Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations for visitors in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One of the main reasons that people love this area is because of the wide array of things to see and do in one location. Whether you are looking for a nice scenic drive, a hiking trail for the family, or a place to have a picnic, this is the place to go! Here are 4 fascinating things you can find in Cades Cove:
1. Amazing Views
Of course, one of the reasons you have decided to take a trip to the Smokies is to take in the incredible mountain views. In Cades Cove, there are a few different ways to enjoy the scenery. The first thing you can do is drive through the 11-mile loop road. Along the way, you can take in the beauty of the Smokies without ever leaving your car. If you need to get out and stretch, there are many pull offs where you can park your car and take pictures or just soak it all in. You can also stop at one of the trailheads and enjoy an amazing hike!
2. Incredible Wildlife
As you probably know, this is one of the biggest areas of the national park where you can see the wildlife of the Smokies! Some of the most popular critters you can spot going through the Cove include white tailed deer, wild turkeys, horses, and even black bears! Be sure to bring your camera along on the drive because you never know when you might find an animal up in a tree or prancing through the fields.
3. Natural Formations
In addition to the majestic mountains, there are plenty of other elements of nature you can find in this popular area of the park. Whether you want to see a waterfall, vibrant wildflowers, or interesting rock formations, you can find it all in the Smokies! If you visit during the winter months, you can see the added effect of icicles hanging from the trees and snow covering the mountaintops. No matter what season you decide to visit, there is always an amazing part of nature just waiting to be discovered.
4. Fascinating History
When you visit Cades Cove, you can learn a lot about the history of the Smoky Mountains while you take in the gorgeous views. There are a variety of different historical buildings all through the loop road, including old cabins, interesting churches, and traces from some of the earliest civilizations! While you are there, you can even explore the John Oliver Cabin, which is one of the oldest structures in all of the Smoky Mountains.
Now that you know about some of the things you can find in Cades Cove, you will know what to look for on your next trip! Be sure to learn more about the history of the area before you visit to give you a greater appreciation for the marvelous land we call home. We look forward to seeing you soon!
