falls, easy markings, breathtaking beauty, amazing regrow this since fire 3 years ago. Serene, peaceful, wonderful!

Scenery is stunning, wildlife is plentiful and beautiful. Depending on time of day and the time of year you will need to have some patience if traveling at a busy time. I also suggest doing this both in the morning and in the evening and on different days for a different set of photo opportunities. I suggest pulling over if you encounter animals and pull over far enough so others can pass or pull over behind you see wildlife. However, I do understand sometimes you must stop in the roadway. In our case a bear walked right in front of our car. We had absolutely zero choice in pulling over and we simply just had to stop. On the same trip through a little while later a doe was trying to cross the road so we stopped so she could cross. You have to respect the wildlife and the cars behind you must understand. Obviously in either of those circumstances if the animals were in the background heading towards the road we would have pulled over. So you must be understanding, courteous. Try to be aware of others and your surroundings. Another important note: If you want to see wildlife - a bear and her cubs... DO NOT travel in overly loud vehicles like motorcycles, spiders, can ams etc. - Why?? They are loud and keep the wildlife at bay. Yes I love motorcycles and we have them in our household. Another tip, if you want to see wildlife ... DO NOT bring your family dog. Why? Dogs bark and scare off the animals and also keep them away. Yes, I am a dog lover and previous dog owner. Just stating facts. Do not ruin the chance for others to see wildlife, be considerate!

This motor trail has gorgeous views, old cabins, nature trails and waterfalls. We've also seen bears and cubs! Something for everyone. The beauy is beyond description during the fall when the colors peak. Perfect for those who want to see nature from their car, and also perfect for those who want to hike to waterfalls or hike the trails around the scenic views. We take this trail every visit to Gatlinburg and always feel it is the highlight of our trip.

We ended up hiking rainbow and grotto falls off this road, as well as exploring some of the old buildings. Found a perfect spot at an overlook just past the rainbow falls trail head to have a picnic lunch with a beautiful view. Saw a bear in the road on the way out in the late afternoon. The road itself wasn't busy for us on a Monday, though parking was definitely an issue in spots.

My family gets together each summer for a big vacation. Most of us have no issues with mobility, but some in our family do. There are also a bunch of little kids (5 or younger) which can limit activities.

When we learned about the motor trail it was a perfect solution of something everyone could do. Even though we weren't all technically together (we were in 3 different vehicles) we all got to experience the same adventure and see the same sights. It's a beautiful twisty trail through the mountains and a great way to see the beautiful national park.

Coming to Gatlinburg, one of my goals was to see a bear, which led us to the motor trail. We made 2 passes before we saw one but we're excited on our last evening to finally see one. The scenery was gorgeous and it was nice to get away from town. There are plenty of trails for hiking and interesting old structures steeped in history for quick stops. There are lots of photo ops and you'll want to be ready to snap photos quickly. There are 2 beautiful waterfalls on this road we didn't get to catch this trip but will in the future.

Don't miss this!
We arrived at 9am 10/3/25. This was the second day of the government shutdown, and we were very glad to get in. We didn't see any bears, but we met some folk that had just seen one that walked across the road in front of the car. This winding mountain road through the woods was incredible. We did see wild turkey and some lovely creeks and waterfalls.
The folks at Ely's mill were great, and we purchased a few items on the quaint gift shop.

This was a nice drive. We enjoyed ourselves and being able to stop and hike was a must do in this area. Moderate hiking was available and totally worth getting out to do. Dont forget to stop at the end at Ely's Mill and shop around.

Whatever you do go when it’s quiet. Absolutely ridiculous when it’s busy. Quite pretty but not worth the effect on rising blood pressure of being stuck behind idiots.

On a Friday afternoon we wanted to hike Grotto Falls and the only way there is this "nature trail" which is a narrow, one way road that winds thru the mountains. It was bumper to bumper cars, all the pull outs and parking lots were full with folks having to resort to parking along the road; not safe at all! So needless to say we did not get to hike Grotto Falls. Maybe it's not so crowded earlier in the day or a different day of the week. But because of all of the traffic, we really did not get to enjoy it.

We stumbled upon this motor trail after hiking rainbow falls. We stopped and contemplated if we actually wanted to take it. We are very glad we did!! This turned out to be a gem! Beautiful views. We got out of the car at the overlook and hiked up the mountain a little bit more to see if we could see a better view. It was sort of surreal. You can still see damage from the fires a few years back. There are a lot more places along the way to stop and get out and read about the history and many more photo opportunities. The road did get kinda busy and backed up. All in all, five stars!!!

Get out of town and do this drive. Get out and look when you can. Love this place. This is the real smoky mountains.

We saw bears on our 9am trek through the area and stop for a hike. Nice drive, homesteads and hike. We spent about three hours including Gotto Falls trail, 2.8 miles round trip. The trail ascends pretty much the entire way, but the falls are nice.

Beautiful drive, saw several bear along drive. We also hiked to Grotto Falls which was 3 miles round trip. Very pretty, make sure you pack some water.

This trip was breathtaking! This was my favorite views during our entire trip! We visited Rainbow Falls the day before and I thought the views on this trail were much better. Must see!!

I enjoyed the Drive. Please dont feed the bears. I know the bears can smell the food from the main part of Gatlinburg from roaring fork área because i could. As soon as you Drive out and down the road about 1/2 a mile-- food and resturants everywhere. Kinda strange. Respect the bears. Dont feed them.🙏

This was a great ride with great hikes and plenty of places to enjoy photography if you’re into that. Grotto falls was a quick hike that you can continue on hiking after you arrive at the falls. Trail does get busy, but not so much it hinders enjoyment.

We have been many times over the last 50 years. You can see waterfalls right from the roadway. Saw an owl this trip. We usually take some of the hikes, but I had a broken toe so we stuck to the road this time.

A ride through what seemed like dense forest, with breath taking views of mountain tops and flowing rivers. I would definitely recommend this short drive on a trip to Smokies.

This is a gorgeous drive and the scenery never disappoints . We saw bear ,deer and turkeys. Definetly worth the trip

Absolutely beautiful! We experienced it in a slow drizzle and the plants were stunning! Adequate pull off places but watch for hikers along the side of the road.

A beautiful drive with waterfalls and trees, several hiking options. We did the Grotto falls which is the shortest about 2.5 miles round trip. It does have a steady incline getting to the falls, someone young and fit wouldn't be slowed down, for anyone with achy joints and taking things easier, I would put it as moderate. However, you can also just take a nice drive through without doing hike. If you only have time for one scenic drive, do the Cades Cove, but this is nice too. More forested, and cades cove has more meadows and views of mountains.

If you can not hike trails thos a great alternative. Many turnouts so you can get out of the ar and see some great ideas a d take pictures

Lots of different trails off this. It is one way, so keep that in mind if doing more than one trail off this route. We did both Grotto falls & Rainbow falls and had to loop back around since we did Grotto falls first.

My wife and I really enjoyed this motor trail. The scenic views were stunning. There were also several trails that led to waterfalls, but we didn’t experience though. The motor trail itself was beautiful. There were brooks or streams throughout and my wife loved hearing the sound of the water as we drove through. It was nothing like riding with the windows down enjoying nature….. until we saw a bear lol

There is no better drive in GSMNP. Lush. A hundred shades of green. Bears. Elk. Deer. Mosses galore. Reptiles.Waterfalls. Streams. Amazing trails. Old structures. Rainforest. Paradise.

The main purpose of this drive through ROARING FORK was to spot at least 1 bear which we were lucky enough to do.The drive otherwise to that was very uneventful.All in all it was worth taking a drive of about 20-30 minutes in order to see a bear!

Beautiful undisturbed valley with plush meadows with a lot of photogenic opportunities. Do yourself a favor and hit this place before lunch, preferably in a weekday. I’m from The Blue Ridge so I’m used to this scenery. I’m not sure how enjoyable it would be in the dead of summer or in bad weather. I imagine late spring with wildflowers in bloom it would be quite beautiful. We were lucky that the traffic in and out was not that bad. We were also lucky to see a bear. Must visit when coming to GSMNP, just make sure you time it right.

It was a very enjoyable ride through mountains. Loved it. Would recommend it to anyone. Our stay in Gatlinburg was very nice, it is not as touristy as Pigeon Forge.

This a great little nature drive “about” 30-45 minutes.There are several attractions, several trails for hikers, which includes Rainbow Falls, a favorite for hikers. You may even see a bear or 2—my wife and I did!

Having read about the drive prior to going this was on the must list to see. This 5.5 mile one way road is very beautiful and historic. It has a number of homes now in the national park that setters lived. We had the fortune to be at one when a generational family was visiting a home that belonged to grandparents. We also took a hike to see flowers and scenery. The besta number of pull outs for pictures. Go early as I'm certain it gets busier later.

Very Nice Drive. Like a Mini Cade’s Cove but in the mountains not a valley. Also it’s not crowded and only takes an hour to drive through. Several old homesteads with cabins and barns, hiking trails and waterfalls.

While closed for the winter season, the path is still quite walkable and that made it very enjoyable. Plenty of parking at the "trailhead" and the walk in the woods was fantastic. Very few people on the way. You get there from the road at Light #8 in Gatlinburg.

This drive is well worth it. Take your time, the road can be narrow and there are deep ravines, but it is fully forested and great views of water and waterfalls, trees, historic buildings and mills. One of the overlooks was hit hard by the fire a few years back and the scarcity of trees in that area afforded a good view for a while, but it's growing back. Stop at Ely's Mill - the owner is a decendant of the original owner and she has a lot of interesting things for sale. There are a couple of restroom facilities along the trail, including the mill. The trail is also a common area to spot black bears.

I can't say enough about the drive through Roaring Forks. It is absolutely beautiful! We climbed Rainbow Falls and the Grotto. It's challenging, but worthwhile. The only negative part is parking on busy days/months. Highly recommended.

Saw a bear in the woods, and saw turkeys at the pioneer village area. There were great overlooks, and pull off areas to explore the river areas, rocks, forrest, and overviews. Also did the Grotto Falls trail on the motorway which leads to a waterfall you can walk behind. There are so many photo opportunities and places to explore.

We have been several times on the Nature Trail on our motorcycles. We were just there at the end of October and thought we would take a nice ride again through the trail. Well, the traffic backed up about 1 mile into the trail and was at a complete stop we moved no where! Cars were coming slowly towards us in the other lane and stopping to tell cars ahead of us something! But never spoke to us! We decided because we were on bikes and traffic was going uphill our clutches were sure to burn out: we turned around: as we turned the cars now coming towards us told us of a bear on the road!!! Holy Crap and found out the reason the cars were backed up were they were bears the way we were going! Thanks for telling us people! We are on motorcycles! And yikes; I’d prefer to eat dinner then to be someone’s dinner! This is our third year doing this run and never had this before. Unless we/you are in a car: don’t do on a motorcycle! 🤪

This was our first time on the trail and it did not disappoint. Saw a bear cub and dear on the one hour trail. Cabins were interesting and gift shop was unique. Was one of our favorite things during our two day stay.

Nice quiet road through scenery
Saw a mama bear and her two Cubs
Many great places to pull of and see different things

Saw three total bear cubs! Go slow, watch edges. Many pull off areas. Obtain a parking pass online or elsewhere before going if you plan to stop more than 15 min. Went during week so was way less busy yet quite a few people.

First time visiting this part of the park during fall. The drive is spectacular with incredible scenery, overlooks, trails, waterfalls and historical buildings.

Great views, easy drive, not as congested as other areas. Lots of places to pull off and explore. Several areas to get good pic. Drive right by multiple old cabins.

The day we did the Roaring Fork Motor Trail we had planned to mostly stay in the car and enjoy the views as we had done a lot of hiking the day before. Unfortunately, it was an overcast, drizzly day so there weren't any views to see as we had hoped. So, we decided to get out of the car and hike instead. Stopped at the Bud Ogle Farm. It was interesting. Next, we stopped at the trailhead to Rainbow Falls. It said the trail was only 2.7 miles so we decided to do it. I should've done my research because it ended up taking over 2 hours to finally get to the falls. The trail was very rocky, narrow and slippery with lots of tree roots. It was also steep with lots of switchbacks. There was a long log "bridge" with a "handrail" only on one side as well as a flat rock bridge with no handrail. Both were over streams and were pretty high up and somewhat slippery because of the weather being drizzly. My husband and I are very physically active and found this hike to be a challenge. We felt very accomplished when we finally made it to the Rainbow Falls and it only took us about an hour to get back down.

This was my second time on Roaring Fork. The first time we saw a bear with her two cubs. Second time around we didn’t see any bear but we sure heard them! The views are great and the length is just right! Not too long but not too short either.

Roaring Fork was suggested to my daughter and I, and on a whim we cavalierly headed up the trail. Please know that there are few other places on earth with such captivating views, but I suggest you make peace with God before committing. I promise you will be praying to Jesus once you encounter those narrow roads and sharp turns.

I don’t recall ever seeing such a breathtaking landscape, but I also don’t recall smelling my own fear before, either. Please be aware that you will question your reasoning for opting to make the vehicular trek about a quarter of the way up. And for the remainder you will beseech the assistance of God the Father, Son, AND the Holy Spirit.

In all, it was truly rewarding and very educational, though terrifying. But the upshot is I’m back in church!

Everyone talks about how great the Cade's Cove motor tour is, but no one ever mentions this one and it is my favorite! Rolling mountain streams, beautiful wood, magical views, plenty of side trails to hike and pull offs to get out and explore. Just be sure your brakes are in good working order because it is definitely hilly.

Disclaimer: If you are a crabby, impatient person who wants to get from Point A to Point B as quickly as humanly possible, please do NOT go here, you will only torment yourself and those around you. It's a very slow, very curvey drive and the traffic was often bumper-to-bumper. But, why would you want to rush this? Slow down and savor the natural beauty and serenity. There are lots of places to pull over and take pictures, stretch your legs, enjoy a picnic lunch, go on a hike, etc. We went in mid-October for our first visit ever and we loved it. We might have to make this an annual trip.

Totally enjoyed an afternoon spring drive. The trail was not at all busy and we thoroughly enjoyed. Be sure to keep your eyes open!

We did this both evenings we were in GSMNP. We were looking for black bears. Only saw one, but enjoyed the drive. It takes longer than we expected. Very peaceful and not so crowded since we were in September.

We enjoyed our drive along the Motor trail. We did not see a lot of wildlife, but the drive was nice. We did stop at both homesteads & got out to walk around both. We hiked up to Grotto Falls, a Lovely waterfall. Parking was tight & many parked along the road.

I have been to Gatlinburg multiple times and somehow missed this. Peaceful drive with very good views.

This is such a pretty driving trail in Gatlinburg. It starts from near downtown and is a one way driving trail with a lot of scenic spots. This is around a 5 mile loop and you can cover it with a few stops in about 1.5 hours. Ofcourse if you stop and take some hiking trail in between, that will add to your time. The rainbow falls and trillium gap trail starts from the roaring fork motor trail.

We got on the motor trail and did the rainbow falls in between. The weather in October end was awesome with lovely views and fall colors. Elys mill was also on it. A must do trail when visiting Gatlinburg.

Sooooooo much better than Caves Cove. We saw 11 bears in total. Look high up in the trees. You need to have an hour or so to do this. Well worth your time. Wildlife. Trails. Picnic spots. Awesome

It was relaxing to drive through and enjoy the fall views. I saw some wild turkeys almost right away and saw some rangers near the beginning waving people through. Didn't realize until later there were bears so they were wanting people to not stop. I went through the beginning again and finally saw 2 bears on the side of the road.

There is a Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, you can drive through it, and there are several cabins/houses along the drive, there is also mill, and waterfalls

Get there early to beat the crowds, especially, if you plan to hike. This is because the very small parking lots fill up fast. Some parking areas only accommodate 1, 2, or 3 cars. The route goes in one direction for about 5 miles. Avoid visiting during a bad storm. Lots of trees and branches could obstruct the road very fast. Bring your cameras Enjoy the changing views. Look for the wildlife.

Loved this motor trail. Saw a bear climbing out of the creek our second trip around dusk, 7:15pm. Glad we discovered this. Will return!

Have an hour or so of time to kill? Want to go on a hike but don't want to walk? Heh. This is a great trail to take your vehicle through to see some natural beauty. Great drive! First part of the drive is the best opportunity to see black bears. If you see cars stopped on the road, there are bears nearby. You have to take this route to get to Grotto Falls. Definitely worth the hike!. Ely's Mill at the end of the drive is a neat place to stop in and see also.

This is a beautiful drive. It is pretty popular, so many of the pull-out areas were full. We were not able to hike, as we couldn't find a parking place. We did find some pull-outs that were not full. There is one very beautiful waterfall towards the end of the drive that is right along the road. The roadway follows the Roaring Fork River for the last half of the drive. That is also very beautiful. There are some historic buildings that you can walk through. We did see two bear that morning. From the highest point along the drive, you can see for miles. This was a great experience.

Wonderful drive to view the scenery in the mountains. Lots of places to pull of the road and get out. Old cabins and flowing water. Took us a couple hours to drive through(with a a couple stops). The weather was beautiful at 9am. Definitely could have spent more time if wanted.

Favorite drive in Smoky Mountains National Park. Highly recommend! There are signs to the 5 mile one way loop drive from the main road through Gatlinburg. But traffic in Gatlinburg is always crazy, so if you are worried you will miss the turnoff, I would recommend putting "Rainbow Falls trailhead" into your GPS to get to the point where one way traffic begins. The scenery is so beautiful, lots of creeks, waterfalls, bridges, forest and a few mountain overlooks. In my opinion, the road is not that narrow or steep, it's easily drivable for any car. Maybe it's all what you are used to? If you have driven in national parks in the Western United States, or coastal roads in California or any rural roads in Europe, this road really is nothing. Do not be scared off.
Having read everywhere how busy it gets even early in the morning, we decided to go in the evening. On a Thursday evening in July, the road was virtually deserted! We only saw a few other cars. We hiked to Grotto Falls and were at the falls all by ourselves. When we headed to Roaring Fork, everyone else seemed to be leaving! So if you want less crowds and are not an early riser, I would recommend going in the late afternoon/evening. We also saw beautiful fireflies as it was getting dark, just magical.

Pretty drive just outside of Gatlinburg. Plan on about 45 min including a few stops. Trillium Trail is curreny closed, but there are a few other hikes off the loop
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It’s a nice drive up a mountain, with nowhere to park. So if you want to drive and see trees, this is the trail for you.

Enjoyed the trail. There’s hardly enough room to pull off though. And to park. Grotto falls trail is in this motor trial. So it’s great to do both. We didn’t see any animals in our drive though

This was probably our favorite part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was quite busy with tourists, but was still a nice drive and hike. Because it was so busy, we needed to find parking along the road. We had to hike uphill a half-mile to get to the start of the Grotto Falls Trail, then did the hike. Watch for salamanders in the spots where water crosses the hiking trail.

Rented utv's and took this road through the woods. Wonderful views of creeks, falls, cabins and wildlife.

Just outside Gatlinburg, this is a lovely scenic drive through woodland on a narrow winding road (it's a one-way loop so no problem). It's only about five miles long but you can take your time, stop at the many parking areas, maybe take a hike to one of the small waterfalls, look at the old homesteads and enjoy the scenery. Drive the loop around an hour before sundown and that's the best time to see black bears. It was so nice, We drove round several times. Mid-September on a weekday when we visited was really quiet. A must do if you're in the area.

My wife and I really enjoyed our drive on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The scenery is amazing. There is also lots of interesting history along the trail. There are many easily accessible sites right off of the drive. If you enjoy nature and/or history, you could easily spend an entire day here.

I've been visiting the Smokies pretty much all my life and never knew about this beautiful drive. The scenery is beautiful and there is a couple of waterfalls you can hike to also. The roadway crosses the creek several times and there are many great photo opportunities. Drive it you won't be sorry.

Excellent relaxing morning. Far different then the hussle and bustle of Pigeon Forge and Gatilinburg. Expect long traffic lines in town but once you turn up the mountain it thins out quickly.

We never go to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area without meandering through Roaring Fork! Nice drive, and we almost always see wildlife. Great place for photography.

Roaring Fork Motor Trail provides a beautiful nature and history filled adventure for all whom embark upon it. Plus, it's great for seeing bears and waterfall trails.

Two adults took the one way Roaring Forks Motor Trail late in the morning on a Wednesday in late September 2023 and found it uninspiring, crowded, bumper-to-bumper traffic and next to nowhere to park to see the various cabins, trails to the falls, etc. Can’t compare to the Cades Cove Auto Trail with its beautiful vistas (and also bumper-to-bumper traffic).Our only stop was at the Bud Ogle cabin which consisted of both an empty cabin and empty barn. No information signs and an empty and partially destroyed rack where you are supposed to be able to purchase a booklet describing the motor trail. The adjacent nature trail was also closed. Wow, what a beginning. The rest of the trail was about a 5 mile one way car ride at 5 to 10 miles an hour up and down very steep hills with curves with no available parking spaces at the designated stops. No signs of any animals or birds. Overall very disappointing considering the descriptions we read here from previous visitors. Go very early or very late or don’t bother. Of course, YMMV.

It had been many years since I had visited the beautiful, peaceful Roaring Fork when it was relatively undiscovered. Back then there would be a few cars in the waterfall parking lots, but now they overflow to the sides of the road in places I would be afraid to park. If you value uncrowned nature, go early or late.

My wife and I recently visited during the fall leaf season. The colors were truly spectacular along this narrow 5.5-mile-long, one-way loop road that winds through an old-growth forest. There are rushing mountain streams and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings offering visitors numerous picture taking opportunities. You might even catch a glimpse of bears or wild turkeys. During the height of the season cars are bumper to bumper on the trail and the 5.5 miles could take well over an hour to complete so check your gas gauge before you head out. If you enjoy hiking to waterfalls then be on the lookout for a small parking area on your right just before the entrance to the motor trail. Here you will find the trailheads for two of the most popular hikes in the park Rainbow Falls (a 5.4 mile roundtrip hike considered moderately strenuous) & Grotto Falls. I have completed both & enjoyed them. Best part is that Roaring Fork is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg. Just turn off the main parkway at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard entrance to the national park. Just beyond the Rainbow Falls trailhead you have the option of taking the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (closed in winter). Large vehicles such as buses or motor homes are not permitted. A “must do” if you visit the area.

This place is almost like a hidden secret in Gatlinburg except its right next to a strip of hotels! We saw a bear as soon as we started the loop which was awesome. I would definitely recommend this on your way to Cades Cove or if you don't feel like driving to Cades Cove. There were barely any cars which was really nice and the trees were beautiful!

Very good bear location. We went two morning around 8:30-9am and seen FIVE bears between the two days!! We also saw a coyote that was less than 3 feet out our window. We will come again!

Recommended by a local, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail became on of the best hi-lights of our trip to Gatlinburg! As we entered the forest, a storm quickly descended on the mountains. Discouraged that we may miss all the good views, we proceeded slowly along the beautiful winding road. Just as quickly as the storm came, however, it went, leaving the lush mountains covered in a sparkling glaze. My husband and I took advantage of the many pull-off points to stop and experience nature without wandering too far off in the woods. Honestly- there was no need to do more than visit the road-side in order to wade in the gorgeous mountain streams, visit centuries old homesteads, & climb breathtaking waterfalls! This IS a one-way motor trail. You could easily drive through and see a million natural wonders, but with just a little bit of additional effort, my husband and I explored some truly magnificent history of these mountains and left our own footprints in this majestic creation. If we ever return to these mountains, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail will be on the very top of our list of things to do!

Have completed this motor trail many times and have never been disappointed. It’s a 5.5 mile long one-way journey. The road is narrow as it winds through old growth forest. Along the way you will have the opportunity to explore well preserved log cabins, historical buildings, & a gristmill. You will cross rushing streams and you might even encounter wild turkeys, bears or other wildlife. During peak season cars are bumper to bumper & move VERY slowly making this trip an hour plus (even if you don’t stop which you probably will). Make sure you have plenty of gas before you go. It had snowed the night before our visit making the scenery even more spectacular. Picture taking opportunities abound. Closed during Winter months. Peaceful Relaxing Get Away & Only A Short Distance From Downtown Gatlinburg. Highly recommend.

Family rented a UTV and took this trail and we loved every second of it. The views are amazing and it’s a truly unique trail. Black bear crossed the road in front of us! A few trails can be picked up here, but the drive was more than enough for us. Check this out! Be sure to leave the big trucks at home, the road is narrow and often windy!

Only thing I like more is cades cove!

My wife and I take everyone on this trail when they come to town.

Best pictures in the fall.

We have stopped at all the history spots and enjoy just walking around taking it all in. Typically see bear on this trail but that is not guaranteed.

Grab a map with info at the start of the trail.

We originally planned this drive to get to a couple of hiking trails to see waterfalls, but when the small parking areas were so crowded we just kept driving. Glad we did, because there were so many other beautiful sites at the many pull off areas. Absolutely beautiful, but slow and mainly one way mountain drive. There were several old homes and properties to see also, similar to what you'd see on the Cades Cove loop.

This is a one way self guided driving tour of the Great Smokey Mountains. We went right as the leaves were changing and it was awesome! Go in the morning and enjoy the whole day! It’s worth the time it takes.

Since 1972, I have driven the motor trail on every visit to the Smokies. Drove it twice this time around! I believe it is the most missed attraction in Gatlinburg. Very beautiful and almost always a wildlife encounter or two... including bears!

this hike was not to dificult and was beautiful! It was a great hike for about 3-4 hours of excersise and lots of natural beauty.

Lovely drive for the most part but very crowded and very high and narrow little road. you suffer from a real fear of heights don't let someone talk you in to this, and if you do most certainly don't drive. There is about half a mile that will put you under. Doesn't help that traffic is bumper to bumper and folks stop randomly . ( there are areas to pull off of you enjoy the view)

A fantastic, casual drive. Great for those with mobility issues. Plenty to see from the side of the road.

Beautiful views, old cabins, nature trails and waterfalls to be seen from this drive. Something for everyone. Perfect for those who want to see nature from their car, and also perfect for those who want to hike to waterfalls or hike the trails around the scenic views. We were walking the trails behind Ogle farm and saw three bear cubs!! Oh my goodness what a sight. You won't be disappointed on this nature trail!

Beautiful views and animals in natural habitat. Great way to spend a couple hours. Drive is less than 5 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. Highly recommended.

We loved Roaring Fork Motor Trail. There are a ton of steep inclines and winding roads so it’s definitely important to have a competent driver who’s comfortable with that. It takes about an hour to get through without stopping at the trails. They have plenty of places to pull over to take pictures and get out. We did see one bear while driving through and heard there’s an increase in population there because of the recent fires. I guess the bark on the burnt trees makes bears more fertile. We preferred this trail over Cades Cove.

My husband and I finished Rainbow Falls and took the Motor Trail as we left. I was amazed at how much we saw from our car. Several areas available to stop and see Mountain View’s and brooks and cabins. Perfect if you want to experience the mountains and not actually hike.

This one-way loop through the Smokies offers stunning forest views, waterfalls, and historic cabins. The road is narrow and winding, so patience is key—especially with limited parking at popular stops. Early mornings are best to avoid crowds and catch wildlife like bears. It’s a peaceful, photo-worthy drive that rewards slow travel.

Beautiful place for the whole family. The ride takes about 30-45 minutes. If you are in Gatlinburg this is a must do.

The scenery is awesome but be warned if you have a larger vehicle, people were parking all over and seemed to have no idea vehicles would need to get by their vehicle at some point.

What can I say but WOW !!!! Wasn't expecting such a beautiful adventure to be had by auto but this was a treat! Take a drive in the woods and keep that camera handy, who knows you just might see a bear in the woods 🐻.

It was a rainy day when we did this tour but that was ok. There weren’t a lot of cars and the rain really pumped up the river. We had a brief race with a turkey too.

Have read so many wonderful things, thought I’d try it out. Let me first say it’s a beautiful drive thru the woods. I’d say about 80-85% of it is woods on both sides of the road. There are several pull offs by wooded areas. There’s a ton of traffic. There’s a ton of people parking where they shouldn’t. There weren’t really any water elements to see for 80-85% of the drive. Not really til almost the end and even then it was just a few. It’s a beautiful drive don’t get me wrong I was just expecting more.

Worth seeing!! It had awesome waterfalls!! I've been to the smokys four times and finally found this place and loved every minute of it!!

This was a perfect way to see some incredible views of the Smokies without having to hike. I really appreciated this option.

Nice drive with amazing views. Great way to see the sights without having to hike if you are unable to do so. And we saw BEARS!!

Traveled through the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in a UTV and it was one of the best days! This nature trail is absolutely gorgeous and you feel like you are in another place when you're riding through here. So many great spots to stop and take photos. Waterfalls, old homesteads/cabins, just everything around you is something to look at on this trail. Can't wait to visit again!

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is always an enjoyable area to tour while visiting the Gatlinburg area. My wife and I have made this little trip many times over the years and it is well worth the time it takes to go through it. We have seen several different species of wildlife the different times we have gone, but just the breathtaking views and the pristine Roaring Fork stream is well worth your time.

You'll see it all on this drive, waterfalls, historic buildings, beautiful peaks, and the relaxing creek. It's a lot shorter then Cades Cove, so if you are pressed for time this is the one to do!

Excellent scenic drive through the Smokie Mountains and views for photos and possibly Bear sitings and different distance hiking trails options to water falls or just trails. You won’t regret it.

The roads were incredibly small and extremely dangerous to drive on because on one side there is a cliff you fall down and the other is rocks and other stuff that could scratch the car. The roads were super steep and and there were sharp turns. This is definitely not worth it. You could definitely die on this trail. If you do end up going bring a small car that is designed for tough terrain. Don't bring a large SUV.

We really enjoyed this drive! Easy to find; not too long, very windy! We wenit early to avoid the crowds, If you plan to do any of the hikes, definitely go early and parking gets wild. The scenery is gorgeous! This place has a very quiet and secret feel, although it is not! The only restroom we saw was at the trail head to Grotto Falls. The amount of time you need will depend on how much stopping/hiking you want to do. We hiked to Grotto Falls and stopped often to bird watch.

During our recent trip to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg my girlfriend and I really wanted to see Bears roaming free in the wild. Annoyingly as we were staying in Pigeon Forge (and when the Fall Rod Run was on) there don't seem to be any in Pigeon Forge (or not that we have seen) and the main locations to see Bears are in Gatlinburg and when staying in Cabin's/Lodges more off of the main roads.

Based on this we tried time and time again to see Bears, once at Cades Cove which was unsuccessful and 4 times in total on this Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

With no idea what we were doing the first time we went during the day, we didn't see any bears (annoyingly they came out a couple of cars back) and so we missed them, but we did stop at nearly all of the stopping points to look at the historic old abandoned buildings etc.

The second time we did a little later in the day and again were unsuccessful in seeing any Bears (that we know of) as we didn't stop and did a drive through on the way back to the hotel.

Our third attempt (although we again saw no bears), was at sunset and we stopped to witness an amazingly beautiful sunset over the Great Smokey Mountains which alone was worth the trip.

We were told that the best times to go are very early or late at night/early evening as this is when it's cooler and less busy, so the only thing we had not done which we wanted too was the stunning Grotto falls (the waterfall you can walk behind). So on our last full day we decided we would get up for 6am, Get to the limit parking (circa 17 spaces) for Grotto falls and do the hike.

When we got there it was empty so we decided to start the hike, it was by this time around 7.15am, and part the way through the hike after searching high and low for Bears whilst taking in the views I walked around a corner to the brow of a hill and there they were, two Bears, 1 Mum and 1 Cup, the mum was no more than 10ft away and looking straight at me.

Being curious they kept following us as we slowly walked backwards away from them so not to bother them as they foraged for food until we managed to find two other couples to join us. At this time the Bears stopped following us and climbed a tree right next to us. The experience was amazing and more than we could have hoped for and it just shows that perseverance pays off.

Seeing Bears like this in the wild is not as easy as it seems on social media, if you are staying in a Cabin or Lodge in the mountains there is a much higher chance, and yes they are occasionally around Gatlinburg (mainly in the mornings and evenings) looking for food, but seeing them in their natural habitat is what we wanted and this was perfect.

We would highly recommend the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail for anyone looking for a great day, beautiful scenery, amazing waterfalls and trails and if you are lucky then an opportunity to see Bears and other wildlife in its natural habitat.

This hidden gem is tucked back behind the hustle of downtown tourist Gatlinburg. It is hard to believe that you can get such much peace and quiet through the 5.5 mile drive. All we could hear was the babbling brook and wind on the leaves. We did this trail towards the end of the day around 5pm. Took us about 90 mins and there were barely any cars on the trail. We went on a Friday afternoon. We saw bears and deer along with several old 1800s homesteads that had been very well preserved. We did not have time to hike any of the trails but saw several people doing so. We really enjoyed this part of the trip and it gave us a different perspective of the Smokies as this takes you into the depth of the woods. Roll your windows down, turn off the radio, and breathe deep as you listen to the river flow. It will take you back to a simpler time in the Smokies.

The first time we went to the Great Smokies, we missed Roaring Fork. And that was a mistake. We saw eleven bears in two days on this lovely and somewhat precarious ride through the woods and mountains. The road is windy and steep in places.

But, Oh, the bears. Here is a secret tip: You can find the bears on your GPS. Every morning, before we would decide to make the long and traffic-filled drive to and from Cades Cove, we would drop a pin on the end of the Nature Trail in our iPhone GPS, and then seek directions from our Inn. If there were bears, the GPS would show a traffic jam in red (more accurately, a "bear jam") on the road. Or it would show two. This would be at 8:00 AM. So we would drive over see half a dozen bears, and then skip Cades Cove and see some other part of the Park.

You can't beat that. And we saw big bears and small bears and cubs with mom. At least two bears came within twenty feet of our car. It was an amazing experience.

As I said, the road is windy and steep in parts. My wife was scared. And she was not driving. But you will see some views,

Absolutely magical driving tour turn at light 8 in Gatlinburg. It’s free and well worth the time. Don’t be afraid to get out of the car and get your feet wet in the roaring fork water. You will never be the same.

Not far from town but definitely takes you off the grid for a short time...beautiful trail lots of photo shoots just off the edge of the road...we weren't dressed for hiking but still got lots of gorgeous shots!
Be prepared to take it slow and depending on traffic it may take an hour or it could take 3-4 hours. Enjoy!

A nice scenic drive. Some places were a little crowded near the hiking trails. Ely's cabin had a nice glass blowing demonstration.

We actually drove the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail on the back end of a 6-mile hike along the Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls. Many people won't be able to hike any of the trails in Gatlinburg, but this drive allows anyone to enjoy the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This is a one-lane one direction drive, and at busy times, traffic will move slowly. At one particularly stunning overlook, the road widens to allow cars to pull off and enjoy the view. Based on our experience, there are times this road is closed. When we started our hike, the road was closed, so we got dropped off and walked in to the trail head. Later, the road opened up and our driver was able to come pick us up midway. We didn't get an explanation for the road closure.

If your heading for Rainbow Falls you have the opportunity to take a right and use this motor tour, if your going to Grotto Falls, this puts you close to the falls. A great drive over a NARROW one lane road. Take your time and drink in the beauty of the park and its nature. Well worth the time.

Pleasant nature drive with some nice hiking trails. Don't expect to see wildlife on the drive, however the foliage is beautiful

Great experience! We saw bears & turkeys. There are restrooms at the Rainbow Falls & Grotto Falls trailheads. Be sure to visit Ely’s Mill near the end of the trip. There are restrooms here as well. Delicious ooey-gooey bars (homemade), coffee, friendly owners, and Moshi the 16 year old cat to greet you!

We drove thru this Gatlinburg scenic trail just as the colors were changing and what a view. We stopped at all the early settlers home places and thoroughly enjoyed the information posted and the walk through the homes, barns, pig pens, garden areas, etc. The drive was spectacular and as you near the top there are overlooks that are simply breathtaking. Stopped at a water mill and there was one trail that led to a graveyard. Lots of older graves of the early settlers way back in the early 1800’s. What a drive, what a trip thru nature. A must when in Gatlinburg!!!

This is a beautiful drive just outside Gatlinburg. The traffic was bad getting there but glad we did it. Just inside the park we saw a black bear. The scenery was very pretty. The road was windy and pretty steep but nothing bad. Really enjoyed it!

This was a strenuous 3 mile hike back to the falls. There was much to see along the way. We aren’t hikers (50 ish years old)and we made it there in 2 hours. We probably only stopped a couple of times.

Bring plenty of water and use the restroom at the parking lot before you start because there isn’t one at the top. Saw several younger people turn back and not make it to the falls and todays temps was 80.

This is a one-way road that leads to several hiking trails. We drove to Grotto Falls, which was our favorite hike via this road. It was also our favorite drive. A forest wonderland. The earlier you go, the better (as with anything around here).

Loved this drive. We have been coming down here for 25 years and just found this gem. You won't be disappointed. Get out and look around at the cabins. We didn't hike the falls this time, but will next time. it is nice and quiet.

Bring $1.50 for the trail guide books. There will be fifty cent one at the first homestead you come to, Ogle's Place and $1.00 book at the start of Roaring Fork - good info in these. I am a frequent visitor to the Great Smoky Mountains and I spend at least part of a day taking this drive back in time - especially if I am traveling with someone who has not experienced it. You can choose to spend as long here as you like, depending how many times you pull off to check out the scenery and/or exploring each homestead. Quite special and as educational as you make it.

We loved Roaring Fork Motor Trail. We went on a Thursday about 2pm and we didn't experience any traffic. While driving through, we even saw a bear with its cub right beside our car. Was such an amazing experience. It was a very beautiful drive and lots of places to stop. Without a doubt, this place is a must do!!! It's in our top places we visited during our trip to the Smoky Mountains and would definitely visit again.

Beautiful, winding drive through the forest. Plenty of areas to pull off the road and take pictures. The pictures don’t give this motor nature trail any justice. You won’t be disappointed!

We started the one way loop road about 9:30 on a Saturday morning. Entrance is close to Gatlinburg. Roadway is narrow with a lot of curves. Definitely one lane. There are places where you can pull-off to view and other spots where you can get off the roadway for hiking. The main areas with waterfalls have lots but they were all filled by the time we got there so we missed out on the opportunities to see the Falls.

However, the drive was definitely worth the effort as the scenery along the road is gorgeous.

Suggestion: visit during the work week and start early.

Beautiful at first, but then we turned a curve and I was driving and I froze. I was so scared of the heights and the narrow road with no railing and edges that I thought I was going to drive over. I actually stopped the car and couldn’t move. I finally drove to a lookout and my friend finish driving. Don’t do this if you or anyone with you has any fear of heights or edges! Of course, I live below sea level. Ha!

This is a beautiful drive, we went twice and saw bears both times. The drive is beautiful with amazing scenery. The second evening it was getting dark so I turned around and didn't go into the one way trail. Boy am I glad I did that! We had a mamma bear and her 3 cubs off to the right and got some great video of 2 cubs playing then going up the tree. The mom ended up right at my car, rolled the window up fast. She ended up crossing the road in back of us and the cubs followed. What an amazing experience.

We took a 1.2 mile hike to a the gorgeous Grotto Falls. This is a waterfall that you can stand behind. This was my favorite part of the whole trip. Easy hiking.

For a moderate hiker, this drive was nothing special and we were tired after a 8 mile hike earlier that we couldn't make it to the rainbow falls. we might have considered the Grotto falls but wasn't aware that the trail was closed for maintenance till nov 2019. Make sure you have plenty of gas as you will be driving slowly (lots of car) and stopping at some curvy/steep areas on the road. It was at least nicely paved when we went, but did not see anything special on the road, vs hiking through great smoky. I did not see the area to grab a nature trail brochure as youtubers describe. it took us about 45-60 min to get through the whole thing, without pulling over to take pictures. it is a one way street after you go past the beginning and you must complete it. parking was limited for sure, so go early if you want a spot. It was not worth it for us, and wished we didn't go unless you are "hiking".

We spent a week this summer in The Great Smokys! To say that we love it would be an understatement! We couldn't believe all this beauty was available to use for free! No long lines, multiple ways to access the park. Quiet serene, just stunning! Waterfalls, walkable trails, and informative helpful guides in the information centers! We will be back!

We drove the Roaring Fork Trail on a Monday afternoon. It was a nice day and while the traffic flow was significant, there weren't any back ups. Many of the pull offs, however, were full and it wasn't possible to make many of the stops. We didn't see any wild life.

It was a nice drive with some nice scenery. Perhaps morning is better for wildlife.

Our family of 6 travelled to the area in October 2020. This was our favorite part of the trip. With kids ranging from 4-14, the Laurel Falls hike was decidedly our max distance and difficulty. I was so thankful to get another amazing experience the smokies without having to do a difficult hike with little legs.

We arrived at the entrance to the drive around 9 am. There was never any back up and never any problems finding a spot in a pull off area. It looked as though by the time we passed through the grotto falls area at about 10 am, the lot and most of the side area for parking was full.

We really enjoyed the two main vista lookouts and even wandered on a couple of paths nearby to get an even better view.

We saw wild turkeys and many other birds, but no bears this time.

Our favorite spot was the Ephriam place near the end of the trail. The rocks and boulders in the river past the house were perfect for our whole family to climb and get amazing views of the trees, river, small falls, etc. It was magical.

We pulled off at a couple vistas, the Ogle house, and the Ephriam place and were out of the drive by 11:00 or so. We didn't do any hikes.

One tip: use the restroom before entering the motor trail. It looked like there may have been restrooms at one of the trailheads, but otherwise it is just all nature!

We enjoyed riding on this road however it is quite steep and has a great deal of turns. It was nice to drive thru this area instead of going all of the way to the other park.

there are several cabins/houses along the drive, after the Noah "Bud" Ogle cabin, there is one-way drive. This drive is less crowded compared to the Cade's cove one, but may be due to we go there late, we go there at 6pm, but as it's summer time, so still ok. There are also falls

A slow paced drive through beautiful country. Enjoy the scenes and wildlife. There are some narrow parts of the drive. The river BELOW is so pretty.

Wildlife and scenery is plentiful and beautiful. You just need to have some patience if traveling at a busy time. I also suggest doing this both in the morning and in the evening on different days for a different set of photo opportunities. I suggest pulling over if you encounter animals and pull over far enough so others can pass or pull over behind you. However, I do understand sometimes you must stop in the roadway. In our case a bear walked right in front of our car. We had absolutely zero choice in pulling over we just had to stop, a little while later same trip through a doe was trying to cross the road so we stopped so she could cross. Sometimes you have to respect the wildlife and the cars behind you must understand. Obviously in either of those circumstances if they were in the background heading towards the road we would have pulled over. So you must have patience, be understanding and courteous and aware of others and your surroundings. Also if you want to see wildlife do not travel in overly loud vehicles like motorcycles, spiders, can ams etc. - Yes I love motorcycles and we have them in our household. Another tip if you want to see wildlife do not bring your family dog. Why? Dogs bark and scare off the animals and keep them at bay. This is not the place for family pets, leave them at home or the campground etc.

Such an awesome drive! We stopped when we could and explored the woods there are spots you can go to the creek and beautiful scenery! Go slow and stop when you can you’ll won’t be sorry!

A great way to enjoy the beauty of the park if it is too hot to hike. All the photo ops you could ask for minus wildlife (I think the animals were smarter than us and stayed put in the 90+ degree heat.) We did make the trek to Grotto Falls and, as several groups making their return hike assured us, it is worth the hike. Beautiful, tiers and walk behind fall. Icy cold water!

Don't miss this drive, and go early! Yes it gets crowded but it is worth the time and you should just soak up all the scenery anyway. You might even spot a bear like we did along the way ( right as we entered! ). If you wonder why cars stop all of a sudden and folks jump out with cameras....yes, a bear has been spotted. Be ready for at least an hour or so if you are just driving the loop; longer if you are going to make any of the stops or hikes. We stopped at two cabins, the mill, and hiked Grotto Falls and were there for a total of 5 hours. But so, so worth it and the reason we vacationed in the Smokies anyway. Just breathe and enjoy!

Lovely drive through winding road nestled among trees and river, with options to stop along the ways. It felt like hiking and the views are nice, but in the comfort of your ac-ed car and no sore legs. We drove this after our morning hike, since our legs were sore but we still wanted to explore. The hiking trails get crowded during the day. Cars parked on the sides, making tight fits on some parts of the trail. The picture with the llama shows the pack llamas that bring supplies to Mt. Conte. They are shown passing the Grotto Falls. There is, unfortunately, no llama tour. I kept looking for llama tour because of this picture. :)

Roaring Fork is a beautiful drive. It seems to be a little less congested than some other areas of the park. There are several places to pull over and take in the scenery.

Amazing scenery and opportunity to dive into pure nature in the heart of the smoky mountains. Didn't catch any bears but great drive to go slow and take it all in, plenty of places to pull off and explore.

It’s closed but a great hike when it’s closed. We walked up it to Grotto Falls and saw deer, turkey and amazing views.

The Roaring Fort motor trail is a great drive out of Gatlinburg. There are a lot of pull outs along the was.
Some of the hikes are quite popular and difficult to get parking nearby.
If you are lucky, you can see wildlife. We saw bears!

This was a great option for us to experience the woods, as my husband has a broken foot and could not do any hiking. There are places to pull over and take pictures and explore a little if you’re able. There are waterfalls and old buildings with neat history. Very cool!

We rented UTV's in the area and they recommend we check out the Motor Trail. So glad we did, it was beautiful and we loved it! Was glad we were in the UTV's because it felt like it would be narrow for other vehicles and the roads do get windy/steep at times. Beautiful place to enjoy the peace, tranquility and appeal of the mountains. Plenty of stop offs to take in the view or hike a waterfall. Saw a few people cooling off in the streams too. We didn't know that it was one way so know that once you're in, you're in. It tooks us about 2 hours to get through it but we did stop off for a bit.

This river is simply gorgeous along its entire length. Waterfalls and Rapids throughout its length. Pullouts for those who stop and go hiking and fishing

First off...it's one way road...that very important and if you have a large vehicle driving through it might be an issue. There are several spots to hit the trails or go enjoy historical homes and farm buildings. We didn't see any wildlife much on this trail but it is very much a getaway from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg.

A wonderful nature experience in Gatlinburg.Drive through the woods slowly and enjoy..we saw a mother bear and her two cubs,some wild turkey and waterfalls...what more could you want.Rustic old homesteads to walk in and enjoy.At the end..there is a cute little Antique store with homemade goodies, t shirts and Antiques.I have gone thru maybe 6 times in the years I have visited and never am I disappointed.How can I be with nature..its always changing🙂

We came here on Thursday, 10/7 after driving the Cades Cove Loop. Got here at 11:45 am and I imagine if you come earlier, traffic would not be much of an issue. We spent 1.5 hours here and we were done by 1:15 pm. In a lot of the stops, there is not much parking. And it was pretty crowded. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is 1 lane and goes 1 direction. There are waterfalls and overlooks. We also stopped at Ephraim Bales Cabin. The cabins at Cades Cove were more interesting and we also found Cades Cove more enjoyable.

I would say the key to this drive is to start early.

It had been five years since we were last in PG. Over the 24 years we have traveled to PG we have always made the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail one of our must do events. However five years ago the tragic fire that struck the area closed it down for all visitors . Here for our 25th wedding anniversary on the 21st and my wife Karen's soon to be birthday on October 1st it was with great joy that we discovered the trail was back! My wife even got to see black bears which was a memory worth treasuring. The quiet serenity and historic sites are one the whole family can enjoy along with several hiking trails for the more adventurous. A must do!

I love cades cove but never knew about this till Facebook. Turn at light number 8 and it’s so close to the main part but you feel like your hundreds of miles away. The steep cliffs kept my anxiety in check for sure. But once you reach the top of the mtn. Get out and breathe that cool mtn air.

Not for the faint of heart...narrow road and some steep drops. Last year we drove this in a small car, and the road didn’t seem so narrow. This year we were in a mini van and it seemed much narrower to me! We were lucky to see a mom and a pair of cubs. The starting end of the drive is out of town at traffic light 8 and past the convention center. You will end at Ely’s Mill and the folks there have a nice little shop with some local crafts and a few antiques.

This is a beautiful drive that offers a little something of everything GSMNP has to offer. I imagine it is amazing in the fall as it was incredible in the summer. Some portions are closed in the winter. Again we saw everything here, bears, views, waterfalls, historical structures and even an entrance sign, the only one we could find in NC or TN. While the forest and views are amazing, the highlight was seeing the black bears. This is a great attraction for the park.

Don't waste your time unless you have a day to kill and like driving behind a line of cars going 10 mph. The ride to Cherokee on 441 is so much nicer and has better hikes.

The nature driving tour is 5.5 miles. There are homes to see along the way. Information is in the navigator books or check at the visitor center. Get out and look at the homes and see the beauty of nature. We did not see any bears but it was a nice drive.

Beautiful scenic drive. We went in October and the colors were vibrant. Found a great place next to a brook for a picnic and small hike. Also had clean restrooms.

This was a beautiful drive, and worth the effort if you have the time. There are trails to hike, but the parking is extremely limited, and all spots were full at every one. A lot of traffic, so no quick stopping to take pictures. The only places we were able to find parking were at the historic homes along the way, so it ended up being truly just a drive through for us.

This can be an awesome experience if you plan it. Don't do what we did and just go on a whim in the middle of the afternoon. Once you get the nose of your vehicle on the motor trail you are committed, no backing out.

Traffic was so bad that the very few opportunities to pull over we skipped as we just wanted out of there. This motor trail is also parking for some trails heads which adds to the vehicles. People end up parking 1/2 off 1/2 on the road making it had to pass.

People were foot hiking. What is the joy of foot hiking with 100s of cars passing you. Go to a real hiking trail.

Go early or go late. I give it a Very Good because it can be an awesome drive if properly planned and done earlier or later.

There are a few things to see along this beautiful drive. The Ogle Farm, a few falls trails, Place of a Thousand Drips, and Ely's Mill at the end.

Winding narrow road along the river is a drive for nature lovers. Plenty of spots to pull over and relax. Loved it

Beautiful scenery and little traffic on this driving nature trail. This leads to several popular waterfall hikes. We did Grotto Falls from this trail. I would have liked to have tried Baskins Creek Trail but didn't want to push my luck with over hiking with the teens.

We saw a bear in the distance on the Motor Trail but as we were exiting, a bear was sitting right on the edge of a parking lot very close to all the motorists passing by. Got great pictures right from the car.

This was an absolutely beautiful drive with many areas to park to take pictures. There were also a couple hikes you could do to see gorgeous waterfalls.

Beautiful scenery and lots of stops along the way old cabins and homesteads.the road takes you up the side of a mountain very narrow beautiful views and driving along a stream.you can hike to rainbow falls and enjoy nature or walk in creek with trickling water falls a must do.

Beautiful scenery. A lot of great places to take pictures. Quite a few places to go hiking. Very nice drive.

Go early in the day, before it gets crowded. You can pick up a leaflet guide which will explain the stops along the way. Sadly, many of the cabins show graffiti, but the park personnel have tried to clean it up. So please show respect and don't leave graffiti.

If the traffic suddenly slows down, it's probably because cars ahead of you have spotted a bear. We saw bears walking along the road, swimming in the creek, and draped over tree limbs. Show them respect and keep your distance. Don't get cocky about taking close-up photos.

After a dozen trips to GSMNP, I finally discovered this gem! It is a really fun and exciting scenic drive. We did not see as many animals bas Cades Cove, but saw some great waterfalls.

Don't miss this especially if you rather see nature by car rather than hiking!

The roaring fork motor trails is like an umbrella of more trails. We hiked to Grotto Falls and a historic cemetery. There were also more trails within roaring fork motor trails and scenic overlooks. I will never forget how beautiful Grotto Falls was! Sharing pictures below of both Grotto Falls and the historic cemetery.

Beautiful drive through the mountains.
Note: don’t follow Apple Maps - it took me to the wrong place. Google maps got me to the right place.

This Motor Trail is a very pretty drive and we enjoyed the scenery but..... We wanted to hike Grotto Falls and had to park down the hill, off the road as others had done. Not a problem, we got a little more exercise walking up the hill. I do think many of the big boulders along the road could be moved back to provide more safe parking. We enjoyed our lovely hike and the gorgeous falls but when we got back to our car, we were furious - some thoughtless nut parked so close to us that it took over 1/2 an hour to maneuver our car out between the boulders, trees and a Prius inches away from our bumper. Needless to say that put a damper on our adventure. I can't imagine the traffic and parking situation in the summer. Please consider additional parking spaces!!!!

Deer, Turkeys, and Waterfalls. The most scenic drive near Gatlinburg. A must drive to see the waterfalls.

This motor trail ride is our favorite of all in the Smokies. Easy to access from Gatlinburg and a lovely scenic ride with plenty of pull offs and hiking paths.
Highly recommended.

Road closed March 26 & 27 2021
So sad. This is one of my favorite spots to visit. We made it as far as Buds Cabin and Rainbow falls entrance and the rest was closed.

This wasn’t so busy for a Friday morning, but it’s one way, quite narrow with limited parking/stopping places, so everyone goes at the pace of the slowest driver! Plenty of things to see along the way; those 6 miles seem to go on for ever! Care is needed on the drive as there are some steep turns and big drops …. Not for the faint hearted or RVs! Well worth a morning’s drive.

We climbed around on the rocks and played a bit in the ice cold water. The sound of all the rushing water drowned out the traffic around us. This is such a pretty spot.

The views of the mountains were beautiful. There was a creek all along the road we drove. We pulled off and took photos plus if you look closely you can see bears. We onky saw 1 bear he was down in the ditch. If you hike its worth it better than driving it. But still fantastic!!!

This made the Highlight of our trip to Gatlinburg so far! Driving through Grotto Falls and got a Bear siting! Picks and video. Enjoy!

This Motor Trail is a must do for anyone who visits Gatlinburg. This is a small area within the Greater Smokey Mtn. area with big sights and walking trails and home steads to see and enjoy. A true gem in the mountains.

The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a beautiful and relaxing drive with plenty of stops where fantastic memories can be created. It's natural beauty is astounding.

This is an absolute “must do” while visiting Gatlinburg! Roll down the windows and have your camera ready! The views area truly gorgeous! Deep Ravines strewn with big boulders rushing with waters from mountain streams, a few jaw dropping waterfalls, majestic moss covered monoliths make for photos worthy of turning into wall art! You will understand why it’s referred to as a temperate rain forest- A breathtaking slow drive back in time! If you’re lucky, a glimpse of wildlife! Relaxing with a few stops along the way to snap some family pics and stretch your legs. Please remember to take your trash with you, wear sturdy shoes and be courteous to other visitors.

This is a relatively short scenic loop drive through woodland on a narrow winding track just outside Gatlinburg, near pigeon Forge. It's really nice, a one way loop and only about five miles long (the speed limit is 10mph which is great - no rush just take your time and enjoy the scenery). There are plenty of parking areas to stop at and maybe take a hike on well marked trails. If you drive the loop about an hour before sundown, that's the best time to see black bears. We drove round several times, just lovely. We visited mid-week in mid-September and it was really quiet.

Narrow one way loop to see some very pretty sights. Worth checking out, even if you don’t walk the trails to the falls.

Make this drive a priority. Just amazing beauty, some deer, and old log cabins and a water mill. There are short walks, and car pull offs for those who drive slower. The cabins are empty with display boards to explain the exhibit.

Well worth one to two hours Of peace, tranquility, and views along a Winding River. Much less congested than Cade’s Cove. Went around 10 AM and there were plenty of pull over opportunities for photos.

This drive is so beautiful! So many opportunities to see the rushing water. You won’t be able to decide which spot to stop and take pictures because they are all beautiful!

The historic buildings are very cool but would love a little more posted information on their history. Easy enough to do a quick google search though.

Plan on taking your time and be patient when you can’t find a place to park at the most popular spots.

You will definitely see a bear or two!

Be sure your breaks are in good working order as the drive back down is very steep and your breaks will get hot.

The beginning is loaded with lush vegetation (and we saw a bear) but the end has beautiful, accessible, running streams and sweet waterfalls. We enjoyed it enough we want to do a hike before we leave. Enjoy!!

Very beautiful drive and many short hiking trails that lead to water falls like the Grotto Falls and easy to spot black bears wandering around searching for food. There is also a craft shop that is very reasonable priced with many beautiful home made quilts and artworks.

There is no sign to this until you are on it. Also the trail to Grotto falls is currently closed although the Ranger at Oconaluftee seems to be unaware of this as I was speaking to him about visiting there this morning. There is a sign that a particular trail is closed, but unless you happen to know that is the same trail that goes to Grotto falls, you are none the wiser.

Moans aside, this was an attractive drive with some interesting opportunities for stops and short walks. Not very busy today but it could easily get congested.

Great way to enjoy the mountains without leaving your vehicle. But if you want some hiking, there are areas to park and walk. It's fascinating to see the forests process of coming back after the fire.

We were hoping to see some wildlife along the way. We didn't see any but it was a beautiful drive none the less. We will do it again on our next trip.

We took this road to get to Grotto falls trailhead (which I didn’t really like, but thats another review) and it was a really beautiful drive. There were several places we crossed beautiful streams too. Note thats its all one way though so you are committed once you start.

We love this hidden gem that is just outside of downtown Gatlinburg. This one way motor trail really does give the feel of a mountain trail for those who aren’t able (or prefer not to actually hike). There are historic homesteads along the way and a few trailheads as well. Roll your window down to get the full effect of the Roaring Fork. You will cross the stream several times, giving you wonderful views of the stream bed. As you top the mountain there are more gorgeous views. The only drawback is that if a bear is sighted, drivers stop and block the road.

This is truly exactly what the title says. If you don't want to walk a lot, but you do want to enjoy nature, this is the perfect route. It is very narrow and parts are one-way, but the road is good and there are signs. There are some falls at the far end of the loop, and there is a short walk for that. The motor trail is right outside of Gatlinburg, so it's a short drive right near the northeast side of the national park.