Smoky Mountains, Tennessee - Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Early settlers in the Smokies found fertile valleys to homestead, like Cades Cove, whereas later settlers had to hardscrabble along rocky slopes like those shown in the photos below, taken along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

This 8-mile auto tour offers visitors an intimate perspective of the lush mountain forests and is conveniently located near Gatlinburg off of Airport Road. As in Cades Cove, be sure to get a copy of the self-guiding tour book at the entrance.