Advice on Cade's Cove?

#26
#26
tigervol9802 said:
Not in the least. I can't stand Cades Cove. Sitting in a car driving around in a circle to see deer isn't my idea of the way to spend a weekend.
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There's so much more to do in there, though. You need to experience it all. Not just driving in circles.
 
#28
#28
tigervol9802 said:
Not in the least. I can't stand Cades Cove. Sitting in a car driving around in a circle to see deer isn't my idea of the way to spend a weekend.
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If all you do is show up on a Saturday afternoon and get in line like a sheep to stare at taillights all the way around the loop, then yeah, Cades Cove is about as much fun as a trip to the DMV. That's like going to visit Washington DC, deliberately doing nothing but standing in line for the Washington Monument all week, and then saying there's nothing to do in DC and you don't know why anyone goes on vacation there. It really doesn't take much doing to enjoy Cades Cove and plan things so that you don't have to deal with the traffic jam.

Now if you just don't like the mountains in general, I really have no answer to that.
 
#30
#30
DuckRiverVol said:
What's the best way for me to sneak in there Sunday and see a few sites and find a good walking trail?
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Sneak? Just drive in. You'll find all kinds of trails along the loop road. Abrams trail has a lot of good walks. Be safe there can be a lot of bear activity when you get back up in there.
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#32
#32
DuckRiverVol said:
Thanks... they made it sound like it would be bumper to bumper the entire time.
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It might be. Sometimes the loop road gets jammed. They often have a sign that states wait time before the entrance to the cove. If it looks too long there are plenty of trails right around the area too. Your best bet is to get up there early morning and park somewhere and hike. They also rent bicycles at the Cove store if you're up to it! Its 11 miles but you don't have to do the whole thing.
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#33
#33
you prolly know this duck, but it's one road in and one out (unless it has changed) ... so if you get stuck in traffic, you are stuck until you get all the way around ..

volgal is right about the bears ... be alert and careful
 
#34
#34
DuckRiverVol said:
What's the best way for me to sneak in there Sunday and see a few sites and find a good walking trail?
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Sunday afternoon is the worst possible time to go. It really will be like a visit to the DMV. Stay in Townsend so you're right there close by, and go as early in the morning as you can drag yourself out of bed. Otherwise it will indeed be bumper to bumper all the way around the loop.
 
#35
#35
he's right .. it will be packed w/ the weather getting nice ... if you can swing a visit during the week, it will be much easier to get around ...
 
#36
#36
Don't know if you've ever been to Clingmans Dome but its an amazing drive and view if the Cove is too crowded!
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#37
#37
I live in Nashville and going up for the game. Taking a lady friend thats never been to either and likes to hike. The only day it will work. Just thought Id try it out. Thanks for all of your help and advice!
 
#38
#38
I haven't hiked a lot in the smokies, but I'm sure somebody could give you a couple of places that would have much less traffic ... like mount le conte
 
#39
#39
Im turning the planning for Sunday over to her... Im taking care of Saturday. lol I will mention mt le conte. thanks!
 
#40
#40
My family on my dad's side is from Maryville. We spent almost every birthday (all in the summer) and 4th of July in the Cove while growing up. The key is to get there early and get a picnic site to use as a "base of operations." My dad, brothers and I use to go up early to get a spot and he would make breakfast over a fire. The rest of the family would come up later. You don't fully appreciate those times until you get older.
 
#41
#41
Vercingetorix said:
If all you do is show up on a Saturday afternoon and get in line like a sheep to stare at taillights all the way around the loop, then yeah, Cades Cove is about as much fun as a trip to the DMV. That's like going to visit Washington DC, deliberately doing nothing but standing in line for the Washington Monument all week, and then saying there's nothing to do in DC and you don't know why anyone goes on vacation there. It really doesn't take much doing to enjoy Cades Cove and plan things so that you don't have to deal with the traffic jam.

Now if you just don't like the mountains in general, I really have no answer to that.
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I don't like general touristy areas. Other than the bears, I can see just about all of the nature stuff within a 3 mile drive of my house or a visit to relatives. I'm not much of a hiker so its not really for me.
 
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