When our family was younger, we loved visiting Cade’s Cove and took every opportunity to go there.

One summer we decided to go camping. The cove has a wonderful campground. Stream running nearby and a little store if you forgot something. Now mind you, we are not the camping type. Our budget was a little tight so we had no tent. We had blankets, sleeping bags, food and the assurance of the Knoxville weathermen that the night was going to be clear with absolutely no rain.

Some years ago, we made our first trip to Cades Cove. We have made many trips since, and have seen the valley in every season. Cades Cove is the most visited site in the Smoky Mountains National Park. You can tell by the number of cars on the one-way lane in the middle of the day. Even so, it’s well worth visiting.