5 Reasons I Love Cades Cove
For good reasons, Cades Cove is a hugely popular area of the Smoky Mountains National Park. The majestic scenery features deer, turkeys, bears, horseback riding, camping, historic turn-of-the-century churches, hiking, and a working grist mill, all accessible along a one-way paved road that allows for both car and bike enjoyment. And it's free! Turn off your phone and enjoy the outdoors. Please note that a valid parking tag is required for parking. The main entrance to the loop is open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset. The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile, single-lane, paved road that circles the cove; it takes about 3 hours, but consider packing a lunch and staying all day. There are plenty of places to pull off and enjoy the scenery. Stop at historic structures from the 1800s, such as old churches, cemeteries, and the old mill (nice restrooms). Stop at the Cades Cove store for ice cream. Want to learn more about visiting the Smoky Mountains? Click Smoky Mountain Adventures to start your adventure!
#1: Tons of Wildlife
When you spend time in Cades Cove, you can see raccoons, white-tailed deer, red and gray foxes, coyotes, wild hogs, groundhogs, and even otters and beavers. Bobcats call Cades Cove home, but they are very reclusive and shy. It's also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a chance of seeing wild turkeys, golden eagles, bluebirds, red-tailed hawks, crows, and pileated woodpeckers. Wildlife is most active in the mornings, evenings, or when the weather is overcast. Being as quiet as possible will increase your chances of success.
#2: Historical Buildings
Cool history of 3 churches and seven cabins with their own unique farmstead stories. For example, the Missionary Baptist Church split from the Primitive Baptist Church in 1841 due to interpretation differences of the societies, schools, and missionary work. For 50 years, services were held in member's homes until a church was constructed in 1894. The current Cades Cove church was built in 1915 to house the growing number of members. Are you looking for the perfect rustic charm wedding venue? This building is available for church services and weddings (Special Use Permit needed)!
#3: No cars in Cades Code Wednesdays!
Only Hikers and Cyclists are allowed on Wednesdays! The loop is closed to cars all day from early May to the end of September, allowing the bikes to have the road. The 11-mile loop features several steep, short climbs, with two paved roads available for taking shortcuts if needed. It would be an excellent loop for the eBikes! Don’t have a bike? Rent a bike or EBike from Vee Hollow for 24 hours, ride Townsend’s paved trails, go to Cades Cove, or both!
#4: Hike to Abrams Falls
The falls are 25' and are one of the most voluminous falls after rain. This beautiful trail follows the Abrams River through the oak forest, hemlock, and rhododendrons. A June hike will be rewarded with the Rosebay Rhododendron in bloom with clumps of whitish flowers! The trailhead is on the west side of Cades Cove, a 5-mile round-trip hike.
#5: Picnic next to a clear mountain stream
Find one of many wonderful picnic areas featuring grills, tables, restrooms, and a clear, rushing stream. Bring burgers, brats, and chips, and enjoy the day by playing in the stream, taking short hikes, and simply sitting in nature. Take the time just to be.
Want to learn more about visiting the Smoky Mountains? Click Smoky Mountains Adventures to start your adventure! Make your trip planning to the Smokies easy with tips from a local, including sample itineraries, RV and hotel stay recommendations, mileage between stops, park entry permit tricks, must-do activities, hiking trails, wildlife viewing locations, waterfalls, and many more lifetime experiences! For example:
* Townsend: Known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend, Tennessee, is a quiet town with bike trails, events, restaurants, river inner tubing, horseback riding, hotels/camping, and is located at the entrance closest to Cades Cove. My preference!
* Wears Valley: Quiet valley with tons of mountain view cabins, camping, craft artisans, with a quick "back door" entrance into the park and Sugarlands Visitor Center.
* Pigeon Forge: Fabulous resorts, cabins/hotels/camping, restaurants, theme parks, giant dinner theaters, race tracks, museum attractions, and shopping outlets.
* Gatlinburg: Hotel balconies over the river, cabins, pedestrian-friendly, walk to attractions, restaurants, and close to GSMNP.
