Little River Road is practically a magical experience when in your Smoky Mountain Jeep Rental! From the Townsend “Wye” to the “Sinks” some of the more Quiet Side of the Smokies locations can be found on Little River Road. Near our office is Metcalf Bottoms entrance to the National Park which then leads you to Little River Road. Turn right and experience Townsend, Tennessee and Cades Cove, turn left and land in the Gatlinburg area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Laurel Falls
The moderate 2.6 mile trail to Laurel Falls is one of the Park’s most traveled. The trail divides the waterfall in two. At the top, Laurel Branch bursts from a grove of rhododendron, or “laurel” as it was called by early settlers, and falls nearly 50 feet to collect in a pool perfect for soaking tired feet. The falls continues on from that pool for about 35 feet before reaching the bottom.
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
Once a family farm, Metcalf Bottoms is now a large picnic area with plenty of space along the rich bottomland by the river. As Little River Road was being built, the Metcalf family often brought fresh spring water to the many workers. The National Park Service remembered the favor by naming the picnic area for them.
