Cade's Cove (mountain valley) is one of the most beautiful and most visited places in America's most visited National Park. That means that you want to avoid weekends and afternoons during tourist season, but the open glades where you're certain to see deer grazing, not to mention other wildlife, pioneer cabins, and other historic buildings are well worth it. The ride involves a six-mile climb up from Townsend, all but the last mile or so fairly gradual, then the 11-mile one-way loop road around the outer edge of the Cove (there are a few very short and very sharp climbs). Then it's down the hill and back to Townsend (or, if you want, down Little River Road for a few more miles--see point of interest).
