In part three of this series The Cataloochee Valley! we learned about an out-of-the-way valley that offers big rewards for those that venture there.
This is a series about accessibility in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and I have saved the best for last. Just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg and by far the most accessible way to get a true park experience is the The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail!
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a one way five mile auto trail through one of the most beautiful environments in the park. It's a terrific way to get inside the bowels of the geology of the park and see for yourself this ancient place carved from the mountain with the power of flowing water.
It is a cool and moist place, with beautiful forests, some overlooks, and incredible stream views. There are also several preserved historic structures along the route, so you'll want to make sure that you take a self-guided tour brochure with you. (available at the entrance to the trail.)
And although the speed limit is 10 m.p.h. you'll probably take several hours to complete the journey, because there is so much to see and experience. Be sure to roll down the windows and enjoy the fragrant perfume of the water drenched ecosystem around you.
You will also hear the crashing of the stream water over the rocks, and you'll quickly understand how the name "Roaring Fork" came into being! The sounds are incredible and calming, and a wonderful respite from town!
As you near the end of the route, you will come to the "Place of a Thousand Drips," which is an 80 foot waterfall which can very from drips in dry weather to a significant waterfall in wet weather. It's a great climax to your Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail experience!
To get there from Gatlinburg, simply take Airport Road and follow straight into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and then follow the signs to the trailhead.
Photos Top: Roaring Fork, Bottom" "The Place of a Thousand Drips" courtesy of SmokyPhotos.com
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10 MPH...WHY so fast. If you are there to see Nature at it's finest, you need to move at a snails speed.
Your photos depict the very essence ot the area and park. Picture perfect I'd say.
Richard,
Thank you my friend for this series. I look forward to my visit coming up soon.
Bill...
I have never done the drive in less tan two hours! Thanks as always.
Sally...
Thanks, i really try to capture the park!
Don...
You're welcome. BTW if you do nothing else, make sure that you do the Roaring Fork auto trail! I guarantee that you will love it!
Richard - this is great! Thanks for sharing! Your photo are truly wonderful!
Great story - but even better photos - thanks for sharing this treasure.
That is amazing... I love your photographs. They make me want to visit so many different places. :-)
I've been through there a couple of times, and it is well worth the visit and the time you will spend there.