Summer Road Trip Next Stop: Smoky Mountains

Townsend, TN

After spending a day downtown Gatlinburg we had a day planned in the Smoky Mountains National Park. The first stop on our planned route was The Sinks. This area is 12 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center entrance into the park and is one of the most picturesque waterfalls.

Before driving into the Cade’s Cove area we stopped at a beautiful picnic area. We had packed lunches and were able to explore the small rapids in the area. This was a great area to spend out of the car before heading into the loop.

Then we headed into Cade’s Cove which a 11-mile one-way loop. The pace of the cars is very leisurely so you can take in the views, Expect it to take up to two hours without stops to walk trails. The Cade’s Cove area boasts wildlife. Although we didn’t see any black bears we did see deer and wild turkey.

There are pull-off spots and half-way around the loop road in the Cable Mill historic area there is a visitor center with a bathroom and a fun gift shop.

Pin It!