Cades Cove is a popular Smoky Mountain destination filled with tons of possibilities to keep you entertained for a whole day or even a weekend. While it is beautiful all year round, Cades Cove is an extra special place in the fall. No matter what you want to explore, the cool air and beautiful colors of fall will guarantee that you have an unforgettable trip to the Cove. Here are our 5 favorite Cades Cove activities to enjoy this fall!
1. Horseback Riding
If you want a truly magical Cades Cove experience, we encourage you to explore the area on horseback! This is a different and exciting way to see the sights that everyone in your group from age 6 and up will enjoy, and the horseback rides are perfect for beginners and experts alike. The horses have been trained to walk calmly and never gallop, so you’re guaranteed a stress free experience. To learn more about this, including what to wear and different ride options, check out our blog on Cades Cove Horseback Riding!
2. Practice Photography
If you love to take photos and have been wanting the perfect place to practice your skills, fall time in Cades Cove is wonderful! From critters scurrying through the woods to the blazing colors of the turning leaves, you’ll be blown away by all the subjects ready to be turned into a breathtaking photograph. Your photographs can also be turned into special and unique gifts for your friends and family at the holidays! For more information on this topic, read our blog 6 Tips for Becoming a Cades Cove Photography Master.
3. Explore Old Cabins and Churches
One of our favorite Cades Cove activities is spending the day exploring all the old cabins, churches and grist mills scattered across the Cove. Dating as far back as the very early 1800s, these structures are full of the rich history of the earliest Cades Cove settlers. These old buildings make perfect subject matter for photography, too! To find our top picks, read 5 Stops on the Cades Cove Tour You Have to See!
4. Camp Overnight
The Cades Cove activity that guarantees the ultimate mountain experience is spending the night amongst the trees! Fall is the perfect time of year to camp because the air is cool and crisp, making it perfect for cooking out and enjoying a fire. The campsite has restrooms to ensure you a more comfortable experience, and there’s also a camp store with burgers and ice cream cones! To prepare for your overnight Cades Cove experience, read Know Before You Go: Cades Cove Campground.
5. Hiking and Biking
Two Cades Cove activities that are ideal in the fall are hiking and biking the trails! There’s no better way to learn about mountain life than by getting up close and personal with the plants, flowers and trees and with the animals in their natural habitats. You’ll be blown away by the colors, scents and sights that you’ll discover during your hike or bike ride. And whether you’re an expert hiker or cyclist or if you’re just looking for a relaxing afternoon ride, there are many trails to suit your needs.
Learn more about the wonders of Cades Cove, and start planning your fall vacation today!
