Cades Cove is a must see spot for new visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The majority of people view this beautiful area of the park in the comfort of their car. However, for people looking to get active and trying something different Cades Cove biking may be for you. Cades Cove biking is a great way to see all the sites of the area while enjoying exercise that does not necessarily feel like exercise. Here are some things you need to know before you head out on your bike ride through the beautiful Cades Cove.
1. There are scheduled times just for Cades Cove biking.
The Cades Cove motor loop is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday from May 4, 2022 through September 28, 2022. This allows bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the roads of Cades Cove without worrying about vehicle traffic. Biking without vehicles in Cades Cove also allows bicyclists to enjoy the area without disturbing the wildlife.
(See Also: 6 Essential Tips for Cades Cove Wildlife Viewing)
2. You can rent a bike for your trip.
Hauling your bike all the way from home does not seem like a fun task or maybe you don’t even own a bike. Well that is no problem if you want to participate in Cades Cove biking. The Cades Cove Campground has bike rentals that you can ride during any point during your stay in the Great Smoky Mountains.
3. Safety is important when you’re biking in Cades Cove.
Safety is every ones concern while doing any activity in the Great Smoky Mountains. There are a few easy ways for you and your family to stay safe while Cades Cove biking. First of all, the state of Tennessee requires all children age 16 and under to wear a helmet while biking. Though visitors over the age of 16 are not required to wear a helmet while biking we do strongly recommend it. Also if available on your bike or your bike rental, use your rear view mirrors, much like driving it is important to know what is going on around you, that includes behind you.
Ride a bike that is properly fitted and is well maintained. Nothing could be worse than your bike breaking down midway through your bike trip through Cades Cove. Also riding a bike that is either too big or too small for you is going to make your bike trip that much harder on you and your body. Don’t push yourself past your physical limits, this is an 11-mile loop, though it is a lot easier to bike 11 miles than walk them it can still take a lot of energy. Finally, like driving it is important to obey all traffic regulations, this is for your safety.
There are many great ways to experience Cades Cove. You and your family can enjoy the Smoky Mountains by going Cades Cove biking, Cades Cove horseback riding or just view the amazing wildlife. So don’t miss out on the amazing experiences that Cades Cove has to offer.
