Autumn in Cades Cove – Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Townsend, Tennessee – 10/26/2012

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has an intriguing human history that has left its mark on the beautiful land.

In addition to being preserved as a part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the area of Cades Cove is also designated as a United Nations World Heritage Site, and an International Biosphere Reserve.

There is no better place to immerse yourself into this significantly historic scenery than by driving the 11 mile one-way auto loop through Cades Cove, on the western side of the park, just outside of Townsend, Tennessee.

Here, amongst the stunning natural features of the Smoky Mountains, you will also find remnants of log cabins, churches, mills, and old farmsteads.

Be prepared to spend the day, though, especially depending upon the season.

During peak traffic times, it can be a very slow process getting through the loop.

11 miles doesn’t sound very long, but trust me, it CAN take all day.

And it should! It’s LOVELY!

But, also trust me when I say I’ve learned the hard way…

Bring food and drinks!

There are no places to buy food in this park.

And there is no way to get out if traffic is backed up.

So, come prepared with everything you anticipate needing for your family.

And if you do, you can absolutely enjoy a serene, peaceful experience here in the Smokies.

And you just might find Cades Cove to be one of your favorite experiences in the entire park!

Plan enough time to hike some of the trails, explore the homesteads, and relax in the fields with a picnic lunch!

Bring your camera in case you find any wildlife!

There are tons of black bear, deer, coyote, turkeys, and birds of all sorts; as well as so many more mammals, lizards, snakes, amphibians…

And the list goes on!