If you are coming to visit the Smoky Mountains, you will want to make sure to include a trip to Cades Cove in your vacation itinerary. This incredible spot features a variety of experiences that can help to make your Smoky Mountain vacation special, from the opportunity to discover a waterfall and spot native wildlife, to learning about the area’s history and exploring historic buildings, there is so much to do at Cades Cove! Read on to learn more:
Cades Cove Loop Road
The Cades Cove Loop Road offers access to all the great trails, historic sites, and more that Cades Cove has to offer. This 11-mile one-way loop circles the entire area and provides an excellent drive for those looking to experience the activities at Cades Cove. On average, it takes visitors between 2-4 hours to explore Cades Cove using the loop road, and there are lots of opportunities to pull off and explore if you want to add to your adventure. Additionally, Cades Cove offers vehicle-free access along the loop road each Wednesday from May to September, offering visitors an alternate way to explore!
Hiking Trails
While you are checking out Cades Cove, you will have access to lots of beautiful hiking trails. Trails like the Cades Cove Nature Trail can be easily accessed from the loop road and present excellent chances to stretch your legs and see the area on foot. While hiking at Cades Cove, you will be able to spot animals, see historic buildings, and lots of the other interesting things on this list!
Abrams Falls
Another of the best sights you can check out when you visit Cades Cove is Abrams Falls, a 20 foot high waterfall with a significant volume of water that collects in a pool at the base. In order to access Abrams Falls, you can take the Abrams Falls Trail, which starts shortly past stop #10 on the Cades Cove Loop Road. The roundtrip hike to the waterfall and pack is about 5 miles and is considered moderately difficult, so visitors are advised to carry drinking water and wear sturdy hiking shoes!
Historic Buildings
Cades Cove also presents visitors with the opportunity to discover the area’s history by seeing some of the historic buildings here in the area. Structures such as the John Oliver Cabin and the Cades Cove Methodist Church offer a glimpse into the Smoky Mountains’ past and allow visitors to learn about the settlers that called the area home in the past. With plenty of historic sites to discover, anyone who is interested in history will likely enjoy a visit to Cades Cove.
Wildlife
When you are visiting Cades Cove, you will also have the chance to spot some of the local wildlife, as the open sightlines in the area allow for good visibility. So grab your binoculars, head out to Cades Cove, and see which of the area’s creatures you can spot. Cades Cove is home to white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, turkeys, raccoons, groundhogs, and more!
As you can see, you will have lots of options for how to spend your time when you visit Cades Cove here in the Smoky Mountains. Whether you decide to hike to a waterfall, look for local wildlife, or just enjoy a leisurely drive along the loop road, Cades Cove is sure to be a memorable addition to your Smoky Mountains vacation. If you are ready to plan your next trip to the area today, just check out our selection of cabins in the Smoky Mountains and find the perfect place to stay! We hope to welcome you soon.
