This narrow, winding, 5-mile-long road invites you to slow down and enjoy the forest and historic buildings of the Roaring Fork area. This area is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well- preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. The rivers are especially beautiful throughout this trail.

At an elevation of 5,046 feet, Newfound Gap is the lowest drivable pass through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Newfound Gap is 13 miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center (2 miles from the Gatlinburg entrance) and 22 miles from the Cherokee Indian Reservation in Cherokee, North Carolina. This mountain pass is situated along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina with the state line dividing the gap.

The Sinks are located on Little River Road 12 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center. Very large rock formations and waterfalls can be seen. Swimming in this area is discouraged by the Park Service because many people have drowned due to slippery rocks, deep suddenly rising waters, and from jumping off the rocks into the water below. After a heavy rainfall, the SInks is an awesome place to listen to the sounds of nature as rushing waters flow over the gigantic rock formations.

Like many towns which sprang up during the early part of this century and centered around the utilization of natural resources, Elkmont, Tennessee was quick to expand and just as quick to fade back into small town obscurity. Near Townsend, Tennessee along the banks of the Little River, Elkmont saw its booms and busts. This logging town saw its beginnings in the early 1900s. Elkmont is now a frontcountry campground for Smoky Mountain tourists.

WHERE TO EAT
Restaurants
Farmers' Markets
Recipe Cards