Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Smokies, and it’s easy to see why. This beautiful valley surrounded by mountains offers some of the best opportunities for biking, hiking, and more! To help you make the most of your trip, here are 4 fun things to do at Cades Cove.
1. Auto Touring
Auto touring is a great way to experience the beauty of the Smokies without breaking a sweat! Cades Cove is one of the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. The 11-mile, one-way loop allows you to take it all in from the comfort of your vehicle. To guide you along the way, there are inexpensive tour booklets at the entrance to the road which provide a map and information about the cove.
2. Bicycling
Cades Cove is a popular bicycling destination, proving bicyclists opportunities for wildlife viewing and a chance to see 19th-century homesites. From early May until late September, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10 a.m., only bicyclists and pedestrians are allowed on the loop road. This is so that they can enjoy the Cove in peace without the interruption of motor vehicles. If you don’t have a bicycle or just don’t feel like bringing one, the campground store can rent one to you during the summer and fall.
3. Have a Picnic
The picnicking area at Cades Cove is one of the few in the national park that is open year-round. You can enjoy your meal while being surrounded by the peace and beauty of nature, just remember not to feed the wildlife and not to leave anything behind! Feeding the animals here is illegal and leaving food scattered about will attract them to the area. Before you head out, make sure that your picnic area is clean. By doing this, you are keeping the park beautiful and the animals that live here safe from harm!
4. View Your Favorite Wildlife
Great Smoky Mountains is one of the most biodiverse national parks in the country, with thousands of plant and animal species! Cades Cove is one of the best places to go in the park for wildlife viewing. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen here. It’s also possible that you may come across other native wildlife such as turkeys, groundhogs, coyotes, and even black bears. If you love bird watching this is the place to do it! Check out these helpful tips for birding in the Great Smoky Mountains to brush up on what you’ll need so that you can come prepared! Being near these amazing animals is something you’ll never forget! Just make sure you are prepared ahead of time by brushing up on wildlife viewing tips and black bear safety.
With so many different things to do at Cades Cove, you are sure to find something you’ll enjoy! Before you visit, read up on the 6 stops you have to make along the Cades Cove Loop so you can get the full experience!
