Gatlinburg

JUMP TO SECTION:

Anakeesta

Smokey Mountains

Roaring Fork Motor

This drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located behind Gatlinburg. We discovered this to be the best (for us, the only) place to spot the renowned Gatlinburg black bears. Although it’s said that bears are most active at dawn and dusk, we encountered all our bears around 5 PM. Be prepared for potential heavy traffic and a frustrated park ranger trying to manage the situation if a bear is nearby. If you time your hike right at Grotto Falls you can run into the Llamas that take supplies to the top of the mountain. Usually on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday. While we were there we spotted their trailer on Thursday.

Key Facts:

  • Parking Pass:

A parking pass is required for all vehicles parking longer than 15mins within the Great Smokey Mountains. Daily $5 Weekly $15. You can buy them online, at welcome centers or Kiosks.

  • Scenic Drive:

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a popular scenic drive, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains from their vehicles.

  • Historical Sites:

The trail passes by preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other structures that provide a glimpse into the history of early settlers in the area.

  • Hiking Access:

Several hiking trails, including those to Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls, can be accessed from the motor nature trail.

  • Seasonal Closure:

The trail is typically closed during the winter months due to snow and ice.

  • One-Way Loop:

The trail is a one-way loop, meaning you drive it in one direction and cannot reverse.

  • Limited Access:

Buses, RVs, and vehicles towing trailers (except the llamas) are prohibited on the narrow, winding road.

  • Wildlife Viewing:

The area is known for its wildlife, and visitors may spot various animals along the way.

The House of the Fairies along the Roaring Fork isn’t a well-known trail that you’ll see on the map. Located on a path to the left of the Discover Life in America building it is a very easy walk to the stone building. To be honest, the inside of this old spring house is a bit underwhelming and much smaller than expected, but it’s still a quick and easy stop along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. 

Baskin Creek Falls – we hiked here just after seeing bears at the begining of Roaring Fork so I was a little less than excited to get out of the car. The trail follows the mountain up and down and then ended with a little bit of a narrow scramble to get to the bottom of the falls. 

The Trail:

The Falls:

  • The waterfall is a two-tiered cascade, with a total height of about 40 feet.
  • The lower portion of the falls is unique, with a softer cascade where settlers used to bathe, according to PigeonForge.com.

Anakeesta

We visited at night specifically to enjoy the illuminated treetop skywalk and got the combo admission ticket for both the Lumina experience and general entry priced at approximately. In the evening though most of the rides are closed so we were only able to do the Treetop Skywalk and Astra Lumina. During the day if you are looking for the full experience and plan to stay for Astra Lumina plan to spend approx $130 per person for tickets. 

Anakeesta:

  • Location: Situated on a 70-acre mountain 600 feet above Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
  • Attractions: Features a Treetop Skywalk, TreeVenture Challenge Course for kids, a 12-minute Chondola ride (a combination of gondola and chairlift). Unfortuneately other activities are additional cost add ons.  Dueling Zipline Adventure is an additional $60, and the Rail Runner and Hellbender Mountain Coaster are on a $16 coaster pass.
  • AnaVista Tower: The highest point in downtown Gatlinburg.
  • Astra Lumina: A permanent installation at Anakeesta. Tickets $18
  • General Admission: $23-$38

Astra Lumina:

  • Experience: An “enchanted night walk” through a forest with story, sound, light, and theatrical fog.
  • Length: Approximately a mile-long walk.
  • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible.
  • Tickets: General admission to Anakeesta is required, and Astra Lumina is an add-on.
  • Created by: Moment Factory, a multimedia studio.
  • Unique: The 15th Lumina Enchanted Night Walk, and the first in the United States.

Smokey Mountains

Newfound Gap Road offers a 33-mile scenic drive through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, connecting Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina. Cherokee is where you will find the worlds best peanut crusted trout at Native Brews. I ate this 2 years ago and have not shut up about it since. This route is known for its breathtaking views, diverse forest ecosystems, and the opportunity to experience a wide range of park attractions.

Here’s a more detailed look at what you can expect on this drive:

  • Elevation Gain:

You’ll climb about 3,000 feet in elevation, experiencing a variety of forest types as you ascend.

  • Diverse Landscapes:

Pass through cove hardwood, pine-oak, northern hardwood, and even evergreen spruce-fir forests.

  • Scenic Overlooks:

Enjoy numerous pull-offs and overlooks with panoramic views of the mountains. Don’t miss Clingmans Dome along the way.

  • Points of Interest:

Stop at historic sites like Mingus Mill, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Mountain Farm Museum, and the Oconaluftee River.

  • Temperature Variation:

Be prepared for cooler temperatures, potentially 10 degrees colder than the lowlands, especially at higher elevations.

  • Wildlife Viewing:

You might spot wildlife like elk, black bears, or wild turkeys along the way.

  • Hiking Opportunities:

Several trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail, cross or run near the road.

Tips for your drive:

  • Start Early:

Traffic can be heavy, especially during peak season, so start your drive early to enjoy the views and avoid delays.

  • Check the Weather:

Monitor the weather forecast, as conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations.

    BACK TO TOP