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:
1. Relaxing Ride Along the Loop Road
The guided hayrides in Cades Cove offer a pleasant opportunity to enjoy the sights along Cades Cove Loop Road without having to worry about driving! Sit back and relax as you gently ride through this beautiful area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is surrounded by preserved 19th and early 20th century farming communities. Soak in the miles of serene vistas in every direction as you feel the cool mountain breeze on a crisp fall afternoon! Note that the hayrides last anywhere between 90 minutes and 3 hours, depending upon the traffic on the Loop Road.
2. Educational Adventure
Another one of the top reasons to take a hayride in Cades Cove this fall is because it is an educational experience in addition to a scenic tour! During this fully narrated adventure, a knowledgeable guide will entertain you with tales of the early settlers and how they made a living from the land while creating a new community. Learn about farming, home life, religion, and recreation of our ancestors, as well as the challenges they faced as they settled the area!
3. Convenient Departure Times
The Cades Cove hayrides depart daily at 10 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM until the end of the season, so arrive at least 15 minutes early to get a spot! The hayrides are subject to a minimum of 2 riders per scheduled time and up to 55 riders. Due to the popularity of the hayrides, reservations for groups of 15 riders or more are accepted with a signed tour contract and a 50 percent deposit. Keep in mind that all rides are subject to weather and trail conditions!
4. Affordable Family Fun
The hayride in Cades Cove offers affordable family fun that is a blast for everyone from toddlers to grandparents! The rates are just $25 per person for ages 16 and over, while there is a reduced admission price of just $15 per person for kids ages 2 to 15!
5. Perfect Fall Weather
Autumn is a delightful time to be outdoors in Cades Cove, so take advantage of the perfect weather conditions with a hayride adventure! The daytime highs in October are generally in the low 70s, so bring a light sweatshirt or jacket for the ultimate in comfort!
The hayride in Cades Cove is just one of many ways to enjoy the joys of the fall season in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the Smokies this autumn, be sure to check out the top 4 reasons why Cades Cove is a highlight of fall in the Smokies!
