Greenbrier Road Auto Tour

This route follows the Little Pigeon River to Trillium Gap. No trucks, trailers or RVs are allowed. The road leads to the John Messer Barn and the trailhead to Ramsay Cascades, arguably the best waterfall in the Park. The hike is 8 miles roundtrip and is challenging. A lesser visited area of the Park, the Greenbrier section is one of our favorites. Besides the Ramsay Cascades, the visitor has the opportunity to view large stands of virgin growth such as northern red oak, eastern hemlock, and red maple. In fact, the Great Smoky Mountains are home to 21 champion-size trees. When the Park was created in 1934, old-growth forests were saved from the lumber companies and preserved for Smokies visitors. To get to Greenbrier Road, leave Gatlinburg at light #3 and head east on Hwy 321. Travel for approximately 7 miles and turn right on Greenbrier Road. If you include the hike to Ramsay Cascades, expect this tour to take upwards of 5 hours.

You can easily leave the road and walk down to the river and walk on the large bolders to get right in the middle of the river and little waterfalls.  There are a lot of areas to swim in or just sit on a rock and enjoy the beauty of nature at its best it is so very relaxing. There is also some great hiking trails.  The Porters Creek Trail is one of the best known trails for spring wildflowers. There are often lots of butterflies and many varieties of birds to enjoy.   You will find creeks, some historical areas and a small picnic area.   If you come ot the Smokies for peace and quiet, they can often be found at Greenbrier.

Address – 3635 Taliluna Ave., Unit 1 B, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN 37919

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