There's no better way to spend a day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park than by exploring Cades Cove! Whether you simply take in the sights from your car or hike to a waterfall, people of all ages will love taking in the fresh mountain air, seeing the abundant wildlife, and appreciating the history of the people who once called this valley in the Smoky Mountains home. Here's everything you need to know about visiting Cades Cove Tennessee:
What to Do
There's no shortage of family-friendly things to do in Cades Cove, from having a picnic and biking to going horseback riding and fishing in Abrams Creek. But by far the most popular thing about Cades Cove is the 11-mile loop road where you can see gorgeous views, be on the lookout for bears, deer, turkeys, and other wildlife, and admire the many old buildings preserved in the area right in the comfort of your vehicle. Since you're already in Cades Cove Tennessee though, you might as well get out of the car and enjoy the great outdoors, whether you simply tour one of the cabins or take an easy hike to a waterfall. The hike to Abrams Falls is a moderate 5 miles roundtrip and well worth it to see the gushing falls and large pool beneath. A beginner-friendly hike you shouldn't skip is the Cades Cove Nature Trail. It's only about 2 miles long but has some of the best opportunities to watch wildlife and see the nature of the Smoky Mountains up close. Historic buildings you absolutely must add to your itinerary include a real working grist mill, several beautiful churches, the cantilever barn, and homesteads such as the Henry Whitehead Place and the John Oliver Cabin.Things to Know
While driving the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, be aware and courteous of the other vehicles by using the pullouts to stop and view the scenery and wildlife. A few other important things to take note of:
- Cades Cove is open year-round from 8 AM to sunset
- The Cades Cove Visitors Center is also open year-round (with the exception of Christmas Day) and is located about halfway through the loop road.
- Wednesdays are Vehicle Free Days from May to September.
- Parking tags are required for any vehicle parked longer than 15 minutes in any area of the park and can be purchased in person or online.