Page Updated: February 01, 2024
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
2023 MARCH
Cades Cove - GSMNP
We’re back! This visit we explored parts of Great Smoky Mountain National Park we’ve never been.
Of course we hiked! But we also drove the Foothills Parkway - an extension of GSMNP, took a peak at the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, visited the Walker Sisters’ Cabin, spent time exploring the exhibits of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, and visited the famed Cades Cove. It’s also our first experience with the park’s new parking system.
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Located in the park’s North District, the Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent place to learn about the flora and fauna of GSMNP. From birds and butterflies to rodents and snakes, the exhibits are excellent and extensive.
Metcalf Bottoms
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area on the Little River might be an area worthy of exploration on future visits to the park. NPS says the area is a popular fishing area and that there are 122 sites.
What it doesn’t convey is the proximity of the parking lot to picnic tables. At 8am in early March, Metcalf was empty. But envisioning these sites full on a busy autumn afternoon doesn’t evoke relaxing vibes - even if it is on the river.
Walker Sisters’ Homestead
The Walker Sisters’ Homestead is located on the north side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is most commonly accessed via a 1.3 mile hike heading northeast from Little Greenbrier School.
Built by Union Soldier John Walker shortly after returning from the war, the 19th-century cabin and surviving structures share a remarkable chapter in Appalachian history.
We made our way to the Walker Sisters’ Cabin on a hike via the Little Greenbrier Trailhead on Wears Cove Gap Road. Neat little place to explore.
On a cold and rainy day at the end of February, we took the scenic Foothills Parkway - an annex of GSMNP - and explored some of the Smokies on wheels.
Twelve days later, still cold but beautifully sunny, we explored by foot on one of the most popular hikes in the park, Charlie’s Bunion via the Appalachian Trail.
Cades Cove
The 6800-acre valley of Cades Cove is one of the most sought after destinations in GSMNP. The 11-mile one way loop is open to visitors daily from sunrise to sunset, and NPS recommends motorists allow 2 to 4 hours to tour. Restored buildings along the drive include log homes, 3 churches, and a cantilevered barn.
Our tour of Cades Cove was roughly 2.5 hours and we didn’t stop to see everything. Looking forward to a possible future visit on a vehicle-free Wednesday.
-b&b
Stones River Greenway
AT Newfound Gap to Charlie’s Bunion
