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Cascades along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in the Smoky Mountains Planned to Close

Aug 29, 2014

One of the most popular driving tour trails is set to close a little bit early this season. Here’s why:

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a beautiful driving tour that takes visitors through the dense forestry and history of the Roaring Fork area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail closes every year due to the possibility of snow and ice along the trail. This way, all national park visitors are guaranteed to be safe throughout their visit, and while driving on the slick roads of the national park.

Beginning on November 1, construction on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is set to begin. During this time, the road will be completely closed to visitors. The road is scheduled to reopen to the public by the end of April 2015, just like a normal season.

The construction team will be working on 8 bridges along the trail. In order to complete the construction, the construction team needs the extra month of time to restore the trail back to excellent condition!

(See Related: The Secrets to Finding Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg)

Other Closures Along Roaring Fork

Since the main road, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, will be closed, it’s important to note that the trailheads along the road will also be closed. No hikers will be able to access the trailheads during this time, so make sure to plan other hiking routes for your trip. The trails include: Grotto Falls, Trillium Gap Trail, Grapeyard Ridge and Baskins Creek.

What to Expect When Visiting the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in the Smoky Mountains

There are many driving tours in the Great Smoky Mountains, but Roaring Fork is definitely one of the most popular. Roaring Fork is known for its dense forestry and exceptionalsmall, rolling stream the entire wa views of natural surroundings.

When you drive on the nature trail, you will be following a small, rolling stream the entire way. If you keep a good eye on all of the surroundings along the trail, you can see waterfalls and wildlife. In addition, you can see historical buildings and structures like the Noah Bud Ogle Cabin.

If you are looking for more information about the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, take a look at the National Park Service website here: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/roaringfork.htm

Are you visiting the Smoky Mountains this winter, and you aren’t able to see Roaring Fork? Don’t worry and don’t change your plans…still visit us! There are other nature trails in the area, like the Cades Cove Loop Road tour and the Newfound Gap Road auto tour. You can’t go wrong with either of these driving tours! You will learn a lot about the area and you will see all of the beautiful sites of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

If you don’t want to drive, you can always hike, too. Even in the winter, there are many hikes that are family friendly, so you can experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park without hiking too far into the mountainside.

Are you ready to start making your plans? We are ready to help you! At Parkside Cabin Rentals, we have a variety of Gatlinburg cabin rentals that are perfect for your vacation to the Smokies. Contact us at (865) 436-5053 and we will help you find the best Gatlinburg cabin that meets your budget!