We decided to take a impromptu trip to the Smoky Mountains this weekend. Although the weather was cold, it made for a wonderful weekend away. We decided to start with the Cades Cove Loop in the south west corner of the park. Because of the cool weather, it made the mountains all the more smoky and mystical looking. The loop is a lovely 11 mile loop along a one way road that winds it way through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. And with plenty of pull off spots, visitors can stop to take pictures of any wildlife that happens to be out. Be sure to use to the pull offs if you want to stop and don’t just stop in the road so others can continue around the loop.
We stopped along the loop to go on a short hike up to Abram’s Falls. We didn’t make it all the way to the falls because it is about a 2.5 mile hike up to the top and with the rain it was pretty slick. But the trail was so beautiful and went along the river. Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is always a wonderful way to spend the day.
A drive around Cades Cove and a hike up the trail was just what the weekend needed, no matter what the weather may bring. For more on the many trails of the largest national park, go to ::nps.gov/grsm
I love the tunnel in the middle photos. So lovely. Looks like a lovely visit!
the tunnel was probably my favorite part of the drive because it reminds me so much of driving through southern Utah 🙂