Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, and it is easy to understand why.
Tucked away in a far corner of the park, Cades Cove is far from the influences of civilization. It is as if time has stood still in the preserved sanctuary, and visitors to the cove bask in its natural settings.
From spotting local wildlife to listening to the subtle noises of nature free from the sound pollution of the city, there are several fun, eco-friendly ways to enjoy this wonderous region of the national park.
Be it a guided tour or an independent journey into the park, these are the best things to do in Cades Cove, TN.
The 8 Best Things to Do in Cades Cove
- Hike the Cades Cove Trails Through the Great Smokey Mountains
- Drive Along the Cades Cove Loop Road
- Bike the Cades Cove Loop Road
- Hire a Horseback Riding Guide from the Cades Cove Riding Stables
- Explore the History of Cades Cove’s Old Buildings
- Have a Picnic in Cades Cove
- Explore the Local Wildlife
- Enjoy the Scenery
1. Hike the Cades Cove Trails Through the Great Smokey Mountains
One of the best ways to explore Cades Cove is along one of the few hiking trails that weave their way through the area. With trails ranging from easy to strenuous, Cades Cove offers a path suitable for hikers of all experience levels.
Cades Cove’s most popular hiking trail is the Abrams Falls Trail. The moderate 5-mile out and back trail features a total incline of 600 feet and leads to a beautiful 25-foot waterfall along Abrams Creek.
The Rich Mountain Loop trail is another fantastic hike in the area, albeit slightly more difficult than the Abrams Fall trail. Hikers will follow the loop trail for 8.3 miles, ascending a total of 2,000 feet, before reaching the peak of Rich Mountain. From here, visitors will enjoy views of the entire region.
2. Drive Along the Cades Cove Loop Road
The Cades Cove Loop Road is a fantastic way to explore the region for those that would rather skip the moderate to strenuous hike through the park.
The 11-mile road swings through Cades Cove and features two gravel roads that cut through to either shorten or extend your journey.
Proper etiquette is crucial when driving the Cades Cove Loop Road. The drive is one of the most popular in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, and stopping along the one-way street will cause traffic.
Instead, pull to the side of the road before stopping to observe lookout points or wildlife.
3. Bike the Cades Cove Loop Road
Another fantastic way to explore the Cades Cove Loop Road is via a relaxing bike ride free of vehicular traffic.
Every Wednesday and Saturday, Cades Cove keeps its gates closed until 10 am, allowing visitors with bikes to come and peddle the journey through the region without worrying about traffic.
The ride is quiet and tranquil as the early morning sounds of nature are free of any interference from civilization and human interactions.
4. Hire a Horseback Riding Guide from the Cades Cove Riding Stables
Certain aspects of Cades Cove can only truly be appreciated from the vantage point of riding horseback through the park.
As an official National Park Service Concessionaire, the Cades Cove Riding Stable is the only service in the area to offer this unique experience.
With well-trained horses and friendly staff, the riding stables offer great guided horseback trail rides for visitors of all riding levels. Rides last about an hour, while horse-drawn carriage tours are slightly shorter at about 45-minutes.
5. Explore the History of Cades Cove’s Old Buildings
Thanks to its level terrain and fertile soil, Cades Cove was a popular area for Euro-American settlers in the early 1800s.
The remote community thrived in the area for over a century. While the population has since dispersed, many relics of the settlement can still be observed in the region today.
Among the historic buildings is the john Oliver Cabin. While the second residential building John Oliver built for himself and his wife, this cabin is the oldest in the Great Smokey Mountains and dates back to 1820.
Also found within Cades Cove are three historic churches, a cable mill, the Elijah Oliver Cabin, a corn crib, and other cabins that once served as the home to several other settlers in the region.
6. Have a Picnic in Cades Cove
Tucked deep in the Smokey Mountains National Park, Cades Cove offers one of the most pristine pieces of the park, perfect for hosting a family picnic.
Before entering the park, visitors should pick up sandwiches, hot dogs, or burgers from the Cades Cove Campground Store’s deli and any other supplies they may need.
While there is a great picnic area near the entrance, venturing further into the park rewards more isolated and private spaces to enjoy your meal.
7. Explore the Local Wildlife
As one of the most preserved corners of the Smokey Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is a refuge for many species of wildlife that call eastern Tennessee home.
Among the more popular species of the region are white-tailed deer, groundhogs, red foxes, coyotes, and black bears.
Cades Cove offers plenty of great bird-watching opportunities for those interested in airborne species. Goldfinches, barn swallows, quail, meadowlarks, wild turkeys, and short-eared owls can often be spotted frequenting the area. Also calling Cades Cove home are red-shouldered hawks for those lucky enough to spot one.
The best time for spotting local wildlife in Cades Cove is either in the early morning or evening. This is because many of the species come out during this time to begin their hunting, and the less traffic in the area means less chance of scaring the animals off.
8. Enjoy the Scenery
The biggest draw to the Great Smokey Mountains is the breathtaking scenery the region promises. And Cades Cove is no slouch when it comes to stunning views.
Offering two scenic overlooks, Cades Cove is a fantastic spot for observing the pure majesty of the Great Smokey mountains as they dominate the surrounding landscape with their pure size and beauty.
The first scenic overlook is accessed along the Cades Cove Loop Trail, just past the Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church. With a large parking lot, there are plenty of spaces to park and a large field perfect for hosting a picnic while enjoying the views.
The second overlook is known as the Valley View Overlook, and that is because it offers a breathtaking view of the entire valley. The overlook is accessed between Tipton Place and the Carter Shields Cabin and features a small parking lot with a nearby field.
The 3 Best Tours in Cades Cove
- Tennessee Mountain Tours
Offering a guided driving tour along the Cades Cove Loop Road, the Tennessee Mountain Tours is led by real locals who know the area. Visitors will be directed to all the top sights of Cades Cove while learning the history of the region and spotting local wildlife with the assistance of a trained eye. - Cades Cove Heritage Tour
Offering public and private tours, the Cades Cove heritage Tour is great for larger groups and features a 14- or 18- passenger Educational Transportation Vehicle. The heritage tours focus on the history of Cades Cove and bring guests to many historical landmarks. Of course, the tour also stops at many fantastic observation points throughout the journey, and guests will even be able to spot local wildlife. - Self-Driving Tours
Forgoing a traditional guide, the Cades Cove: Self-Guided Sightseeing and Driving Audio Tour allows guests to independently venture into the preserved corners. Armed with the Action Tour Guide app, visitors have a plethora of information at their fingertips as they lead themselves to all of the great highlights of the region.
