Tennessee may be full of streams and valleys, gorgeous hills and rivers galore, but there’s one that really caught our eye. There’s one hike chock full of gorgeous views and gushing streams, that really gets us going. Whether you’re road-tripping from the west side of the state or making your way from just down the road, a visit to Roaring Motor Fork Nature Trail is one that can’t be skipped.
Matthew Paulson - Flickr Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail has been called a “waterfall wonderland” by the staff of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and we can’t agree more.
Matthew Paulson - Flickr The scenic trail is a one-way loop that runs six miles all the way around. You’ll have all sorts of opportunity to view old historic buildings, local wildlife and all sorts of waterways.
R Neal - Flickr Make sure to be careful, however. You want to abide by park policy when it comes to eating within the park and dealing with the wildlife. Looking at, rather than interacting with, is usually the key.
Matthew Paulson - Flickr You’ll drive up to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail where you’ll first have the chance to take a walking tour through the historic buildings at the trailhead. You can also pick up a map, which is wildly helpful.
Timothy Wildey - Flickr Your walk will take you to Rainbow Falls, Grotto Falls and along the Trillium Gap Trail. At Grotto Falls (pictured), you can actually walk BEHIND the falls. It’s the only place in the park where you can pull off that kind of stunt, and it makes for a sweet memory.
Brent Moore - Flickr We’d recommend that you pack a lunch and perhaps eat at one of the waterfalls. Maybe pull off on one of the scenic overlooks if you’d rather not schlepp your meals through the forest.
dustin_j_williams - Flickr Have you ever been? Would you ever go? This is one of the prettiest unknown gems in the park, and it’s great for the whole family. See you on the trail!
You can experience all the sights and sounds sans road trip with a quick look at the video below:
Matthew Paulson - Flickr
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail has been called a “waterfall wonderland” by the staff of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and we can’t agree more.
The scenic trail is a one-way loop that runs six miles all the way around. You’ll have all sorts of opportunity to view old historic buildings, local wildlife and all sorts of waterways.
R Neal - Flickr
Make sure to be careful, however. You want to abide by park policy when it comes to eating within the park and dealing with the wildlife. Looking at, rather than interacting with, is usually the key.
You’ll drive up to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail where you’ll first have the chance to take a walking tour through the historic buildings at the trailhead. You can also pick up a map, which is wildly helpful.
Timothy Wildey - Flickr
Your walk will take you to Rainbow Falls, Grotto Falls and along the Trillium Gap Trail. At Grotto Falls (pictured), you can actually walk BEHIND the falls. It’s the only place in the park where you can pull off that kind of stunt, and it makes for a sweet memory.
Brent Moore - Flickr
We’d recommend that you pack a lunch and perhaps eat at one of the waterfalls. Maybe pull off on one of the scenic overlooks if you’d rather not schlepp your meals through the forest.
dustin_j_williams - Flickr
Have you ever been? Would you ever go? This is one of the prettiest unknown gems in the park, and it’s great for the whole family. See you on the trail!
Tennessee’s natural beauty goes unmatched, and this historic marble museum makes for a beautiful, quirky way to experience it all.
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