Cades Cove Articles

Cades Cove is home to numerous historic structures that you can find while exploring the Cades Cove Loop Road. There are three churches you will come across, and each has its own fascinating history. One of the most interesting historic churches in Cades Cove is the Primitive Baptist Church. Here’s everything you need to know about the history of the Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church and why you should visit this historic site.

The Smoky Mountains are a popular destination in the fall, and Cades Cove is a must-visit stop. Cades Cove is a beautiful place to experience all year round, but its beauty especially shines in the fall. Here are a few of the reasons why you should visit Cades Cove in the fall this year.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is full of salamanders, and that includes Cades Cove. A common place to see Smoky Mountain salamanders in Cades Cove is Abrams Falls. If you look closely, you’ll likely see at least one if not a bunch of these unique creatures crawling around the rocks. These animals are small but interesting, so here are a few fun facts you probably didn’t know about our Smoky Mountain salamanders.

One of the first things to do when planning your trip to Cades Cove is booking a place to stay! Since Great Smoky Mountains National Park is such a popular destination, you’ll find lots of hotel options in nearby towns ranging from your favorite national brands to family owned inns! There are also many great places to shop and dine in these towns, as well as some world class attractions! Here are 4 Smoky Mountain towns where you can find lodging near Cades Cove:

If you’re up for a fun hike during your visit to Cades Cove, you’ll find the Cooper Road Trail just off of the Cades Cove Loop Road! You’ll experience lots of beautiful scenery and even some history during your journey, as this is a former Indian Trail that was once the main access way into Cades Cove for early settlers arriving to the Smoky Mountains! Here are the top 4 things to know about hiking the Cooper Road Trail in Cades Cove:

The Cades Cove Loop Road is one of the best destinations for wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and many guests hope to see a black bear during their visit! After all, these adorable animals are the iconic symbol of the Smokies and are fascinating to see in their natural habitat! While there are about 1500 black bears in the Smoky Mountains, they do prefer to stay away from people in the mountainous terrain. However, you may get lucky during your drive to Cades Cove! Here are 4 tips to increase your odds of spotting bears in Cades Cove:

If you ever heard that getting there is half the fun, this is certainly true on your journey from Gatlinburg to Cades Cove! You’ll get to experience a variety of spectacular scenery along Little River Gorge Road that runs southwest from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, including a variety of beautiful waterfalls! When you combine several stops on your drive with an afternoon in Cades Cove, there is no better day trip in the Smokies! Here are 4 Smoky Mountain waterfalls to view on your drive from Gatlinburg to Cades Cove:

While exploring the Cades Cove Loop Road, take a break to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch among the beauty of the Smoky Mountains! The Cades Cove Picnic Area is situated right at the entrance and exit to the loop, making it a great place to stop before or after your visit! You’ll find 81 sites that sit between Abrams Creek and Green Branch Creek, so pack a cooler and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to dine in the mountains! Here are the top 4 reasons why the Cades Cove Picnic Area is the perfect place for lunch:

If you’re planning a family vacation to the Smoky Mountains and want to explore Cades Cove Loop Road, you might be wondering if your kids will enjoy the 11-mile scenic loop. It generally takes about 2 to 4 hours to tour Cades Cove, and the last thing you want is the kids sitting in the back seat complaining that they are bored! The awesome news is that there are plenty of family-friendly activities along the loop, ranging from unique hikes to wildlife viewing! Here are 4 easy ways to keep your kids entertained while exploring the Cades Cove scenic loop:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has recently instituted a parking tag program where you’ll need a pass to park anywhere within the boundaries of the Smokies, including along Cades Cove Loop Road! These passes can easily be purchased in advance online or in person at the park, then are required to be displayed at all times during your visit. Here are the top 4 things to know about the Great Smoky Mountains parking pass:

One of the best ways to explore Cades Cove Loop Road is by bicycle! You can ride bikes on the loop anytime that the road is open, so don’t miss the chance to pedal your way around this beautiful area of the National Park! You’ll not only avoid the traffic jams but can enjoy some great exercise and the joys of being in the great outdoors! If you don’t have your own bike available, you’ll be happy to know Cades Cove has a convenient bike rental facility! Here are the top 4 things you need to know about the Cades Cove bike rentals:

If you are interested in casting a line in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove would be a great spot to go fishing! Abrams Creek has the highest population of wild rainbow trout in the park and is a recommended stream to visit if you are looking to catch fish. You’ll need some background information first before you go! Here is your guide to Abrams Creek fishing in Cades Cove:

The Cades Cove Loop Road is a very popular auto trail in the Great Smoky Mountains! Along the road, you will see bountiful wildlife, historic sites, and gorgeous scenery! The road holds a lot of history and is beloved by many who visit the Smokies. Are you interested in finding out what makes this route so unique? Here are 4 interesting facts about the Cades Cove Loop:

Spring is an absolutely beautiful time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The season brings warmer temperatures, opportunities to see gorgeous flowering plants, and plenty of activities to experience. If you are wanting to experience the beauty of the changing season, a stay in the Cades Cove Campground is a great idea! There you’ll be able to camp under the stars and wake up smelling fresh mountain air. Are you thinking of planning a trip soon? Here are 3 tips for planning your spring stay at the Cades Cove Campground:

The Collections Preservation Center at Great Smoky Mountains National Park recently received an amazing donation! The great-great-granddaughter of long time Cades Cove resident Elijah Oliver had in her possession Oliver’s wallet. Elijah Oliver had used this wallet for many years! What made it even more special was that important papers had been tucked inside. Do you want to learn more about the recent donation filled with Cades Cove history? Here is more information on the wallet of long time Cades Cove resident Elijah Oliver: