The autumn air of Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will once again be filled with the sweet smell of molasses. In October, a demonstration of molasses making using a horse-powered cane mill and wood-fired cooker to produce sorghum molasses is scheduled. The program, which is free to the public, replicates this traditional fall activity.

Sorghum Mill

Historically, sorghum cane was a common crop in the Smokies. It was generally planted in the late spring or early summer and harvested in the fall. After the cane was cut, it was fed through a mule- or horse-powered mill to extract the juice. The juice was then cooked for several hours in a large kettle until it thickened into sorghum molasses.

The event begins around 10 a.m. at the Cable Mill area which is located approximately halfway around the 11-mile Loop Road. Date TBA.