3 Gatlinburg Nature Trails: Best Viewing of the Beautiful Smoky Mountains

With babbling creeks, chirping birds and leaves rustling in the wind, there is no better place to experience the beauty of the area than on one of the famous Gatlinburg nature trails inside the Great Smoky Mountains. On these trails you can walk, bike or drive through some of the prettiest scenery the Great Smoky Mountain National Park has to offer.

Cades Cove

No visitor to the Smokies can pass through the area without hearing about the historic Cades Cove Loop. Covering 11 miles, this nature trail is open to walkers, joggers, bikers and drivers depending on the time of day. There is more than just nature for your family to experience on this drive. There are 13 stops along the trail that take guests passed historic buildings built in the early to mid 1800s. Guests wanting to learn more about the history of Cades Cove can visit the Visitor’s Center in the Cable Mill Area, stop 8 on the trail. Here they can talk with park rangers, witness a water-powered grist mill in action or stroll through the bookstore for a piece of history to take home with them. Want to explore the area further? There is no shortage of hiking trails for visitors at Cades Cove. Whether you are looking for a little stroll or a strenuous hike, there is a trail that will fit any nature lovers needs at Cades Cove.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Roaring Fork Motor Gatlinburg Nature TrailsConsidered one of the best attractions in Gatlinburg, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail totals six miles of natural beauty. This scenic drive is home to two of the most popular waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains, Grotto Falls and Place of a Thousand Drips. Similar to Cades Cove, visitors to this trail will see first hand historic homesites from days gone by. For instance, the Noah “Bud” Ogle site is a former farm, and features one of the only working tub mills stills in existence. Visitors to this nature trail are urged to swing by Ely’s Mill to pick up locally made honey before returning back to the city.

Newfound Gap

Newfound Gap Road is one of the best Gatlinburg nature trails in all of the Smoky Mountains. It will take you from Gatlinburg all the way to Cherokee, North Carolina, covering a total of 33 miles. The drive on Newfound Gap road is amazing, as you will experience incredible views and fun sights. One of the crazy things about traveling on the road is the temperature change that will occur over the stretch. You will notice the Cherokee side of the mountain can be up to 15 degrees cooler than it is when you leave Gatlinburg. Be on the lookout because people have also reported seeing all types of wildlife along this amazing scenic drive.

Enjoying the Smoky Mountain’s scenery doesn’t have to stop once your exploration of one of these Gatlinburg nature trails has finished. Our Smoky Mountain cabins offer breathtaking mountain views as well! Continue your nature quest with your family over a home-cooked meal, or while relaxing in a rocking chair on the porch of your Gatlinburg cabin. We look forward to seeing you soon!