Savannah Seay's daughter will participate with her in the Cades Cove Loop Lope this year.
Susan Hartfield and Savannah Seay came from Purvis, Miss., to participate in the Cades Cove Loop Lope inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024 to have a “race in one of the most peaceful places” that they knew.
“No cars, no noise, just nature and God’s beautiful creation. We did not sign up to achieve a PR (personal record), but to enjoy a unique opportunity paired with some additional hikes during the weekend,” said Hartfield.
When they returned home Hartfield’s daughter, Rachel, made them promise the next time they came to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for Cades Cove Loop Lope that she could also come.
“The week we returned home, Savannah found out she was expecting. This year we are coming for a mother/daughter weekend and all four will be participating in the Loop Lope. Kamry is 1 and Rachel is 12. We are all excited, but I think Rachel is the most excited,” Hartfield, 42, said.
Seay, 31, said it was a “huge surprise” when she found out she was pregnant.
“We considered ourselves ‘done having kids’ about five years prior but God had other plans,” Seay said. “The Smoky Mountains have always felt like my home away from home. They captured my heart years ago, and every time I return, it’s like a weight is lifted.
“There’s a peace that settles over me when I’m surrounded by God’s creation — the crisp mountain air in the mornings, the quiet trails, the breathtaking fall foliage and the rustic charm tucked into every little gift shop. There’s just something about the Smokies that feels like pure peace for my soul.”
The four are going to try “glamping” in nearby Wears Valley when they participate again in the Cades Cove Loop Lope 5K (3.1 miles) on Nov. 9.
“It’s the luxury side of tent camping! I believe they have three glamping tents on site,” Seay said. “I am very adventurous and open to try new things but to be honest, tent camping was never my cup of tea. But I will say the common question/running joke between Susan and I is ‘how adventurous are you feeling?’
“Susan is an adventurer herself as well as a primitive tent camper! We briefly discussed primitive camping, which I was open to trying, but because of my 1-year-old coming, we didn’t feel this was the year to trial run primitive tent camping. So for this adventure, we are going to try glamping.”
Hartfield said they plan to hike the day before doing the 5K (3.1 miles).
“We participate in races occasionally, but this one is for the experience with our daughters. In the past, we have trained together for a half marathon (13.1 miles). We have only done that distance once,” Hartfield said
“We have a packed itinerary because although we both come to the Smokies every year, sometimes more than once, there are always new places to visit, more hikes to embark on, and a peaceful atmosphere that allows you to appreciate God’s creation. The Artistic Bean and The Chocolate B’ar are two of our favorite must visit places while we are in Townsend. We look forward to another great Loop Lope experience with our daughters.”
Seay and Hartfield don’t mind the eight-hour drive to Townsend. Seay has been coming to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park since she was about 15 years old.
“It was my first vacation growing up and in the last 11 years I have probably been two to four times a year,” Seay said. “I’ve backpacked my son on a lot of the
Smoky Mountain trails until he got too big to carry but this will be my first trek with my daughter, so I’m very excited to document this trip.”
2 Responses
Wet interesting
I remember the breath-taking Smokey Mountains when I was about 10 years old & anytime I returned it was just as described in this article. God’s creation is marvelous and with Him living in me, the beauty of the earth is magnified!
Two great moms and two very sweet daughters! Enjoy your special nature time together!
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