CADES COVE

From Roaring Fork we traveled to Cades Cove Loop Road, an 11-mile narrow one-way journey through what is one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's most popular places to visit.
On every Wednesday and Saturday mornings, this Loop Road is closed to car traffic and opened to cylists to enjoy. On Wednesday morning, a large number of our group took advantage of this, renting bikes, with some traveling the entire loop and others using one of the "cut offs", making the trip shorter in miles, but still a wonderful and inspiring journey. We had planned our day to arrive at the point of entry just as the road was reopened to autos. It all worked out well. Thanks to those among us who are really good "planners". (You know who you are. : ) )
"A "cove" in Smokey Mountain vernacular is a relatively flat valley between mountains or ridge. This particular cove is a showcase for some of the most inspiring natural and cultural treasures that the Southern Appalachian Mountains have to offer."

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