Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Believe it or not a true example of wilderness and frontier life is just a few short blocks away from the hustle & bustle of downtown Gatlinburg. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a nature trail for you, your family and your automobile. There is no charge for this excursion into the wilderness past. Your only expense is for an optional but highly recommended 50-cent guidebook to the trail that you will ind available at the start of your journey.

The narrow winding one-way road is about 8 miles long. It is smooth and well paved. RVs, trailers, and buses are not permitted. The road is open to traffic from early spring until December. It isn’t nearly as crowded as much of the area around Gatlinburg and there are many nice picnic spots if you want to bring a lunch. You will want to make several stops to explore along the way so allow at least a couple hours – more if you picnic or take one of the hiking trails.

The Nature Trail is truly a journey back in time where you can enjoy the Smoky Mountain's lush wilderness. In places it reveals some of nature's secrets and in others it tells the story of the people who once lived here. Water is a constant companion on this journey. Healthy second growth forest escorts you along the way and cascades, rapids, and waterfalls decorate the roadside. The sound of rushing water is never far away. The air feels cool, damp, and pleasantly tropical and an “earthy” aroma fills your nostrils as you wind your way through time.

You will pass old pioneer homes, a cemetery and a mill among other things. Along your route are many hiking trails including the trail to Grotto Falls. This same trail continues to Brushy Mountain and Mt. LeConte. If you are ambitious take the hike to Grotto Falls. You will see the signs and there is a parking lot at your starting point. It is a little over 1½ miles (each way) to a beautiful waterfall. You can walk in behind the falls. The trail climbs about 550 feet in the 1½-mile to the falls. This does not sound like much but it means you are on a slight slope all the way. I am not in real good shape (and 64 years old) and I can make the walk only huffing a bit on the way up. It seems like five miles up & 1/2 mile back. Figure an hour or so for the hike.

To get to the start of the Motor Nature Trail go down the main drag (Parkway) in Gatlinburg to traffic light number eight (Airport Road). If you are coming from Pigeon Forge turn left. If you are heading towards Pigeon Forge turn right. Follow the road as it curves left and then bear to the right at the fork. A mile or so and you will come to the entrance. This is where you can buy the tour guide booklet for 50 cents. You will find the little “honor system” dispenser beside the road right at the entrance. Be sure to get a guide.

There are no restrooms or campgrounds in Roaring Fork, but with Gatlinburg so close by, none of these are needed.  If you plan on spending the day here, bring in your lunch, have a picnic along the stream, and enjoy nature and all it has to offer. Be sure to take your time and enjoy yourselves. A drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is truly a wonderful adventure. It's a great way to experience some of nature's best sights, sounds, and smells without having to walk or hike unless you choose to. It is a great outing for anyone young or old, including those with physical limitations.

ChaletGatlinburg.com Exclusive Article by Norman Shelton