🐻🌲 My heart absolutely melted watching these adorable little bear cubs climbing a tree yesterday in Cades Cove 😍💛
There’s something so special about seeing wildlife in their natural habitat, especially when they’re this cute 🥹
Moments like this are why I never get tired of visiting the Smokies. Every trip is different, and sometimes nature gives you a memory you'll never forget ✨
If you visit Cades Cove, remember:
🐻 Keep a safe distance
📸 Bring your zoom lens
🚫 Never approach or feed wildlife
💛 Respect their space and let them stay wild
These sweet babies were definitely the highlight of my day! 😍
🏡 If you're planning a Smoky Mountain getaway, The Cardinal's Nest in Waynesville is the perfect home base for exploring Cades Cove, wildlife viewing, waterfalls, and mountain adventures.
👉 Book your stay here:
https://thecardinalsnestcabin.com/
🐻🌲💕
The Cardinals Nest In The Smokies
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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Cardinals Nest In The Smokies, Asheville, NC.
Your peaceful Smoky Mountain escape with views, hot tub, and family-friendly charm
Book Today and get 20% off, message us for details
http://airbnb.com/h/cardinalsnestnc
⛰️🌿 If you're looking for one of the most breathtaking hikes in the Southern Appalachians, Roan Mountain belongs on your bucket list 😍
The views seem to go on forever, and the famous grassy balds make you feel like you're walking above the clouds 💛
📍 Roan Mountain / Grassy Ridge Bald via the Appalachian Trail
🥾 5.1-mile round-trip hike
📈 Moderate difficulty
🐕 Pet-friendly (leashed)
🌸 Spectacular rhododendron blooms in June
🌿 Wildflowers all summer long
One of the best things about this hike is that the scenery starts almost immediately. From Carver's Gap, you'll follow the Appalachian Trail across rolling mountain balds with panoramic 360-degree views that are unforgettable.
💡 Pro Tips:
✔️ Arrive early—parking fills quickly
✔️ Bring layers, even in summer
✔️ Expect cooler temperatures and strong winds on the balds
✔️ Stay on designated trails to help protect this fragile ecosystem
If you're staying at The Cardinal's Nest in the Smokies, Roan Mountain makes an incredible day trip for hikers who want to experience one of the most scenic sections of the Appalachian Trail.
📍 Roan Mountain is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from our cabin in Waynesville, NC.
After a day of mountain views and fresh air, come back and relax in the hot tub while watching the sunset over the Smokies 🌄🏡
🏡 The Cardinal's Nest in the Smokies
✔️ Sleeps up to 8 guests
✔️ Family-friendly
✔️ Hot tub with mountain views
✔️ Perfect basecamp for exploring Western North Carolina
👉 Book your mountain getaway here:
https://thecardinalsnestcabin.com/
⛰️🌿✨
Lots to do near our cabin in the Smokies. Soco Falls is located near the entry to Cherokee and it’s only a 29 min drive from the cabin
06/14/2026
🎇Summer special, 20% Off month of July🎆
🌲🔥 Escape the Summer Heat & Come Play in the Smokies! 🔥🌲
If you’re tired of the heat and looking for the perfect family getaway, let me introduce you to Cardinal’s Nest Cabin in Waynesville, NC — the Gateway to the Smoky Mountains! ⛰️✨
Perched at nearly 4,000 feet elevation, you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures, refreshing mountain air, and those magical Smoky Mountain evenings that make you want to stay outside just a little longer. 💙
And the best part? There is SO much to do nearby!
🥾 Hike scenic mountain trails
💦 Swim near beautiful waterfalls
🐎 Go horseback riding through the mountains
💎 Try your luck at gem mining
🚣 Experience whitewater rafting adventures
🛟 Tube down cool mountain streams
🦌 Spot elk, bears and wildlife in the national park
🍦 Explore charming downtown Waynesville and nearby mountain towns
After a day of adventure, come back to your private mountain retreat and:
✨ Soak in the hot tub under the stars
🌄 Enjoy mountain views from the deck
🎲 Spend quality time with family
🧸 Let the kids enjoy their own themed bedroom
Cardinal’s Nest sleeps up to 8 guests and is designed for families looking to make unforgettable mountain memories together.
🎉 SUMMER SPECIAL 🎉
Book directly through our website and save 20% on your stay!
Site and discount code in first comment
📅 Offer valid through July.
Trade the summer heat for cool mountain nights, family adventures, and memories you’ll talk about for years. ❤️
Who’s ready for a Smoky Mountain getaway? ⛰️🌲
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