Roaring Fork Is An Unrivaled Mountain Hike In Tennessee Everyone Should Take At Least Once
By Meghan Kraft|Published January 04, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
There are many beautiful hiking trails located in the Great Smoky Mountains, but there are truly none quite like Roaring Fork. The famous scenic loop and point-to-point hiking trail has long been considered one of the most beautiful in the state, and we believe it just might be the best mountain hike in Tennessee. If you haven’t trekked your way along the hiking trail for yourself then take a look below, because we have all the information you need. See you in the waterfall wonderland of Tennessee, friends!
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a point-to-point hike that comes in at 6.7 miles in its entirety. You'll find it near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and it's perhaps most famous for its numerous waterfalls and the waterways found along the trail.
Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of the trail is its historical element. You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time to historic Appalachia with the number of preserved cabins, barns, and mills that are located along the way. The Ogle homestead gives visitors the chance to peek into the past, and it's one of the area's hidden treasures.
Roaring Fork gets its name from the mountain stream along the trail with the same name. It's one of the largest and fasted streams in the Great Smoky Mountains and is perfect for a quick photograph.
Though the trail is most commonly utilized from May to November for the best weather, it's open throughout the year for your enjoyment. Just be aware and ready to tackle the 1,200-foot elevation gain! It's a whopper.
If you'd rather drive than indulge in this mountain hike in Tennessee, then you can choose to maneuver the trail's roadway. Cars and trucks can drive along the road but buses, trailers, and motor homes are not permitted.
Make sure you bring your camera! Roaring Fork is known as a "waterfall wonderland" for a reason, and you'll want to remember what you've seen. Come during the spring for a roaring view!
Have you ever hiked the Roaring Fork Motor Trail? Have you heard of it before, this stunning oasis in the heart of the eastern mountains? Leave your thoughts and experience in the comments!
You can learn more about Roaring Fork, a mountain hike in Tennessee, either here or here. Happy hiking, friends!