Per this article I see that a Cades Cove planning group has entered Phase II in its effort to improve the visitor experience while protecting the environment.
Phase II “expected to last 22 months, will include additional data collection, refinement of the five alternatives, environmental assessment and analysis and more public involvement.”
I can save them most of the 22 months. In order to make the visitor experience more pleasant, they need to repave the loop road and make it at least five to ten feet wider, adding many more pull over spots. Frankly, a passing lane sounds like a good idea to me, though it would admittedly add some new problems.
If you can’t tell, I’m not a big fan of riding behind a pokey car or waiting in line because some out-of-staters spotted a squirrel or deer in the woods. I know this impatience kind of goes against the spirit of the place, but if I’m in a vehicle, I like to keep moving. If I want go slow and take my time, I’ll get out and walk.