ROARING FORK HIKE–SMOKY MOUNTAINS

a little flavor of eastern Tennessee

Roaring Fork Tour–in the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, Tennessee is an 8-mile loop with several offshoots to hike on well established pathways. We chose to hoof the moderately intense 5.7 mile round-trip to Rainbow Falls.

more pathway that begins to steepen as you ascend toward Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls–seems a bit anemic though

Rainbow Falls

this structure harnesses creek water to power Ely's Mill, c:1925

a stable bridge to get you across a fairly steep drop (on the left) —the image does not portray

one of several structures built in the mid 1880's, love the sturdy foundation

the trail as it descends from Rainbow Falls

portions of the path were strewn with extensive root networks

one of several structures built in the mid 1880's, all were actually very sturdy and in good condition

all along the 2.7 mile pathway to Rainbow Falls are water formations

all structures were built in the mid 1880's

much of the lower portion of the hike looks like this…

another lookout—as it was late afternoon, the light was changing constantly