Cades Cove: Great Smoky Mountains
I think this was my favorite nature outing of our spring break. It mixed history, views and wildlife and I plan to come back next trip since you never know what animals you may encounter. Cades Cove is a 11 mile one way loop in the Smoky Mountains near the entrance in Townsend, TN. There are historic buildings you can visit, many side stops where you can pause your car and take pictures of the scenery and depending on which part of the day you visit more or less wildlife to observe.
We went on a rainy and windy afternoon since I knew we would spend most of our time in the car. I was also hoping that would mean less traffic (which was correct) and it turned out to be a great afternoon. The loop starts at horse stables and we spend a few minutes admiring the horses run and prance about. I think the weather filled them with energy.
We then made a stop by a log cabin and there were many deer in the fields. This was at the coldest part of our outing and it was downright chilly so I was so happy for our layers: sweatshirts and windbreakers.
We walked up to the cabin, the boys enjoyed going up in the loft and then retraced our steps to the car. We were hoping to see elk or bears in Cades Cove but I think it was too late or too early in the day. We did see a bear cub on the way to Cades Cove, he was a way off the road and really looked like a blurry fuzzy blurb!
We visited this old Methodist church and cemetery and showed our children how life span for infants was much shorter 150 years ago. We have always found it interesting to see when people lived and died and the really old tomb markers are really fascinating.
The wind was really strong and we were worried a couple of times about branches breaking off trees but thankfully there were no mishaps.
Wild turkeys were abundant! I think this is a perfect time of the year to see them: they were everywhere: a lot more females than males.
The cable grist mill was built in the 1860s. The mill redirects a stream to a wooden water wheel. This is the only original mill that has survived (there were 6 to 7 in Cades Cove at a time).
I think this would have been a great spot for a picnic. I will say that your experience in the Great Smokys can be greatly influenced by weather and time of the year as far as busyness. I would not want to come in the middle of summer and at peak times when it is overly crowded. While it was spring break, we chose days and areas that we thought would be less crowded. Cades Cove might not be as fun if you are inching along.
Doesn’t all the green grass make you think of spring though? Our yard is still brown so this was a favorite of mine.
I will end with saying that Amy’s Creative Pursuits blog posts about her trip to the Smokys last year was a great resource for me to choose what we wanted to do. Just search her blog for the Great Smoky Mountains.
A bientôt!
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21 Comments
Joanne
I think weather can make or break just about any vacation. Friends of our went to the Smokey Mountains one May and they had a sudden heatwave in the 90’s! Needless to say they were miserable trying to hike. We often try to pick times of the day or week when we think places will be less crowded too and aren’t afraid to wander to some less than popular places.
mimifce
For sure: that is why I always look at the predictions and have back up ideas!
Nancy
That would be a great place to visit for us too! We love to go out in nature and see animals and indeed old cemetries. The stories on the stones can be pretty weird.
mimifce
Yes, cemetery can be fascinating!
Penny
Such an interesting post as I often say it’s so good to see the America that doesn’t feature either in the media or in travel brochures. It’s lovely to see the natural scenery and it was obviously a great day out for you and your boys 🙂
mimifce
Yes! Just like I love seeing people from other countries sharing where they visit and travel especially the countryside!
Kathrine Eldridge
We enjoyed Cades Cove when we visited there. Love your pics on the Grist Mill! We saw lots of wild turkeys on hikes too.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
mimifce
We were hoping for bears… maybe next time!
Amy
Oh, this post brings back memories! Sorry the weather didn’t cooperate. It was so beautiful when we there in spring. But now we leave for vacation tomorrow and because of the cold front that moved in, the first few days of our vacay will be chilly too. That is one of the drawbacks of spring vacations: the weather is unpredictable. I LOVED Cades Cove. It is so peaceful and beautiful. Loved the history. Thank you so much for mentioning my blog. I really appreciate it!
mimifce
You are welcome, Amy! Your posts really helped me plan this vacation!
Jodie Filogomo
I like that you still went out and explored even if the weather wasn’t “perfect”. I always hate to let the weather find ways to wreck a vacation, because it should be about having fun.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
mimifce
Finding ways to adapt and having back up plans is handy!
Marsha+Banks
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Cade’s Cove. Now, I’m going to have to do some research. Nigel and I need to get out and about again. The Smokeys are not that far for us to drive. Thanks for sharing, Mireille!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
mimifce
My favorite!
Mica Away From The Blue
It looks like a lovely place to explore and it’s good you enjoyed yoru time there even though it was cold! 🙂
Hope you are enjoying the Easter weekend 🙂
Jill
I’m sorry you had crummy weather. I’ve never been to the Smoky Mountains. Love seeing your photos!
Jill – Doused in Pink
mimifce
It is a beautiful place to visit.
Lovely
The place looks beautiful! You managed to take some amazing pics despite the bad weather.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
mimifce
Thanks, Lovely!
Jennifer
I love all the nature!!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
mimifce
Pretty isn’t it!