Cades Cove is one of the most popular places to visit in the Smoky Mountains; it has stunning scenery and lots to do. Whether it's your first time visiting or you need some fresh ideas for activities, we can help you plan the perfect day! Keep reading to learn more. Here is an itinerary for an awesome day in Cades Cove:
8:00 am: Arrive
Rise and shine! Cades Cove is the most popular spot in the Smoky Mountains, so it is wise to be an early bird! When you visit early, you can take advantage of less traffic and cooler weather. Don’t forget your Smoky Mountain parking pass! Purchase and print it out before you leave. You can also stop in at the visitor center or use the automated kiosks. There are very affordable daily and weekly passes. Keep in mind that the purchase of a parking pass does not guarantee a parking spot.
8:30 am: Go to Cades Cove Nature Trail Trailhead
The Cades Cove Nature Trail (also known as the Pine Oak Nature Trail) is a hike that anyone can do! It is a 0.8-mile loop with gentle terrain. The trailhead is located 7 miles into the Cades Cove Loop Road. As you walk along, peer into the bushes to see if you can spot a black bear or deer (maintain a distance of at least 150 feet from all wildlife. Gaze into the tall trees and look for birds. Stop on the footbridge to see fish swimming about in the stream!
10:30 am: Finish Hike
While the Cades Cove Nature Trail is short, you’ll want to give yourself a lot of time to do it. Why? You can thoroughly enjoy all the scenery. Snap some photos with your travel group to make the memories last forever.
11:00 am: Lunch
We know that hike worked up an appetite! So, it’s time for a nice picnic. A great place to go is the Cades Cove Picnic Area. Pack some deli meat sandwiches or peanut butter and jelly. Pair them with chips, fruit, and your favorite drink. Want a hot lunch? Use the provided charcoal grills to make juicy hamburgers and hot dogs. Make sure to clean up after yourself before you leave. The scent of food may attract wildlife, and trash left behind affects the overall beauty of the area.
12:30 pm: Stop by the Visitors Center
After lunch, take some time to explore the Cades Cove Visitor Center. You can buy souvenirs or talk to a park ranger if you have questions. Check out the Becky Cable House and the John Cable Mill. The mill was a very important advancement for farmers. It is still operational today from March to November.
1:00 pm: Explore the Cades Cove Loop
Drive around to look closely at the many historical buildings on the Cades Cove Loop. They include the John Oliver Cabin, which is the oldest human structure in the park. Visitors can also go inside 3 historical churches!
3:30 pm: Depart
Your fun day in Cades Cove has come to an end. How long you spend in Cades Cove depends on traffic and how much you want to explore. While you may finish the loop in 2 hours, some visitors take up to 4 hours to soak everything in!
Learn More About Cades Cove
Now you have an itinerary for an awesome day in Cades Cove! Want to know more about the area? Read up on the best time to visit Cades Cove!
