Cades Cove

We had a wonderful weekend in the mountains of East Tennessee, this weekend.  As a child, we lived about 30 miles from Cades Cove and would bike the loop with my parents more often than I liked.  I finally grew up and now actually appreciate biking in the mountains.

My dad hit a milestone birthday this summer, so my sister and I rented a cabin in Townsend (in the Smoky Mountains) to celebrate his birthday.  

Saturday morning we hopped up and biked the loop road, kids in tow.   There were lots of dear and turkeys and we saw two black bear.    My husband took this photo of the bear that was about 10 yards away from us.....


I know.   I'm glad he was busy getting back on that bike.

Cades Cove was a thriving community in the 1800's.  The buildings have been well preserved and are fun to look in.....



There are several cute churches that are still standing.....



The Cades Cove loop road is closed for bikers only- on Saturday and Wednesday mornings.  It is a beautiful 11 mile loop, and you can circle as many times as you like. 



Here is a map of the loop road..



And the location of the Smoky Mountains .....

And this shows where Cades Cove is....


(far left of map)


 
And here we are....


We also spent Saturday afternoon tubing down the Little River in Townsend.  It was a perfect day - and the water was nice and cool. 


(I don't know these people. 
I didn't want a wet camera - so I found this blurry photo on the internet.)

Our cabin had a firepit - so we built a fire and made smores.....

I do know these people.


Nice memories for the kids.

Now we are back to reality.

Have a great week!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hi Trish,
We went to Cades Cove on a motorcycle trip three summers ago and we actually got to see a mama bear and her three cubs. It's a funny story but too long to tell you on here!

xo
LeAnn
René said…
I love weekends like that. Good thing the bear didn't get you.

-Rene
We have visited Cades Cove several times, but have not ridden bikes there. We did go horseback riding. Looks like you had a fun weekend and thanks for sharing it.
Farmgirl Paints said…
That looked like a ball. Something tells me that wouldn't be an easy ride! I like flat land:) Funny pic of the bear.
Hey Trish,
Looks like a good time was had by all...beautiful photos. Thanks for taking us along on your mini vacation!

Janet xox
trish said…
Oh how fun! I love the blurry picture! That is too funny. :o)
What a beautiful place you went to. It must have been so relaxing. :o)
I hope you have a wonderful week.
Sincerely ~ Tricia
I love Cades Cove! So beautiful! I am so glad you had a good time!

Lou Cinda :)
Olive said…
I love Cades Cove and am glad it is a National Park. It sometimes saddens me to think those families gave up their land for us. They get to bury their dead in the church cemeteries. Have a good week♥olive
Becky Garrison said…
Oh, I love Cades Cove! Such a lovely drive and really enjoy getting out and walking around and looking at things. One year we were there in early spring and there were daffodils everywhere - just gorgeous!

And I have a print of that first church - Methodist, I believe - by Butch Hodgkins on my dining room wall. It's just beautiful!
Candace said…
We went to Cades Cove several times when we were younger - loved it. I definitely remember that second white church and the old mill place somewhere around there. Looks like a great vacation you guys had!
What a fun
holiday! Looks
like you all had
loads of fun. I
love that part
of the country.
I love to bike
and this looks like
a must-do!
xx Suzanne
Unknown said…
This looks like a great play for cycling. I like loops! My husband is a cyclist and I've started joining him this summer and we have a great rail trail but it doesn't loop, so however far you go, you have to turn around and come back. I always forget that part! : )