The trail heads for Lead Cove and Finley Cane Trails are side by side off Laurel Creek Road between the Townsend Wye and Cades Cove. There were several vehicles already parked at the trail heads. I found a spot and disembarked, gathered my backpack and walking stick and headed up Lead Cove. The temperatures were chilly but bright sunshine promised they would rise as the day progressed.
As I started up Lead Cove I crossed a couple of streams and entered a winter wonderland. Lead Cove is fairly steep as it climbs towards Bote Mountain. It took me a quarter to a half mile to get my trail legs under me. My heart pounded and my breathing was a bit ragged leaving me wondering what the heck I was doing there. I pushed through the initial discomfort and convinced my protesting body that yes, we were going to do this and it was going to be a good day!
Lead Cove is 1.8 miles in length. At the intersection with Bote Mountain I made a right turn on Bote Mountain. I wanted to get the 1.2 miles of Bote Mountain from Lead Cove to the intersection with Anthony Creek Trail. The snow on this section was a couple inches deep and I tromped up towards my goal. By doing this 1.2 mile section I finished putting together the full length of Bote Mountain trail. I pieced Bote Mountain Trail together in 3 different hikes. I took a break at the Anthony Creek Trailhead. Then I turned around and headed back down Bote Mountain towards Finley Cane. The sun highlighted the snow making it sparkle and twinkle like little jewels dotted the ground. The views of the mountains were stunning as the peaks stood against the deep blue skies.
As I descended the snow cover faded. I passed other hikers doing the loop coming up Finley to descend Lead Cove. The views off Bote Mountain Trail are nice. Bote Mountain Trail is a rocky, rough litttle piece of trail with gullies in places. One must watch ones footing especially as one descends. I left snow covered trails for slush and mud.
The temperature rose into the 40’s and when I turned onto Finley Cane I left the last dusting of snow covered ground behind me. Finley wound towards the trail head with a gradual elevation change. I enjoyed the dramatic change from winter wonderland to forest trail in browns and muted greenery. I passed no other hikers on Finley Cane Trail.
The loop hike was a nice change from the in and out hikes I have been doing lately as I piece together my map. I expect this challenge to take me a while. Days like today make that prospect one to look forward to.
MrsSmithsLifeUnexpected 