The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a wonderful eight mile driving loop which starts just outside of Gatlinburg.  This drive gives you a look at second growth forest full of hardwoods and hemlocks with views of mountain steams, rapids, cascades, and falls all along the roadside.  There are hiking trails to Grotto falls as well as Mount LeConte. 

The one-way trail is open to cars, vans, and pickups from early spring until December 1st.

Directions:  Turn north at traffic light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg onto Historic Nature Trail.  This road turns into Cherokee Orchard Road as you enter the Park.  You will circle back into Gatlinburg at highway 321N about 10 miles later.  Allow 1 to 2 hours to drive the trail.

Below are some pictures taken on the trail in late April of 2005.

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