The sign at Rich Mountain Road in Cades Cove, Grreat Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. September 9, 2010.
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As I mentioned yesterday, last week Betsy and I went to the Smokies to drive the Rich Mountain Road. We enjoy exploring new parts of the Smokies, and this seemed like a great time to go. The entrance to Rich Mountain Road is in Cades Cove, and we’re always happy to find an excuse to visit that pretty place.
Rich Mountain Road, Smoky Mountains. September 9, 2010.
The road is gravel and closed during the winter, but we had no trouble getting through, other than having to dodge some pot holes. And although there were no particularly steep grades, we did have quite a few switchbacks, as you can see from the picture above.
Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. September 9, 2010.
One reason for taking this road is that we were told that there were some nice overlooks from which Cades Cove could be seen. We found one at roadside and stopped to get some pictures. If you look carefully in the lower left of the picture above, you can almost make out the Methodist Church in Cades Cove, which Betsy blogged about yesterday.
We saw several trail heads along the road, so we’ll get some trail maps before we go back. Perhaps we’ll find another overlook along one of the trails. We’ll definitely go back to Rich Mountain Road.
Senior Moments 
September 14, 2010 at 5:54 am |
That’s a nice drive. Like I told Betsy…we have driven that road several times. You should also try the Balsalm Mountain Road. I believe that is the correct name but check it out before you try. It starts on the east side of the Smokies towards Cheorkee, NC.
September 14, 2010 at 6:00 am |
mountain vistas, so wonderful and beautiful.
September 14, 2010 at 7:19 am |
This road provided you with some wonderful photo opportunities. I am really enjoying your photos of this lovely area.
September 14, 2010 at 7:45 am |
It’s always nice to find new places to explore. I was saying to my husband the other day that we have seen so much of the local area in Pennsylvania and New York that it was time to expand our travel to Ohio. As you can tell from my recent blog posts, we are doing just that!
September 14, 2010 at 8:22 am |
What a nice drive. Always fun to have an adventure. Great shots too. MB
September 14, 2010 at 8:28 am |
Love the sign and the use of the word “primitive”. Says it all. They should also use “pristine.”
September 14, 2010 at 8:48 am |
George, it sounds like you had a wonderful adventure exploring the back roads of Cades Cove. Very enriching and great photos.
September 14, 2010 at 9:14 am |
What fun. I hope you didnt forget anything and have to turn back!
September 14, 2010 at 9:51 am |
What a fun trip, George! I would love to go to Cades Cove! Such a beautiful place! Love your photos as always! Hope you have a great week!
Sylvia
September 14, 2010 at 10:37 am |
Great photographs. And I just love the sign. Direct and to the point. No confusion at all…you get on this road you gotta stay on this road…no turning back.
September 14, 2010 at 12:20 pm |
I’ve just returned fron Betsy’s blog, and that sign almost made me run for the smelling salts, gads!! As I told her, you two are the Evel Kenivels of the senior world!
September 14, 2010 at 1:13 pm |
what beautiful surroundings and so close to you. if you get to visit this again in the fall would you share the photos, i’d love to see it in the fall.
September 14, 2010 at 1:27 pm |
George: Such a neat area of the country.
September 14, 2010 at 1:36 pm |
You and Betsy have the best adventures! Maybe when you are checking out the trails you will find more waterfalls.
September 14, 2010 at 10:54 pm |
That had to be a very beautiful drive! Love those pictures.
September 14, 2010 at 11:07 pm |
You two are such adventure lovers! That is just wonderful and I’m glad I get to do the virtual tour with you! Beautiful pictures! When I read Betsy’s post this morning about Rich Mountain Road, I wondered if there was a Poor Mountain Road and what that looked like! – Just kidding…..LOL
September 15, 2010 at 7:20 am |
This looks like such a lovely place.I enjoy those quiet country roads.
Blessings,Ruth
September 16, 2010 at 7:50 pm |
I’m definitely putting this on my list for my next visit to Cades Cove!