Cades Cove is known for its stunning natural scenery, wildlife, and historic sites along Cades Cove Loop Road, but have you heard of Mollie’s Butt? Whether you’re a frequent visitor or planning to go for the first time, you’ll want to find out how to see this unique geological feature near the entrance of the scenic loop! Read on to learn more about Mollie’s Butt in Cades Cove:
About Mollie’s Butt
You may have heard of Holy Butt in the Smoky Mountains, or other strange-sounding names, but the term “butt” is used to describe an abrupt geological end of a mountain or ridge. Mollie’s Butt in Cades Cove is a peak that measures 3,573 feet in elevation, and this summit marks the end of Mollie’s Ridge. Curious about how Mollie’s Butt got its name? While we aren’t sure about the origins of the name Mollie, we can assume she and her family lived in the area. Regardless of how this beautiful mountain range and summit got its name, it’s one of the most stunning backdrops of the Cades Cove valley. No wonder Cades Cove receives over 5 million visitors every year!
How to See Mollie’s Butt
How do you see Mollie’s Butt on your next visit to Cades Cove? There are no hiking trails that lead directly to it. Rather, you can see the peak from Cades Cove Loop Road as you look to the left. Visitors can walk, drive, or bike around the loop. If you plan to walk or bike, plan to come on a Vehicle-Free Wednesday. If you want to get a closer look at it, stop at one of the overlooks along the scenic drive. They are great places to stop and have a picnic. This is an ideal low-impact activity for all ages. Other things to look out for along the route include the John Oliver Cabin and several beautifully preserved churches. The National Park Service works hard to maintain these structures and ensure that the settlers’ legacy lives on.
While a Smoky Mountain parking tag is not required for a scenic drive, visitors do need one if they park their vehicle longer than 15 minutes. Daily and weekly passes can be purchased on convenient automated machines throughout the park. If you purchase the pass online, you need to print it out before you leave.
Other Hidden Gems in Cades Cove
Along with Mollie’s Butt, Cades Cove has other secret spots to discover. One of them is the Pearl Harbor Tree. The tree was planted by a farmer named Goldman Meyers to memorialize the men who lost their lives during the Pearl Harbor attack. Another spot is Gourley Pond. Keep in mind that it is not visible from the loop. It is best viewed after a heavy rain.
When it’s time to head home, you can bypass some of the traffic and see more of the area when you take an alternative route out of Cades Cove. Take a drive on Parson Branch Road. The settlers originally used the road for trading. Visitors today love the quiet drive out of Cades Cove.
We hope you enjoyed learning about Mollie’s Butt in Cades Cove! Want to learn even more about the area? Discover this list of shocking Cades Cove secrets!
