We just got back from a five day trip to Pigeon Forge. Just like any other trip to the Smokies, this one was full of firsts for us and our family-friends who joined us from Greenville, SC.
Wednesday was the first day of our trip. Us “kids” decided to haul our bikes from Indiana all the way to Pigeon Forge just to go cycling through Cades Cove on Wednesday morning. In case you didn’t know, Cades Cove closes the loop to all motorized vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10 a.m. local time. Since this was the first time that we biked through Cades Cove, we didn’t know what to expect.
Cyclist in Cades Cove: July 2011
We pulled into the area around 8:05 a.m. The parking lot at the entrance to the loop was packed, and we had to park our cars in the field next to the horse stables. After unloading the bikes, we biked up to the main entrance and started our cycling tour around 8:15. The newly paved road was perfect for cycling and the road was wide enough to pass other cyclists and runners.
Biking Cades Cove: July 2011
About the third of the way, we spotted our first park ranger, so we knew something was up. A yearling black bear was sitting near a bush munching on some berries. This was the first bear that any of us “kids” had seen in the Smokies.
Bear eating berries in Cades Cove: July 2011
We kept cycling and spotted several turkeys and about a dozen bucks. The path was pretty well shaded which helped keep down the hot temperatures. Many of the other cyclists were on family vacations and leisurely cycled the loop. Other cyclists were more athletic and sped past us (side note: if you pass other cyclists, say “To your left,” before you pass them, as a courtesy).
About a quarter mile from the end of the loop, we noticed many people pulled over off their bikes. We asked another cyclist what was in the trees and she told us that a mama bear and her three cubs were in the area. Sure enough, we saw the mama run away while her three cubs played on a fallen log. We were thrilled to see five bears in one day! What are the odds?
Our morning ride through Cades Cove could not have been any better. The wildlife was very active and was wonderful to see first thing in the morning. Our ride took us a little less than two hours, as we took our time looking at the bears and bucks. We stopped many times to take pictures, as well. We pulled out of the field at 10:15 a.m. and the cars were already making their way onto the loop. Fortunately we finished before any cars had made it to the end of the loop.
Cycling in Cades Cove: July 2011
If you decide to bike Cades Cove, arrive early for parking and to see active wildlife. Also, Cades Cove is VERY hilly on bike or on foot. We decided the last half had steeper hills than the first, but we heard another cyclist say the first half was more hilly. Take lots of water and snacks, but keep your trash until you see a trash receptacle. Stay alert! Deer will not stop for cyclists and will hop out of the woods at any time. And have fun! Cycling was a great way to take time to appreciate the Smokies in a way that can’t be done in the car!
Deer in creek at Cades Cove: July 2011
