Cades Cove Articles

Cades Cove is one of the most visited areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park because of its incredible history as the home of many early settlers in the Smokies! While you can still see many of the historical cabins, churches, and other structures when exploring the Cove, you may have noticed that there are no remaining schoolhouses. The last school standing in Cades Cove was actually the Cable School, which closed in 1944 over controversy between Blount County and the National Park Service. While little evidence remains of the original schools, we do know these 4 interesting facts about the education and schools in the history of Cades Cove:

You might be surprised to know that one of the animals most commonly seen along Cades Cove Loop Road is the wild turkey! The Smoky Mountains are home to the eastern wild turkey, which is one of six subspecies of wild turkey that live in North America, and this subspecies has the strongest gobbles and longest beard of any of the other subspecies! Here are 3 other fun facts about the wild turkeys in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

While visiting Cades Cove on your next trip to the Smokies, you may get lucky enough to experience one of the special events in the area! With everything from the only organized footrace in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to vehicle-free Wednesdays on the famous Cades Cove Loop Road, these events offer great ways to enjoy this beautiful area of the park! Here are 4 fun Cades Cove events that take place throughout the year:

You may be surprised to know that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country, with more than twice as many annual visitors as Grand Canyon National Park! When you consider that Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the park, it is easy to see how the area can get a bit busy during certain times of the year! The good news is that there are several ways that you can avoid the crowds with a little careful planning! Here are a few tips on avoiding the peak crowds in Cades Cove:

When it comes to fun activities to experience during the fall in Cades Cove, there is nothing quite like an old-fashioned hayride with your family and friends! The Cades Cove Riding Stables, which are situated adjacent to the Cades Cove Campground, offer comfortable truck-pulled, hay-filled trailers that carry you on a nostalgic ride through the picturesque Cades Cove Loop Road. When you’re ready to go for a ride, simply show up to join the fun! Here are the top 5 reasons to take a hayride in Cades Cove this fall:

While the fall season is spectacular throughout the Smoky Mountains, there is something extra special about Cades Cove in autumn! Whether it’s the delightful weather conditions, the gorgeous fall colors, or the fun outdoor activities, there is just no better time to visit! Here are the top 4 reasons why Cades Cove is a highlight of fall in the Smokies:

As the most popular place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s no secret that everyone wants to plan a visit while they’re in the area. If you’re visiting alone, whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on exploring the Cove! The area is popular for any type of vacationer, from solo to a group. To help you plan your visit, we’ve created the ultimate guide to a solo trip in Cades Cove:

It’s no secret that Cades Cove is the most popular spot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! What might be a secret, however, is that there are a few hidden gems you should uncover when you visit. The next time you’re in Cades Cove, take some time to stroll away from the main loop road and discover everything from a unique tree to a cave. Trying to find these spots during your visit just adds to the adventure! Here are 4 secret spots in Cades Cove:

When exploring the Cades Cove area, don’t miss the chance to stop by the Cades Cove Trading Company! This is the exclusive concessionaire for Cades Cove and you’ll find bicycle rentals, a gift shop, a deli, and even some tasty ice cream! Whether you want to rent a bike for the day to pedal around the Loop Road or grab a sandwich before making a drive around the loop, be sure to include a stop here on your itinerary! Here are the top 4 things to know about the Cades Cove Trading Company:

When planning your visit to Cades Cove, one of the most important considerations is finding the perfect place to stay in the area! The great news is that you’ll find plenty of accommodations within an easy drive of Cades Cove, including your favorite hotel brands, independent motels, cabin rentals, campgrounds, and more! Whether you prefer to sleep in a tent under the stars or a comfy hotel room packed with amenities, you’ll find it all in the Smokies! Here are 4 convenient types of places to stay near Cades Cove:

Cades Cove Loop Road is one of the most popular destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for good reason, as it features spectacular scenery, historical buildings, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and more! Since so many people love visiting the Cove, it can get busy during peak times, and you’ll want to drive safely while exploring the loop! Here are the top 5 tips on making your drive along Cades Cove Loop Road both safe and enjoyable:

If you are looking for the perfect family adventure during your visit to Cades Cove, consider one of the scenic horse-drawn carriage rides! This is the perfect option for those who are not into horseback riding but want to explore some of the beautiful forest trails throughout the Cove! No reservations are required to join the fun, so just show up when you are ready to experience your relaxing journey! Here are the top 3 things to know about the Cades Cove carriage rides:

One of the things Cades Cove is most known for is the fascinating historical structures that showcase what life was like for early settlers. One of these structures is the John P. Cable Mill, which dates back to the late 1800s. You can find the Cable Mill in Cades Cove about halfway along the loop near the Cades Cove Visitor Center. Here are a few interesting things you may not know about the John P. Cable Mill in Cades Cove:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States, and Cades Cove is one of the most popular sections in the park for visitors. Cades Cove is known for being a great place to spot black bears and deer, but it can also be an excellent place for birding! There are a few areas where you can go to escape the crowds and go birding in relative solitude. Here are some of the best birding areas to spot the winged variety of Cades Cove wildlife.

When it comes to camping under the stars, the evening campfire is always a highlight of the experience! While this is certainly no different at the Cades Cove Campground, there are a few things to be aware of since you are spending the night in a national park! It is important to know about the firewood regulations so that you know what to purchase in advance or collect while in the park. Here are the top 3 things to know about having a campfire while camping at Cades Cove: