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:
Arrive Early
The first key to a successful solo trip in Cades Cove is to arrive early. The area opens to visitors at sunrise and closes at sunset. The earlier you get there, the less busy it’ll be, allowing you to explore the area peacefully. Keep in mind that if you visit on a Wednesday from May through September, the Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to traffic. Exploring the loop by bicycle or on foot is also a great way to do so on a solo trip! When you arrive early before the crowds, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot more wildlife. This is one of the most popular places to see black bears!
Pack a Picnic Lunch
When you visit Cades Cove on your own, we recommend packing a picnic lunch so you don’t have to rush to leave! The Cades Cove picnic area sits between two creeks and offers individual picnic sites with a table and grill. Sit back and enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful scenery! There are also restrooms in this area with flushable toilets so you’ll be all set for more exploring.
Hike to Abrams Falls
When you visit on your own, you don’t have to worry about finding a hike that everyone in the family can agree upon — you can just enjoy the trek by yourself! That’s why we recommend hiking to Abrams Falls in Cades Cove. You can take your time along the trek and go at your own pace. The hike is 5 miles roundtrip and runs through forests and along a creek. The highlight of the hike, of course, is the 20-feet-high waterfall! What it lacks in height it makes up for in volume. The intensity of the water rushing over the falls makes for a picture-perfect scene and leads to a long, deep pool at its base.
When hiking alone, please keep these safety tips in mind:
- Wear proper footwear that has good ankle support and protection for your feet.
- Stay hydrated. Always pack enough water to keep you hydrated and energized throughout the hike.
- Dress appropriately.
- Let someone know where you’re going.
- Stay alert.
Soak Up Your Time There
Our last piece of advice for a solo trip to Cades Cove is to soak up your time there. Without anyone with you, you’re able to spend as much or as little time exploring the area as you want. We recommend taking advantage of pull-offs and taking the time to really admire the scenery and visit the historic structures. Make sure you take plenty of pictures while you’re here as well so you’ll be able to share with all your friends and family back home! Cades Cove is truly the best place to reconnect with nature, enjoy time to yourself, and take in the beauty of the Smokies.
Now that you know how to have the best time on a solo trip to Cades Cove, nothing’s stopping you from planning your trip! The Cades Cove Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your adventure. Learn more about why you should stop by the visitor center then plan Cades Cove trip.
