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In Pictures: Bicycling through a corner of America’s most visited national park
By Tom Adkinson
March 22, 2024
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK – Of the roughly 13 million people who visit this national park that straddles the Tennessee/North Carolina line, only a small percentage get more than a few hundred yards from their cars, trucks or campers. Some of the energetic – and more laid back – ones ditch their vehicles for an 11-mile bicycle ride around Cades Cove. Cades Cove was an isolated farming community before creation of the national park, and reminders of that life are all along the paved, one-way road – homes, churches, barns and even a gristmill. Wednesdays from early May through the end of September are reserved for bicyclists and hikers, making those days especially popular for quiet times in the cove. Vehicular traffic on other days is unpredictable, but many cyclists benefit from early-morning rides. Bring your own wheels, or rent from the Cades Cove Campground Store.
Two-wheelers only on some Wednesdays
Cyclists can ride around the 11-miles Cades Cove loop any day, but Wednesdays from May through September are reserved for quiet pedaling. Image by Tom Adkinson
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Farm field
With dogwoods in the foreground and mountain ridges in the background framing open land at the bottom of Cades Cove, it’s easy to image the farm life of yesteryear. Cyclists have time and opportunity to compose special photos. Image by Tom Adkinson
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Watch for wildlife
Seeing a black bear never is guaranteed, but a quiet cyclist has more opportunities to spot one of the animals that symbolizes the Smoky Mountains. It is far more likely to see deer and wild turkeys. The park service reminds all visitors not to disturb or try to interact with wildlife. Image by Tom Adkinson
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A trillium on the way
Soon enough, this trillium will blossom, but it is a mystery now what its color will be. Cyclists’ slow pace means they can see so many more aspects of Cades Cove than can people watching out of their car windows. Image by Tom Adkinson
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Watching an angler pursue trout
Halfway around the loop is an opportunity for a walk along Abrams Creek, one of the largest in the national park. Pausing to watch an angler trying to entice a stream-bred trout to rise to a carefully presented dry fly is one possible reward for strolling along the creekside trail. Image by Tom Adkinson
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A reminder of worship
Cades Cove Methodist Church was part of the Holston Conference’s Little River Circuit in 1830. This church was built in 115 days for $115, according to visitor guide information. Also along the loop road are the Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church and the Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church. Image by Tom Adkinson
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A barn with special purpose
The design of this cantilevered barn was popular in the region around Cades Cove. According to the Tennessee Encyclopedia The basic design called for two12x18-foot log cribs separated by a 14- to 16-foot driveway. The cribs were livestock pens, hay stored in the loft could be loaded onto wagons pulled into the driveway and the overhangs left shelter for storing equipment and grooming animals. Image by Tom Adkinson
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Trip-planning resources: NPS.gov/grsm, CadesCoveTrading.com and TNvacation.com
(Travel writer Tom Adkinson’s book, 100 Things To Do in Nashville Before You Die, is available on Amazon.com. |
