I (48M) got the chance to ride the Cades Cove loop yesterday with my Dad (75M) on one of their car-free days. We got to the parking lot at 6 am, rode the 11-mile loop through the early misty fog as the sun came up, AMAZING!
Took a rest to refuel a bit and hydrate, while talking with other walkers/runners/riders, and we rode the loop again, this time included Forge Creek Rd – a 2.4-mile gravel road up and back about halfway through the loop.
Rested, had lunch and hit the loop one more time!
We saw 4 bears (2 cubs), 3 turkeys, and a handful of deer. It was a magical day talking, hanging out, and just riding with my dad. We hadn't done anything like this in a very long time.
by drskwurl