There may be wildlife along the banks during the first part of the hike, so be sure to gaze in the various puddles and pools for other critters that inhabit the area. Hikers are urged to take caution and to refrain from climbing the rocks near the fall as many people have fallen and suffered severe injuries. Though the waterfall is the most appealing part of the Rainbow Falls trail it is also the most dangerous due to the slippery rocks around the falls, caused by the high amounts of mist. This particular waterfall is the highest single-drop waterfall found in the Smokies. Once the second footbridge is crossed the 80-foot waterfall is just a third of a mile away. LeConte, two footbridges will be available after a mile and a half with another footbridge less than a mile from the first. If hikers continue up the northeast slopes of Mt. While going through this part hikers will see LeConte Creek flowing down the mountains, which is an ideal area for a break while giving you a magnificent view. Please note that buses, trailers, and motor homes are not permitted on the motor nature trail.The first part of Rainbow Falls trail is two-thirds of a mile hike through a field of large sized boulders. ![]() Just beyond the Rainbow Falls trailhead you have the option of taking the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (closed in winter). To access Roaring Fork, turn off the main parkway in Gatlinburg, TN at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard entrance to the national park. An inexpensive booklet available at the beginning of the motor nature trail details landmarks along the route. And a “wet weather” waterfall called Place of a Thousand Drips provides a splendid finale to your journey. The trailhead for Grotto Falls, another of the park's most popular waterfalls, is located along the route. Several homes and other buildings have been preserved in this area. The entrance to the motor nature trail is located a short distance past the parking areas for Rainbow Falls. If you plan to attempt this hike, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and carry plenty of water and snacks. The hike to the falls is 5.4 miles roundtrip and is considered moderately strenuous. ![]() Just beyond the Ogle farmstead is the trailhead for Rainbow Falls, one of the park's most popular waterfalls. Highlights include a streamside tubmill and the Ogle’s handcrafted wooden flume plumbing system. Please note that the road is closed in winter.īefore entering the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a stop at the Noah “Bud” Ogle self-guiding nature trail offers a walking tour of an authentic mountain farmstead and surrounding hardwood forest. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, gristmills, and other historic buildings. The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. The narrow, winding, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail invites you to slow down and enjoy the forest and historic buildings of the area. Drive this road after a hard rain and the inspiration behind the name will be apparent. Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster flowing mountain streams in the park. Place of A Thousand Drips is located beside the road on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature TrailĪn exuberant mountain stream gave this area its unusual name.
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