Cades Cove Tennessee near Townsend Tn & Tipton's Cabin Rentals

Cades Cove Continued
All photos & text by Chuck Tipton

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Cades Cove Tennessee has many other forms of wildlife like wild turkey's, wild hogs, coyotes, fox, river otters as well as bobcats. The Smokies support a large number of bobcats and most people don't even know they are around. They are a very elusive animal and do most of their roaming at night. Consider it a very special treat to see a bobcat in the wild or to hear one scream at night. It is something that will probably only happen once in a lifetime!

mountain laurel blossoms

Many forms of wildflowers also are common in the Smoky Mountains. One of the most common is rhododendron and mountain laurel that is present in the Cades Cove area and usually blooms around mid June. I like Boat Mtn. Trail during this time of the year. That is, if you feel like hiking. This trail can be very strenuous to someone who does not hike much and is not in good shape but, is well marked. This is a old railroad bed that went to the Spence Field which is located on the Appalachian Trail and North Carolina line. Boat Mtn. Trail is located on the left side of Laurel Branch road just across from the parking lot for the Schoolhouse Gap Trail.

Whitetail deer with majestic mountain view

The Rich Mountain Road is another (one way road) great place to see beautiful wild flowers as well as majestic views of the Cades Cove Tn area. It is the first road to the right next to the Missionary Baptist Church after you start in on the Loop Road.


Bote Mtn. Trail Sign	Rich Mountain View	Rich Mountain View

The Cades Cove Loop Road is open to bicycles and hikers only on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Sunrise- 10 am from approx. May 15^th—the end of September.


Trail Sign	Carter Shields Cabin	John Oliver Cabin

This is the best way to view the Cove. There is no automobiles or noise of any kind, and you can see so much more. The trip is not for everyone, 11 miles is a long way. But, there are two places to shorten your trip. Hyatt Lane and Sparks Lane will cut your trip short by a ¼--1/2, If you don't have a bike you can rent one at the Cades Cove Campground Store and bicycle rental too the left of the entrance at Loop Road.

Be sure to stop by my Great, Great Grandfathers
settlement (the Tipton Place) on the Loop Road

Cantilever Barn at my Great Great Grandfathers cabin

The Tipton Place Cantilever Barn

Whether you are coming to camp, hike or just a family vacation, this area is sure to touch your heart in a special way. There is so much to see in the Great Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove. The key is, you just have to be willing to take the time to stop, look and listen so you can enjoy what God has created.

Sincerely,

Chuck Tipton

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