Explore the Rich History of Gatlinburg on a Historic Nature Trail

History is around every curve of the lushly forested Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. European settlers spread themselves out over these rocky valleys and ridges, eking a living out of the soil. Today, you can drive this scenic loop to visit their historic homesteads. 

Start in Gatlinburg on Airport Road, heading toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Airport Road turns into Cherokee Orchard Road just before you enter the park. Cherokee Orchard Road is home to your first stop. 

Noah “Bud” Ogle Place

 Bud Ogle descended from one of the original families who first settled this area in the early 19th century, and his 1880s farm is so well-preserved, you can step back in time and see his cabin, barn and mill. After you leave Ogle Place, continue along Cherokee Orchard Road until you can turn right onto one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Two Historic Cemeteries

In death, as in life, Smokies families stayed close to home. Baskins Creek Cemetery is a mossy, shaded graveyard, isolated on a spur trail off of Baskins Creek Trail. A more accessible graveyard is Bales Cemetery, resting place of more than three dozen locals, with graves from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Alex Cole Cabin

Meet real-life mountain man Alex Cole. He wasn’t an early settler or 19th-century pioneer. Cole was in demand as a mountain guide in the 1920s, when hiking the Smokies was a popular pastime for city folks. He came home to this rough log and stone cabin. 

Ephraim Bales Cabin

One roof connects two tiny cabins, creating a covered walkway between them where the Bales family could sit or work protected from sun or rain. The site includes the original barn, pig pen and corn crib, making it, like Ogle Place, an unusually complete homestead.

Alf Reagan House and Tub Mill

Next along the trail is what looks like a small, modern house. But beneath the white cladding is the log cabin of miller, carpenter, blacksmith and farmer Alf Reagan. The mill is complete,with water flume and water wheel. Tub mills like this were common in the Smokies, and mill owners let farmers grind their grain in exchange for payment in money, flour or cornmeal.

You’re near the end of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Tonight, return to your private Gatlinburg vacation cabin. Haven’t booked your cabin yet? Browse our Gatlinburg cabin listings now and plan your history lover’s tour of the Smokies!