Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a Tourist attraction located in Gatlinburg .
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Tripadvisor
4.8/5 · 3,150 reviews
5-star
76%
4-star
18%
3-star
4%
2-star
<1%
1-star
2%
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May 20, 2025
We have seen a total of 7 bears. 2 mama bears, 4 bear cubs, one lone bear. What a thrill, they were so close but they seemed calm and kept eating. We stayed quiet and did not try to feed them. The fl…Full review by Y2367YZlisaw
May 14, 2025
Saw three total bear cubs! Go slow, watch edges. Many pull off areas. Obtain a parking pass online or elsewhere before going if you plan to stop more than 15 min. Went during week so was way less bus…Full review by Traveler17833430679
Apr 25, 2025
Beautiful drive with lots of trails- we didnt see any bears but the people ahead of us did. Only negative thing would be some travelers were driving much faster than the speed limit of 10 mph and wou…Full review by leah c
Yes, I think you could but probably not a good idea in the busy summer. It’s a narrow road and there isn’t much of a shoulder. You need to keep up with traffic but it won’t be hard with …
Yes, I think you could but probably not a good idea in the busy summer. It’s a narrow road and there isn’t much of a shoulder. You need to keep up with traffic but it won’t be hard with an e-bike to give you a boost up the hills. It’s curvy and cars can’t go much above 15 mph. It will be a beautiful ride; have fun!
Is it worth it even if you don't do any trails? My father-in-law is going with us and he tires very easily.
A:
Yes...the one way drive takes you past beautiful scenery. There are many short bridges that you cross that give you amazing views of the stream. I often stop on the bridge, if no one is …
Yes...the one way drive takes you past beautiful scenery. There are many short bridges that you cross that give you amazing views of the stream. I often stop on the bridge, if no one is driving behind me, and snap a few pictures. There is a booklet that cost around $1.00 that describes the different markers along the route. I would get it at Sugarland Visitor Center but they sometimes have the booklet at the very start of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. It would be in the self serve box. At the end of the one way drive, is Ely's Mill. It is a nice spot to stop. I believe they have restrooms too. Then you follow the 2 way traffic road to hwy 321. A left turn heads you back toward downtown Gatlinburg. I do not know if the booklet is online but you could always check and see if you can download one. Have a nice trip
Is this place closed for the winter? My husband and I are going end of Feb and was wondering if it would be open or not.
A:
Hi, unfortunately the trail is closed during the winter months because it would be too dangerous. They also close for the animals and to do maintenance as needed. I believe it re …
Hi, unfortunately the trail is closed during the winter months because it would be too dangerous. They also close for the animals and to do maintenance as needed. I believe it re-opens in April give or take pending on weather. Try looking up Seasonal Road schedules for GSM. Have a great time on your trip, there are plenty of other great places to explore and see the wildlife.
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Frequently asked questions
Q:
Why can't I use a treble hook?
A:
Many of the fish which anglers catch do not meet the park's size limits and must be released. Current fisheries research indicates treble hooks cause higher hooking mortality rates...
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