Cades Cove is known for having beautiful scenery. Visitors love to look at the wildflowers along the ground and the tall trees overhead. Another spectacular aspect of Cades Cove is the sky. You should plan to watch the sunrise or sunset on your next visit. We can recommend some spots that offer the best view! Just keep reading to find out watch the sunrise and sunset in Cades Cove:
1. Sparks Lane
Sparks Lane is a gravel road that cuts across an open valley. This means it offers a great view of the mountains and the sky. See if you can spot some wildlife while you're there. Black bears and deer are some of the most popular animals here! You should know that Sparks Lane has two ends. One is at the beginning of the Cades Cove Loop Road a couple of miles into the drive. The other is at the end near the Carter Shields Cabin. Entering at the beginning of the loop will allow the quickest access to the open fields!
2. Hyatt Lane
Hyatt Lane is another two-end road in Cades Cove. Its purpose is to connect the two ends of the Cades Cove Loop. Visitors can enter Hyatt Lane from the loop after the Methodist Church but before the Missionary Baptist Church. It cuts across the open center of Cades Cove. Admire the vibrant colors in the sky while enjoying the cooler temperatures of the morning or evening.
When driving on either Sparks Lane or Hyatt Road, it is important to keep an eye out for people on foot. Maintain a slow speed and stay on your side of the road. People walking should stay on their side, leaving the cars enough room to pass.
3. John Oliver Cabin
Watch the Cades Cove sunrise or sunset at the John Oliver Cabin. The structure is easy to find, as it sits at the beginning of the loop road! The house sits in an open field, so visitors can see the sky well! There is roadside parking and then a short walk to the cabin. Before leaving, take some time to explore the structure itself. The builder and namesake came to Cades Cove with his wife in the 1820s. It is the oldest human structure in the whole park. John Oliver and his family were founding members of the Primitive Baptist Church and are buried in the cemetery nearby.
Best Way to Watch Both: Spend the Night
While Cades Cove is always open to foot and bike traffic, it closes for vehicle traffic at sunset and doesn’t open until sunrise. The best way to see the full glory of the sights at these sights is by camping. Campers can see the sun rise all the way up in the morning and then fade in the evening. Cades Cove Campground is open year-round, and it is located at the entrance of Cades Cove right before entering the loop. When planning a camping trip here, be sure to make your reservation ahead of time!
Plan Your Visit to Cades Cove
Now you know of some great places to see the sunrise and sunset in Cades Cove! We want to help you be prepared when you visit for the day or spend the night! Explore this list of things to bring on a day trip to Cades Cove.
