Smoky Mountain Solitude

Secluded Vacation Getaways in the Smokies

Less Crowded Sites in the Smoky Mountains

Secluded Smoky Mountain Vacations

Getaway to the Smokies for a Relaxing Smoky Mountain Vacation

Want to get away from the Smoky Mountain crowds and spend a few carefree hours?
Here's some of the lesser known sites of the Smokies.

We'll start by taking the Motor Nature Trail.

The Cherokee Orchard - Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

The Motor Nature Trail, as the locals call it, is 10 miles long. It's a one-way drive on the northern slope of Mount Le Conte.

From Gatlinburg, drive through town and turn left a Traffic Light #8 onto historic Nature Trail.


The Noah Ogle Homestead

After you drive past Mynatt Park and into the woods, you'll come the Noah Ogle Homestead.

The Ogle Homestead is the first of several homesteads that the park service has restored.

The farm and mill was settled by Martha Jane Huskey Ogle, Gatlinburg's first white settler.


Cherokee Orchard

As you continue you might notice, on your left, that the trees are arranged in an orderly fashion. It's the remnant of one of the last settled areas of the park, Cherokee Orchard.


The Motor Nature Trail

Further on, you'll see Historic Nature Trail, the road you're on, loops around the orchard and returns to Gatlinburg.

Don't take this loop.   Instead, turn right onto the Motor Nature Trail, and don't forget to get a self-guiding brochure.


Pine Tops

Here's nice view of Gatlinburg. It's a nice picnic spot as well.

But watch out for bears. Remember -- never try to feed or pet one of our Smoky Mountain bears.


The Trillium Gap Trail

Unless you want to see the Grotto Falls, we recommend you pass the trailhead quickly. This is a very popular spot with lot's of traffic.


Two Special Smoky Mountain Sites

Just past the Trillium Trail, pull off in the turnout by the old cemetery.

The first special site across the road is a fair size confluence. of three streams. The water action and noise are almost unbelievable.

For the second site, if you take the short path just past the cemetery, you'll come to a lovely meadow where young deer and other animals play.

Don't forget your camera.


Ephraim Bales

This is a very popular picnic spot. There's a great stream with lot's of large rocks to relax on.

Take a few moments to check out the settlement and let your brakes cool.


The Reagan Tub Mill

Now the road really dips and turns so please stay alert.

Near the end of the motor trail, you'll come to the Reagan settlement.  'Notice anything different about the old Reagan farmhouse? Unlike other original homes in the park, this was ordered, pre cut from a Sears catalog.


Thousand Drips Waterfall

One of the last sites on our motor tour is the Thousand Drips Waterfall. This one's hard to miss.

How often do you see a waterfall coming directly down on the road?


Return to Gatlinburg

When you come to the end, you'll be on the Roaring Fork Road. You'll drive through a residential area, to traffic light 1A, East Parkway. Just turn left to go back to Gatlinburg.


Greenbrier Wilderness Area

Here's another wildlife area that good to see because of it's beauty and seclusion -- The Greenbrier Picnic Area.

Greenbrier is east of Gatlinburg on US 321. At the bottom of the long steep grade, look for the sign to turn for Greenbrier.   The road is about 5 miles long, narrow and unpaved. It runs along the Little Pigeon River.

There are several parking areas to stop and walk down to the river. Swimming and tubing are very popular here.

After a while, the road turns away from the river where there's a beautiful picnic spot with tables and restrooms.

But have your camera ready -- because deer frequent this spot as well.


Porters Creek Trail

The road ends at Porter's Creek Trail. This is an easy two mile hike beside a stream with many beautiful cascades.


A Cantilever Barn in the Smokies

At the end of the trail you'll discover an original cantilever barn. A cantilever barn is unique to East Tennessee, but they're disappearing quickly.

This barn and the one at Cades Cove, that the forest service built in the 60's may soon be the last.


Smoky Mountain Solitude.com

Getaway to the Smokies for a Secluded Smoky Mountain Vacation