HYATT LANE - CADES COVE

ISO 100, f/20, 1/20 second, 19mm

  If you have never been to Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you are really missing out. I have been missing out for the past 12 years! But not any more.
  I have been living in East Tennessee for 12 1/2 years now and yesterday was the 3rd time ever I have ventured into Cades Cove. It was the first time I explored for the interest of landscape photography. A couple of months ago I shot my son's senior pics there but didn't do any landscape photog'ing.
  Cades Cove is a large valley surrounded by the Smokies. There is an 11 mile, 1 way road that loops completely around the cove and has several parking areas for pulling off and viewing the incredible scenery.  This road is well traveled and very crowded so be prepared to press on the brakes.
  Along the road you not only can see great views of the Smokie, old homesteads, and numerous hiking trails, but you can also experience all the wildlife the Smokies have to offer. Yesterday, +John Deas and I saw several deer and two black bears along the roadway.
  There are two gravel roads that span the width of the loop road and provide you with the opportunity to either shorten your trip or go back to spots you missed. They are Hyatt and Sparks Lane. We drove a bit down both of these roads yesterday and the picture in this post is from Hyatt Lane. It depicts a lot of what you will encounter on both of these paths. Lone trees, vast fields, wire fences, and great views.
  Going to spend a lot more time in Cades Cove in the future. Can't wait til the fall colors come in.