Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States, and for good reason! With so much to see and do, travelers from all over enjoy coming to visit the area. If you are planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains, then one spot you will definitely want to add to your vacation itinerary is Cades Cove! Today, we are going to answer a handful of your most commonly asked questions about Cades Cove to help you plan a visit to this gorgeous location in the Smokies. Let’s get started:
What is Cades Cove?
Cades Cove is a valley within Great Smoky Mountains National Park that was once home to settlers. Today, it is maintained by the National Park Service and welcomes visitors to learn about the area’s history and observe its natural beauty.
Where is Cades Cove located?
Cades Cove is located south of Townsend, a bit more than 30 miles southwest of Gatlinburg. It takes around an hour and a half to drive from Gatlinburg to Cades Cove.
What are the best things to do at Cades Cove?
When you arrive at Cades Cove, you will set off along the 11-mile loop road, which is an excellent scenic drive with plenty of things to do along the way. There are lots of pull-off areas, which can be perfect for checking out the sights and spotting wildlife, which tend to be abundant in the area. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and more! You can also see several historic buildings that were home to settlers of Cades Cove, such as the John Oliver Cabin, which was lived in all the way back in the 1820s! These are just some of the top things to do when you visit Cades Cove.
When is Cades Cove open?
Cades Cove is open year-round from sunrise to sunset each day. During the summer months (May-September), vehicles are not permitted to enter on Wednesdays, as these days are reserved for pedestrians and cyclers.
What are some of the top places to explore at Cades Cove?
There are several excellent places to explore when you visit Cades Cove! We would recommend stopping by the visitor center when you arrive, as there are plenty of helpful resources available there, as well as facilities like restrooms. While touring Cades Cove, some of the best spots to check out include Abrams Falls Trail, which is a 5-mile round-trip hike to a waterfall, and the Cades cove Primitive Baptist Church, which has stood since the 1880s.
What else should I know?
Sometimes, there can be heavy traffic along the Cades Cove Loop Road, especially during the summer and fall seasons. When this is the case, you should budget around 2-3 hours for your visit, depending on how often you plan to stop. Please make sure to utilize pull-off areas when you want to admire views, so that traffic can continue moving smoothly!
We hope that we have been able to answer some of your top questions about Cades Cove! We are sure that you will have a great time checking out this natural paradise during your next visit to the Smoky Mountains. If you are ready to start planning your getaway, then you can go ahead and browse our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals right here to choose the perfect lodging option! We hope to welcome you soon.
