We are absolutely blessed to have some of the best scenic drives in Tennessee, from one side of the state to the other. The question is, of course, how do you find one that's underappreciated?! We do a pretty good job of loving on the entirety of our state, no matter if you're in the mountains to the east or the fields to the west, so finding a spot locals don't think of much is pretty hard. If we had to choose just one road, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains is a pretty good place to start. Have you been?

Roaring Fork Motor Trail runs a little over five miles in the Great Smoky Mountains. It's a one-way road, and it begins right at the end of Cherokee Orchard Road. You can access it by light #8 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This is one of the best scenic drives near me and have gone many times.

The road is still fairly popular, don't get us wrong, but it's mostly traversed by locals. Finding a spare tourist is easier during the summer months, but we're happy to drive it any time of year. However, they do close the road down in the winter.

A low-elevation road, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail will take you on a scenic drive that boasts everything from stunning waterfalls to gurgling mountain creeks to the beauty of the old-growth forest.

You can also access the Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls trailheads if you're looking to traverse the area by foot. Both hiking trails also lead to Mt. LeConte.

You should note, however, that the road closes during the winter season. Autumn is the best time to enjoy a winding drive through the countryside though, so you have time to enjoy it!

One of the most interesting spots along the route is "the place of 1,000 drips," a roadside waterfall that's unique and strange. Although we don't have a photograph of it, you'll know this odd little waterfall when you see it.

Have you ever driven the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail? Would you visit, if you were in town? Leave your favorite memories and thoughts on the drive in the comments below! We always love to hear from you.

If you haven't been to this Tennessee scenic byway make sure to put it on your list for your next Smoky Mountain adventure. I would consider this to be one of the best scenic drives in Tennessee especially if you plan on getting out of the car for a hike. You can explore the area yourself but have you ever heard of the Pink Jeep Tours? This is an iconic way to see some of the best places in the Smokies by an expert guide. Learn more about the Smokies by checking out this OnlyInYourState video:

If you're looking to walk as opposed to driving, this incredible hike in the mountains is a perfect way to experience Tennessee outdoors.