Smoky Mtn NP – Cades Cove

We spent a nice day bike riding a 11 mile loop around the Cades Cove valley.  The loop is a one way scenic drive with a 15 MPH speed limit that we shared with cars.  The traffic stops whenever someone spots some wild game, especially bear, and tourist take turns taking pictures.

We explored some of the 1^st white settler dwellings in the area some of which were originally built in the 1800’s.  We saw many deer, bear & turkeys in this beautiful & peaceful valley surrounded on all sides by the mountains.  I did have one ‘city’ moment when a car pulled up close behind us on our bikes and laid on the horn.  He apparently thought we were taking up too much of the road and was in a hurry to get stopped at the next bear sighting.  When we caught up to him at the wildlife spot, I gave him a 1 finger salute.  I know……not Minnesota nice.

We decided to do a 5 mile easy hike to view Abrams Falls to break up the bike ride and give me an attitude adjustment.  It worked. The Falls were beautiful and calming.  Then we completed the ride in time to get ice cream at the park.  I am still a kid at heart.

Next Stop Gatlinburg, TN