View all photos
Details
Distance
5.83 miles
Elevation Gain
797 ft
Route Type
Point-to-Point
Features
Forest
Waterfall
Scenic
Ada Accessible
Download
Directions
Check-in
Track
About this place
Added by Elyse Clark
This scenic loop drive in the Great Smoky Mountains also has access to three superb waterfalls.
This 6 mile drive is a great way to spend a scenic day in the Smokies. The road is open to cars only (no trucks or RVs) and runs one-way. There are no visitors centers after you head out, so be sure to bring everything you need along.
The drive begins at the historic Ogle farmstead, which is also the location of the Rainbow Falls Trailhead (5.4 miles). Further along you will find the Trillium Gap Trailhead, leading to Grotto Falls (2.6 miles). For an easier access waterfall that doesn't require a hike, be sure to stop at the Place of a Thousand Drips, located toward the end of the drive, at stop 15.
Show more
Suggest an edit
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
Photos
Check-ins
Lucas Bremer
Club
7/9/2025
A must-do 5.5-mile scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains! Twisty roads, lush forests, historic cabins, and stunning waterfalls like Grotto Falls. Perfect for a ...
Show more
Report
Lucas Bremer
Club
9/22/2020
Easy paced drive connected to Gatlinburg
A lot of Iconic cabins in the smoky mountains reside within this loop.
Also, several awesome trails are worthy of hiking within this trip.
Report
Jared Beeler
9/15/2020
Cool place for wildlife and nature!
This scenic drive is pretty great for the historic factor that it offers as well as the nature. Be sure to check out the ...
Show more
Report
Gustavo Quiros
9/23/2017
Awesome Drive
So many places to see along this one scenic road
Report