Cades Cove

Cades Cove is our favorite place in the Smokies.  The trip from Gatlinburg takes about 45-50 minutes.  This is another beautiful scenic drive that follows a beautiful mountain stream.  On the way to the Cove, you will be able to view Meigs Falls on the left.  It sets back off the road so watch or you will miss it.  During busy seasons, the traffic in Cades Cove can be heavy.  We visit during the week vs. the weekend.  There are always less people during the week and it becomes very busy on the weekend.  In October, the trip around the 11-mile loop can take up to 3 to 4 hours.  Early morning is a good time to miss a lot of traffic but catch the wildlife.  The loop opens at 7am.  The loop is closed on Wednesday and Saturday until 10am from May to the last Saturday in September for bicycle traffic only.  We have made the loop on bicycle and it is a wonderful way to see the Cove. 

We often see bears on our trips in the Cove.  Bears aren’t usually seen in the Cove until Mid May.  Most of the bears we have seen have been on the backside of the loop between the Tipton house and Sparks Lane.  Remember, please use the pull-offs to view the animals in order to keep traffic flowing. 

****There are many photo ops in Cades Cove.  The deer and bear always offer nice photos.  Just remember to respect their space.  If you are close enough to change their behavior, then you are too close.  There are multiple old homes and barns with split rail fences.  We love to be on Sparks Lane just as the sun breaks over the mountain in the mornings for beautiful photos.  On the way to the Cove, there are so many photo ops along the Little River if you stopped at them all you would never make it to the Cove.  We usually spend at least one whole day in the Cove.  Just bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it.  There is horseback riding and carriage rides available in the Cove.