Bicycling the Cades Cove Loop Road

Beginning next week, the Cades Cove Loop Road in the Great Smoky Mountains will become a bicycling friendly option for cyclists again. Every year during the summer months, the National Park Service closes the 11-mile, one-way loop to motor vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00 a.m. in order to allow cyclists the opportunity to enjoy the cove without the hassle of dodging motorists.

The Cades Cove Loop Road provides cyclists with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and touring 19th century homesteads in this historic area of the park. The terrain along the loop is mostly flat, but there are a few, short, steep hills. Although the road is paved, there are many sections of rough and pot-holed pavement. The loop is passable for road bikes, but until the loop is re-paved, mountain bikes and hybrids are probably better suited for this road. The loop is scheduled to be re-paved during the first-half of 2010.

From May 6 through September 23, 2009, the loop will be closed to motor vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00 a.m.

For more information on bicycling in Cades Cove, and several other locations in and around the park, please click here.

May 10 - Don't forget Mom!

Jeff
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