Is Cades Cove Worth Driving To?

Is Cades Cove Worth Driving To?

With so many beautiful places to explore in the Smokies, you might be having trouble deciding which one to visit first. Cades Cove has always been a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike. In fact, it’s actually one of the most popular destinations in the national park! At this point, you might be asking yourself if this attraction is actually worth the drive, especially if you’re a little farther away. The short answer to this question is ABSOLUTELY, and here are 5 reasons why!…

What NOT to Do When You Visit Cades Cove

What NOT to Do When You Visit Cades Cove

Cades Cove is one of the most-visited destinations in the national park, and it’s no wonder why! From picnicking to wildlife viewing and so much in between, there’s an activity for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few things to avoid doing to ensure that you have a successful trip to Cades Cove….

6 Things You Didn’t Know About Cades Cove History

6 Things You Didn’t Know About Cades Cove History

Cades Cove is known for its stunning scenery and the variety of activities available for visitors to enjoy. However, this special destination in the national park is also rich in history. Read on to discover 6 things you might not have known about Cades Cove history, and next time you visit, you can point out these little-known facts to all of your friends and family!…

Bear Spotted Walking Around Gatlinburg Hotel: Video Included!

Bear Spotted Walking Around Gatlinburg Hotel: Video Included!

On Oct. 16, a black bear was spotted roaming around a hotel in Gatlinburg! This is just one of many recent black bear sightings in the area. Get all the details on the sighting of the bear at the Gatlinburg hotel and learn what you should do if you encounter a bear….

Cades Cove Was Nearly Turned into a Marina in the 1930s

Cades Cove Was Nearly Turned into a Marina in the 1930s

Cades Cove is far and away the most popular section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over 2 million visitors frequent this breathtaking valley each year to see its historic buildings, gorgeous mountain views, and spectacular wildlife. While today it seems obvious that Cades Cove would become a can’t-miss attraction in the Smokies, the valley’s potential wasn’t always recognized….

A Cherokee Legend from Cades Cove: How Rabbit Stole His Coat

A Cherokee Legend from Cades Cove: How Rabbit Stole His Coat

The Cherokee people have deep roots in Cades Cove. Years before the first Euro-Americans settled in the cove, the Cherokee had their own village in the valley. Known as “Tsiya’hi,” which means “Otter Place,” the settlement was situated near streams that were teaming with otters. The name “Cades Cove” is taken from Chief Kade, the Cherokee leader of Tsiya’hi….

John P. Cable Mill in Cades Cove Gets New Water Wheel [Video Included]

John P. Cable Mill in Cades Cove Gets New Water Wheel [Video Included]

One of the most iconic landmarks in the Smoky Mountains is getting a tune-up! This September, the John P. Cable Mill in Cades Cove will have its water wheel replaced for the first time in 18 years. Swapping out the historic gristmill’s water wheel is no easy task because a new wheel had to be built completely from scratch. Local reporter Jim Matheny recently visited Cades Cove to profile the construction of the new water wheel in a piece for WBIR News:…

Cades Cove Ghost Stories: The Cussing Cover

Cades Cove Ghost Stories: The Cussing Cover

Is Cades Cove haunted? We can’t say for sure (that’s a question for paranormal investigators), but we do know that there are a few Cades Cove ghost stories that have been told for decades around these parts. One of our favorite tall tales from the valley was transcribed in The Granny Curse and Other Ghosts and Legends from East Tennessee, a 1999 book by Janet Barnett and Randy Russell. Known as “The Cussing Cover,” this electrifying ghost story is perfect for your next campfire. Read on for our retelling of this classic yarn….

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Asks Visitors to Adopt Black Bear Cubs

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Asks Visitors to Adopt Black Bear Cubs

Beginning this spring, visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will have the chance to adopt black bear cubs as pets. The unprecedented new policy is part of the park’s effort to cut down on the number of abandoned bear cubs in Cades Cove. The National Park Service made the official announcement in a press release this morning. We have summarized the park’s new adoption initiative below….