Cades Cove

The Smoky Mountains were once a bustling community with lots of homesteads, and Cades Cove is home to the largest number of intact cabins built by the area’s European settlers. Thanks to the preservation efforts of the National Park Service, visitors can explore these historic structures today. Ready to learn about some Cades Cove history? Here are some unique facts about the Carter Shields Cabin:

Smoky Mountain photography is popular, and for good reason: the stunning scenery is breathtaking, whether you’re taking photos of the vast landscape or using the area as a backdrop for family photos. Spending a day in Cades Cove? Bring a camera to make the memories last forever! We’ve got all the details about picture-perfect spots! Here is a list of 5 of the best places in Cades Cove to take pictures:

While Cades Cove is known for its beautiful hiking trails, the popular spot is also home to popular scenic drives as well. The main Cades Cove loop is the most well-known. However, there are a couple of roads that branch off from the main route. We are going to tell you about one of them. Here is a list of everything you need to know about the history of Parson Branch Road in Cades Cove

Do you like to go for a nice hike in Cades Cove? Do you also enjoy sleeping under the stars? If you answered "yes" to both of these questions, plan a backcountry camping trip for your next visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park! One of our favorite spots for hiking and camping in Cades Cove is the Little Bottoms Trail. Keep reading to learn more!

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some amazing waterfalls. If you’re just beginning your hiking journey, you'll be glad to know that you don’t have to embark on a strenuous hike in order to see one of the most stunning falls. Read on to learn more about one of our favorite beginner waterfall hikes in one of the most popular areas: Cades Cove. Here is the history of Abrams Falls plus a few more interesting facts about the trail!

If you don’t mind throwing on a few extra blankets at night, winter camping in the Smokies can be a rewarding experience! The Cades Cove Campground is one of just two in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is open all year round, and it offers primitive campsites with flush toilets and water (but no showers or electricity). While these services may seem limited, the flipside is that you’ll enjoy a peaceful stay in one of the most beautiful areas of the park! Here are the top 4 reasons to stay at Cades Cove Campground in the winter:

One activity that visitors love to do in Cades Cove is hiking. If you're new to it, you'll be happy to know that the route doesn't have to be strenuous. There are many beginner trails to choose from. Let us help you narrow down your choices. We've got a great trail recommendation to foster your love of hiking. Here is a helpful guide to exploring the Cades Cove Nature Trail:

Are you taking the kids to Cades Cove Tennessee and wondering about short hikes in the area? This list of the top 4 short and easy Cades Cove hiking trails is perfect for families, but also if you can’t walk very far or if you don’t have a lot of time to hike!

Are you coming to Tennessee and looking for more outdoor things to do? If so, come visit Cades Cove. It is one of our favorite spots in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tourists love it too, as it receives an estimated 5 million visitors each year. In fact, Cades Cove is the most-visited area of the National Park due to its history, insight into pioneer life, incredible wildlife viewing, and beautiful hiking trails. Read on to learn more about it before you visit! Here are some frequently asked questions about Cades Cove Tennessee.

Surely you’ve heard of Cades Cove. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This serene and historic valley is a place where time sits still and visitors get lost in its picturesque setting! But beneath today’s beauty is the fascinating legacy of those who used to call Cades Cove home. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1800s and would quickly face challenges of self-reliance, community building, and making the most of the land. Learn more about their story as we provide a glimpse into pioneer life in Cades Cove:

Before the first folks ever settled in the Smoky Mountains and made Cades Cove their home, the only beings to roam the area were wild animals. Today, Cades Cove wildlife remains as the only residents — and the wildest! One of the distinct features visitors love about Cades Cove is the number of animals you can see. It provides visitors with a chance to connect with nature and its most fascinating creatures in a picturesque setting you can’t find elsewhere. Continue reading as we discuss these animals in our guide to Cades Cove wildlife:

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:

When you visit the Smoky Mountains, one of the things you might notice is the remnants of old civilizations. This is especially true in one of the national park’s most visited areas, Cades Cove. As you make the drive around the 11-mile loop road, you will notice there are a variety of old church buildings scattered around the property. Discover why that is with this history of churches in Cades Cove:

One of the most unique ways to experience Cades Cove Loop Road is with a guided hayride! Sit back and relax in a comfortable truck-pulled, hay-filled trailer as you enjoy a nostalgic ride around the loop with your family and friends! On your fully narrated adventure, you may even catch a glimpse of the wildlife inhabiting Cades Cove, such as white-tailed deer, black bears, raccoons, turkeys, and woodchucks! Here are the top 4 things to know about the Cades Cove hayrides:

One of the best ways to explore the Cades Cove area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is by bicycle! This is your chance to enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings of the Smokies, experience some fascinating historical sights, and maybe even spot some wildlife, all while pedaling along Cades Cove Loop Road! If you don’t have your own bike, there is a convenient bicycle rental facility at the entrance to the Loop Road with a wide selection of Fuji cruiser bikes for adults and children! Here are the top 4 things to know about Cades Cove bicycle rentals: