Duration
1-3 hours (longer if hiking to waterfalls)
Price
Free admission
Best For
Nature lovers who want scenic drives • Families with kids who don't love long hikes • Wildlife watchers hoping to spot bears
Pro Tip
Start your drive by 9:30 AM on weekends to snag parking at popular spots like Grotto Falls - after 11 AM, you'll likely find yourself driving past full parking areas with no place to stop.
About Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
We've driven Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail countless times, and it never gets old. This 5.5-mile one-way loop takes you through old-growth forest, past rushing streams, and historic log cabins without leaving your car.
The narrow, winding road winds through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Smokies. We always spot wildlife - bears, turkeys, and deer are common sights from the car windows.
Historic cabins and grist mills dot the route, giving you glimpses into Appalachian life from the 1800s. The rushing water sounds are incredible, especially after rain.
Several waterfalls are visible from pull-offs, but the real gems require short hikes. Grotto Falls is our favorite - it's a moderate 2.5-mile round trip where you can walk behind the waterfall.
Fair warning: this road gets absolutely packed on weekends and during peak fall foliage. We've seen traffic backed up for hours when parking overflows.
The drive itself takes about an hour without stops, but plan 2-3 hours if you want to explore. Admission is free since it's part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Note that the trail closes in winter due to weather conditions, typically from late fall through early spring.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Grotto Falls Hike
The most popular waterfall hike where you can actually walk behind the 25-foot cascade. It's a moderate 2.5-mile round trip with steady inclines, but the payoff is incredible. The trailhead parking fills up fast, so this is where arriving early really matters.
Historic Log Cabins
Several preserved 1800s cabins line the route, including the Alfred Reagan Place and Ephraim Bales Cabin. These give you a real glimpse into how Appalachian families lived before the national park was established. You can explore most of them up close.
Rainbow Falls Trailhead
This trailhead leads to one of the Smokies' most famous waterfalls - a 80-foot cascade that creates rainbows in the mist on sunny days. It's a more challenging 5.4-mile round trip hike, but the views are worth every step.
Rushing Mountain Streams
The sound of water follows you the entire drive as Roaring Fork and LeConte Creek rush alongside the road. After heavy rains, these streams become absolutely thunderous - it's where the trail gets its name.
Wildlife Viewing
We've spotted black bears, wild turkeys, deer, and countless bird species from the car windows. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for wildlife activity. The narrow road means you're up close to their natural habitat.
Old-Growth Forest
Some of these massive hemlock and tulip poplar trees are hundreds of years old. The canopy creates a cathedral-like atmosphere, especially beautiful when morning light filters through the leaves.
Know Before You Go
- Arrive by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure parking at popular trailheads
- Bring sturdy shoes if you plan to hike to waterfalls, plus water and snacks
- No entrance fees - it's free as part of the national park
- Trail closes completely in winter (November-April) due to weather
- Only small cars and SUVs allowed - no RVs or large trucks on the narrow road
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsRoaring Fork Motor Nature Trail receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail?
The trail is typically open dawn to dusk year-round, but it closes completely in winter (usually late November through early April) due to weather conditions. Always check the National Park Service website before visiting since closure dates vary based on weather.
How much does Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail cost?
Admission is completely free since it's part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are no entrance fees, parking fees, or tolls for the motor trail.
Do I need reservations for Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail?
No reservations are needed or accepted. It's first-come, first-served for parking at trailheads and pull-offs, which is why arriving early is so important.
How long should I spend at Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail?
Plan 1-3 hours depending on how many stops you make. The drive alone takes about an hour, but if you hike to waterfalls like Grotto Falls, add another 2-3 hours.
Is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail good for kids?
Yes, it's great for families since kids can see waterfalls, historic cabins, and wildlife from the car. The short hikes to waterfalls work well for kids 6 and up who can handle moderate inclines.
Is there parking at Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail?
Parking is available at various pull-offs and trailheads, but spaces fill up quickly, especially on weekends. The narrow road means limited parking, so arrive early or you might not be able to stop at popular spots.
Can large RVs drive Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail?
No, RVs and large trucks are prohibited due to the narrow, winding road with tight curves. The road is designed for cars, small SUVs, and motorcycles only.
Will I see bears on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail?
Bear sightings are common, especially in early morning or late afternoon. We've spotted bears from the car many times, but never count on it - wildlife viewing is always unpredictable in the Smokies.
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We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Last Updated Jan 4, 2026
117 Airport Rd Gatlinburg TN 37738
117 Airport Rd Gatlinburg TN 37738
Gatlinburg
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