Weekends in the fall in North Carolina….aaaaack.  Leaf peeping plus wildlife watching equal an endless flow of distracted, inconsiderate drivers.  We got out of the Cataloochee Valley just as grid lock was setting in around the Elk viewing area.  We bailed for the day last Sunday when the traffic on the Blue Ridge got crazy.  Traffic on the entire 11 mile loop at Cades Cove was stop and go bumper to bumper even on Monday.

Just know, it is SO worth seeing but make it a weekday trip if at all possible, check out some lesser known areas, and no matter what, bring a lot of patience.  It is really pretty cool that so many folks want to be part of this spectacular season and these wondrous places.