Endless Rushing Water and Mountain Views: Discover One of the Smokies’ Most Scenic Drives

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Endless Rushing Water and Mountain Views: Discover One of the Smokies' Most Scenic Drives

The Great Smoky Mountains — also known as the Smokies — cover acres and acres of forested lands along Tennessee’s border with North Carolina. Much of this region is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Among the attributes that make this part of the country so loved is how it combines nature, history, and quaint urban getaways nearby. You can even hike up one of the highest peaks in the eastern U.S. at this park. However, there is plenty to experience from your own vehicle in the Smokies.



A popular drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This route is easily accessible from Cherokee Orchard Road heading out of Gatlinburg, one of the most budget-friendly destinations in America. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail gives you an amazing sampler platter of the Smokies in just under two hours, but you’ll likely want to take more time to explore. You’ll see rivers, waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and 100-year-old buildings that look like something out of a movie scene.

See what life was like in the Smokies during the 1800s

log cabin among trees, grass



People have called the Great Smoky Mountains home for centuries, perhaps best showcased through historic cabins along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Jim Bales Place (Alex Cole Cabin), Ephrain Bales Cabin, and Alfred Regan Place were all built in the 1800s. Apart from seeing what hand-built homes in the Great Smoky Mountains were like, you can see other aspects of daily life. Ephrain Bales Cabin has a corn crib and Alfred Regan Place has a gristmill (sometimes called a tub mill) used to make flour and cornmeal. 

Dolly Parton famously grew up around the Great Smoky Mountains and lived in a log cabin too. Checking out these cabins can give you an idea of the “mountain magic” upbringing that she often incorporates into her movies and music. Visiting during the fall when the leaves are changing color for a stunning scene surrounding the old structures. However, this also tends to be when this motor trail is at its busiest, so prepare to share the experience with crowds.

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Get close to creeks and waterfalls along this popular route

small waterfall spilling over rocks

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.