Cades Cove is located in the NorthWest corner of Smoky Mountain National Park. It has an 11 mile driving loop that features historic sites, wildflower fields, and viewing of resident wildlife. The park provided a gist on how the valley developed over the years and how it became part of the park.

The view of the landscape and vegetation of Cades Cove was picturesque. I wondered how it might have looked like during the different seasons and when there were more wildlife roaming the area.

We spotted one of the resident wildlife – a black bear. It was no wonder that the line of cars snaking through the one way road abruptly halted. People got out of their vehicles and started taking photographs with their cell phones. I thought they were way too close to the bear and I probably was the only one worried for their safety. Anyway, the bear seemed to be familiar with the site of humans as it went on its business of foraging for food in the field. I felt lucky that the bear crossed the road in front of my vehicle and I didn’t even have to get out for a closer look. There were more wildlife at Yellowstone National Park but the only grizzly bear that I saw was through a scope at almost a mile distance.

The bear was initially oblivious of people’s presence. It gradually became anxious looking as more people got out of their vehicles and gathered closer. After crossing the road, the bear gave one last look back before disappearing into the bushes.