Whether you are an amateur photographer armed with your cell phone or a professional with the latest high-tech camera gear, you’ll fall in love with the photo possibilities during a winter visit to Cades Cove! You’ll not only find fewer visitors to get into your shots but also spectacular winter scenery, fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, and more! Here are the top 4 reasons why winter in Cades Cove is a dream come true for photographers:
Unique Winter Scenery for Incredible Photo Ops
While Cades Cove is a beautiful destination at any time of year, there is something extra magical during the winter months! If you are lucky enough to visit after the snow has fallen in the Cove, you’ll be treated to some incredible photo ops that your fellow photography buffs back home are sure to be envious of! The sight of fallen snow on the historic structures throughout Cades Cove creates a truly special sight to behold, especially among the background of the mountains!
Fewer Crowds Than Other Times of the Year
It is no secret that Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but the crowds have thinned out quite a bit during the winter months! Therefore, you won’t feel rushed when you stop to take photos of the John Oliver Cabin, Primitive Baptist Church, Cable Mill, Elijah Oliver Plac,e and other stops along the Loop Road! While the weather might be too chilly for most visitors, as long as you bundle up and dress in layers, you’ll appreciate the more serene environment of the winter!
Excellent Odds of Spotting Wildlife in Action
Another one of the top reasons why winter is a dream come true for photographers is because there are excellent odds of spotting wildlife in action! Since the leaves have fallen from the deciduous trees, wildlife is much more visible than during other times of the year. Keep your eyes open (and your camera ready!) for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, woodchucks, raccoons, and other animals! You may even get to see the iconic American black bear! Unlike their bear cousins up north, Smoky Mountain black bears don’t actually hibernate in the winter!
Ideal Lighting Conditions for Landscape Photographers
There are ideal lighting conditions for photography in Cades Cove during the winter as the sun is at a lower angle to the horizon. It almost feels like the sun rises and sets more slowly because it just doesn’t get as high in the sky. The result is that landscape photographers can shoot during more hours of the day while avoiding the harsh light of midday. Another bonus is that the colder winter air is typically cleaner and allows for sharper images of distant objects. Therefore, you may be able to get some fantastic wildlife photos while maintaining a safe distance!
Photography is just one of the many wonderful things that you can enjoy while experiencing the magic of winter in Cades Cove! Here are some of the other top activities that you’ll love to do in Cades Cove in winter!
