I have been to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park many times, however, this was the first time I visited the Cades Cove portion. You drive a very winding road to get to it and it is well worth it. First, I passed a field with millions of Monarch butterflies - it was beyond beautiful. Then I came upon 5 primitive churches that you could walk around and even go inside. They were so amazing, and a couple of them had cemeteries on the property. Next, there was an old mill that was still a working mill. I was so glad that I finally visited Cades Cove!
Five primitive churches.
A grave from the Revolutionary War!
The inside of all the churches was beautiful and basic.
There are also several old houses in the park.
Beautiful mill (there is a visitor center at this location)
Gorgeous field of Monarch butterflies
As I exited the park at the Cherokee end (I had entered at Gatlinburg), there was a beautiful herd of elk grazing.
