It’s no secret that the most popular and usually the most crowded area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Cades Cove. It receives about 5 million visitors each year! Why? Cades Cove Loop Road features beautiful natural scenery and showcases the area’s unique history. Want to know how to avoid some of the crowds there during your visit? Keep reading for our best tips on how to avoid traffic on Cades Cove Loop Road:
1. Visit Early in the Morning
One way to avoid traffic on this popular scenic drive is to visit early in the morning. There will be fewer cars, which makes it easier to navigate the route. In the summer, the cooler morning temperatures are ideal for starting longer day hikes. Another advantage of visiting Cades Cove Loop Road early in the morning is the increased chance of spotting wildlife. Black bears are most active in the spring and summer during early morning and evening hours. You may also see deer and wild turkey wandering around in open field areas. If you do see any wildlife, maintain a safe distance of at least 150 feet away.
2. Try An Alternate Route
Another way to avoid traffic on Cades Cove Loop Road is to try an alternate route. One of them is Parson Branch Road. This is an 8-mile one-way road leading out of Cades Cove that connects to US 129. The branches on the trees with their many leaves provide a canopy of shade during the warmer months. There are also 20 stream crossings as well. Keep in mind that Parson Branch Road is only open seasonally from April to November. Another way out of Cades Cove is Rich Mountain Road. To get there, you will drive through Cades Cove Loop Road about halfway until you reach the Missionary Baptist Church. The entrance to Rich Mountain Road is across from this church. It goes for 7 miles and ends in Townsend TN. One of the highlights to look out for is the scenic overlook. It provides a great view of the Primitive Baptist Church and the mountains.
3. Get Out and Explore the Hiking Trails
You can bypass some of the traffic on Cades Cove Loop Road by getting out of your car and taking a hike. Some trails have trailheads right on Cades Cove Loop Road! A great beginner route is the Cades Cove Nature Trail. This easy roundtrip hike is about 2 miles and a great way to take in the peacefulness and sights of the Smokies for all ages. A harder but still family-friendly trail is Abrams Falls. The route is 5 miles roundtrip and leads to the most voluminous waterfall in the park. After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch while relaxing in the fresh air. The Cades Cove picnic area is open year-round! Keep in mind that you do need a Smoky Mountain parking tag for your vehicle if you are parked for more than 15 minutes!
Now you know how to avoid traffic on Cades Cove Loop Road! Want to know more about this scenic route? Here is a list of historical structures on Cades Cove Loop Road!
