Cades Cove

 

Cades Cove is a driving loop at the end of one of the main highways that takes you up towards the top of one of the mountains. There's a gift shop there with your typical tourist items (and some pretty amazing soft serve ice cream), there's a picnic area, and you can even reserve a camping spot here as well. 

The loop is a 13 mile, one way driving loop that spits you out a few hundred yards from where you enter. There are old cabins along the way and churches that you can pull over and park next to and get out and wonder around. There are some lookout points you can stop at, and even some trails you can spend the day walking. There is also a little old timey section where you can wonder around the old style buildings and just enjoy the surroundings. It is a beautiful section to drive.

But because it is a small one way road, if the person in front of you decides to stop and take pictures (which they ask you not to do- use a turn out so you don't stop traffic), everyone behind you has to wait. The point to my ramblings - this is a slow drive through some beautiful scenery. 

You don't want to rush through it. Stop often to take pictures and just breath in the fresh air. We drove this loop many times because it was just lovely. It is closed to traffic one day a week so just walkers and bicycles can enjoy the road without worrying about traffic. I think it's a great idea. I also think this would be perfect for a half marathon race. The most beautiful setting to run ever. 

By the afternoon this is a very busy place with people and lines of cars. The earlier you get there, the less traffic and people you have to deal with. I thoroughly enjoy being in nature with no one around. 

The other reason why this is such a beautiful drive is that if you are someone who cannot get around on foot very well, or have a disability and can't manage the hiking aspect of uneven trails, it's something that can be driven without feeling like you are missing out. I love Cades Coves. Apparently black bears like to hang out here so there is a good chance of sighting them in this area. Though we never were able to see any here.