Roaring Fork Nature Trail–Located within minutes of Gatlinburg awaits an intimate journey through the Smoky Mountains wilderness and the lives of the people who once lived there. From the Parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at stoplight #8 onto Historic Nature Trail. When you come to the fork in the road take the right fork to begin your tour. This is a beautiful 5-6 mile trail. Located throughout the Nature Trail are several old homesteads including the Noah “Bud” Ogle cabin shown here. Beautiful Hemlocks that seem to brush the sky can be seen along the trail. A wonderful mountain stream is a constant companion on this journey. A popular destination on the trail is Grotto Falls. Deer, turkey and bear are often seen along this driving tour. There are many pull-offs along the trail where you can escape your car for a picnic on a blanket beside a stream or just sit and relax to the soothing sound of a mountain stream. This trail is particularly beautiful during April (wild flowers) and October. Roaring Fork is closed from December 1st to early spring. There are numerous opportunities for photos on this tour. You could spend all day on this trail shooting and not even scratch the surface. It is a wonderful area of the park. In the spring, this is a wonderful area to photograph wildflowers.
Gatlinburg Bypass provides a beautiful view of downtown Gatlinburg. If you are staying in Pigeon Forge and returning from the National Park, the bypass is a great time saver. Traffic in Gatlinburg can often be bumper to bumper.
Newfound Gap/Clingmans Dome: There are many pull-offs up the mountain to Newfound Gap. Be cautious of traffic re-entering the roadway along this winding road. One of the first sites is Mt Leconte at Campbells Overlook. The best light is in early afternoon because the sun comes up over Mt Leconte and casts dark shadows over the face of the mountain. Chimney Tops, which will be on your right is next. Newfound Gap provides beautiful vistas of the majestic Smoky Mountains. Allow about 45 minutes to make the trip to Newfound Gap from Gatlinburg. Turning left out of the parking lot at Newfound Gap will put you on your way to the highest point of the Smokies, Clingmans Dome. The trip from Newfound to Clingmans is about 15 to 20 minutes. The view from the parking lot is wonderful or you can hike the ½ mile trail to the top. Sunsets here are breath taking.
Greenbrier area of the Smokies is the place to go to get away from the crowds. It is located on Rt. 321 (light #3) about 6 miles north of Gatlinburg. There are many hiking trails and picnic areas. The trail head to Ramsey’s Cascades is located on Middle Prone Road in the Greenbrier area.
Rich Mountain Road is located off the Cades Cove loop. Rich Mt Rd is a one-way road. The best view on the road is the “church in the valley.” The road leads to Townsend.
Catalooche is considered North Carolina’s Cades Cove. One of the big attractions is the elk that now reside in that area. As always, the best time to view wildlife is early morning or evening hours. This is about a 2-hour drive from Gatlinburg
Tremont area of the smokies is located on Little River Road on the way to Cades Cove. It has very few visitors even though it is along “the beaten path.” There is a beautiful stream that follows the road. Beautiful stream and wildflower shots are available here.
