Cades Cove
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Cades Cove is an expansive, isolated valley located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is one of the most popular destinations within the Smoky Mountains because of its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, scenic mountain views, and well-preserved homesteads. More than two million visitors come through Cades Cove annually.
From a geological perspective, Cades Cove is known as a "limestone window." That means that erosion caused the top layer of sandstone to disappear, leaving the limestone beneath. This is also what gives Cades Cove its fertile soil and makes it attractive both to early farmers and to the myriad of wildlife.
People visit Cades Cove for the scenery. Whether camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, or just checking out the natural beauty of the Smokies, Cades Cove is one of the premier places to visit in the Smoky Mountains. It is not uncommon to see foxes and bears while hiking through a valley surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Tennessee.
How to Get There
Cades Cove is located close to resort towns in Tennessee like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg as well as Cherokee, NC. It is also less than two hours from Knoxville, TN, where you can fly into McGhee Tyson Airport. If you are traveling from close by, the scenery that you pass on the way to Cades Cove, especially Great Smoky Mountain National Park, makes driving worth the trouble.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to Cades Cove
Visit Cades Cove
Some of the most popular destinations within Cades Cove include caves, cabins, old churches, hiking trails, and other old buildings. One of the best ways to see everything Cades Cove has to offer is to take a driving tour through an 11-mile, one-way loop road. This way, you can see everything from your vehicle and then plan on what individual sites you want to visit later.
Gregory's Cave and Bull Cave are two of the largest in Tennessee. The two caves are now closed to visitors other than for scientific purposes and with a permit. John Oliver Cabin and Primitive Baptist Church are two of the most popular sites to visit, and the John Cable Grist Mill is still operational today. Aside from the scenery and wildlife, these attractions give visitors a sense of the history of Cades Cove.
The best time to visit Cades Cove is in the autumn. It is cool enough to see much of the wildlife the area has to offer, but not so cold that it is difficult to enjoy. Fall is also when the leaves change all across Smoky Mountain National Park. The red, yellow, and brown leaves make Cades Cove even more beautiful and a must-visit for nature lovers.
Ticket Information
There is no admission cost to visit Cades Cove.
Family-Friendly Options
Cades Cove offers opportunities for the entire family. The history, scenery, and wildlife viewing are what most people come to see, but the proximity to resort towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge make it a great trip for anyone. There is RV camping close by, cabin rentals for large or small families, and plenty of hotels as well. Pigeon Forge is known for its restaurants and shopping whereas Gatlinburg is more touristy and even has an aquarium.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
There is so much to do in and around Cades Cove that you have to plan well to make sure you get to everything. You should spend at least one full day inside Cades Cove, both driving and hiking to the places you most want to visit. During that time, you will also see some great scenery and hopefully get to see bears, foxes, turkeys, deer, and more.
Depending on how long you are staying in the area, there are other great places to visit during your time at Cades Cove. Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park and ski area close by, and a day trip to Gatlinburg itself is a lot of fun. There are boutique shops, laser tag experiences, museums, restaurants, an aquarium, and more. Pigeon Forge is a great place for shopping and has some of the best restaurants in the area. The Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge is one of the most unique and well-known restaurants there. Dollywood, a famous theme park started by country music star Dolly Parton, is just over an hour's drive away as well.
If you visit Cades Cove during the Fall, you will have some incredible photo opportunities. There are numerous scenic by-ways and historical landmarks where memories and pictures can be made. If you go hiking in the mountains, the mountain streams and trees will give you ample opportunities for photo shoots.
Cades Cove Accommodations
On Site Accommodations
Cades Cove Campground is located on-site and includes both primitive tent camping and RV camping. This campground is located right in the middle of Cades Cove and is available by reservation only.
Cades Cove Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 feet
Other amenities: Dump station, potable water, trash collection, camp store, ice and firewood concession, flush toilets
Campgrounds Nearby
While Cades Cove Campground doesn't offer hookups or showers, it compensates with its natural charm and accessibility to essential amenities. RVs up to 40 feet in length and trailers up to 35 feet are accommodated, allowing visitors to bring their homes on wheels and explore the scenic wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains. Additionally, a limited selection of groceries, camping supplies, and visitor convenience items, along with food and beverage services, are available within the park, enhancing the overall convenience and enjoyment of the camping experience at Cades Cove.
Nestled beside the enchanting Abrams Creek, Abrams Creek Campground beckons nature enthusiasts to revel in its tranquil and secluded surroundings. Situated at an elevation of 1,125 feet (~343 meters), the campground enjoys a moderate climate, featuring mild winters and warm, humid summers that add to the allure of the natural setting. Providing essential amenities, including flush toilets and potable water, the campground offers a serene escape where campers can connect with the soothing rhythm of Abrams Creek.
Within the 68 available sites, ten are equipped with electric and water hookups, enhancing the camping experience for those seeking a touch of convenience. Despite the absence of shower facilities in the campground, the tranquil surroundings and well-maintained sites compensate for any creature comforts overlooked. Embracing a range of RV lengths from 13 to 48 feet (about 4 to 15 meters), campers can choose a spot that suits their preferences, ensuring a delightful stay amidst the scenic allure of Look Rock Campground.
Activities Near Cades Cove
Things to Do
Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular activities at Cades Cove because of the abundance of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and developed hiking trails. It is not uncommon to come across a black bear or to see foxes, deer, and eagles in the distance. While millions of people visit Cades Cove every year, it still remains largely untouched and natural.
Nature Watching
Nature watching is another common activity at Cades Cove. Most people come to try and see some of the abundant wildlife that call the area home. Black bears and foxes are among the favorite animals that people want to see. Aside from the wildlife, the overall scenic and natural beauty of Cades Cove makes it one of the most popular destinations in America.
Stargazing
Stargazing is another great activity to do in Cades Cove. There are camping opportunities in and around the area, but the open skies and lack of industry have left Cades Cove a great place to gaze up at the stars, especially when there is a meteor shower or some other celestial event.
National Parks
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Cades Cove is located in a part of the country where there are four distinct seasons. As such, great care should be taken when planning and packing based on the weather at the time of your trip. If you travel to Cades Cove in the Spring or Summer, it could be very hot during your trip though the mornings and the evenings could get cool in the spring. During the winter, Cades Cove is far enough north where cold weather, snow, and sleet could affect the way you pack and prepare for a trip. If you visit in the winter, there are skiing opportunities close by as well.
The best time to visit Cades Cove is during the autumn months. The weather is cool enough to not be sweltering, but warm enough that wildlife will still be out in the open and you can be comfortable throughout the day.
Safety & Accessibility
One of the most important things to remember when visiting Cades Cove is to not get too close to the wildlife. Almost any animal, when threatened or approached, could attack. Remember that Cades Cove is the animals' home, and you are simply visiting. keep a respectful distance no matter how badly you want that close-up photo.
Visitors with disabilities or wheelchairs will find Cades Cove to be a great place to visit. The 11-mile loop is a perfect way to experience nature from your car, and many of the buildings and landmarks are accessible.
Conclusion
Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is known for its history, wildlife viewing, and scenic beauty. Located in a valley surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in Tennessee, there is something to do at Cades Cove for everyone and the area is a must-visit for anyone who loves exploring the beauty of the United States.
FAQ
Yes. While Cades Cove Campground is located inside the Park, there are multiple RV campsites and primitive camping opportunities throughout the area. There are also cabin rentals and hotels for those who want to camp without camping.
Cades Cove Campground has some RV sites, and RVs can drive around the 11-mile loop. RVs may be more difficult on the narrower roads if you are just sightseeing, but it is RV-friendly.
The main thing to know about Cades Cove is that there is far more to do there and in the nearby area than most people realize. Make sure to plan a long enough trip to fully experience all that Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer.
Cades Cove is very family friendly. With the surrounding resort towns, the different opportunities within Cades Cove, and the variety of the environment and terrain, there is something to do for almost anyone.
Pets are allowed to visit Cades Cove with you; however, there are certain rules that come along with that privilege. Your pet should be kept on a leash at all times, the leash should be no longer than six feet, and pets are not allowed on the trails.