Cades Cove is definitely a place to visit, but I'd say that *only* if you're willing to get there before everyone else & their brother, and their brother's sister, and her husband, and their 15 kids, and those kids' friends, etc, etc. It's so much better when traffic is not bumper to bumper.
Joyce Kilmer is definitely a good trip, I think the trail loop is about 2 miles (??), not very difficult of a walk either.
When you head East to Winston, I would recommend hopping on the Blue Ridge Parkway when you climb Balsam Cap (just before you get into Waynesville). Enjoy the Parkway until you get to Asheville (exit the BRP @ Hwy 191). I can ramble off several GREAT spots to take short side-hikes for some great waterfalls. In addition to those falls, Devil's Courthouse and Graveyard Fields are two great places to stop and see. If time allows, stop for a meal at Pisgah Inn, it's worth the wait to get a table at the window... ESPECIALLY if you stop for supper in time for sunset!!!!
PM me if you're interested in the waterfall stops along the Parkway, or if interest dictates, I will add another post in the thread.