There is nothing more relaxing than a nice bike ride in the Smoky Mountains. Not only is it great exercise, but you can also take in all the beautiful scenery of the Smokies. One of the most popular biking spots in the area is the Cades Cove Loop Road. This 11-mile road is perfect for enjoying a nice afternoon on your bicycle. Here are 4 reasons why you should go biking in Cades Cove:
1. Travel at Your Own Pace
Bicycling through Cades Cove is the best way to see the area without feeling rushed. While there is a road that you can drive on, it sometimes gets backed up during peak season. When you ride your bike, you can take your time taking in the scenery without feeling rushed. If you get tired along the way, there are multiple pull off areas where you can stop to catch your breath. As a reminder, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete the loop before dark if you are traveling via bicycle because there are no street lights along the side of the road.
2. Good Exercise
While the Cades Cove Loop is paved, it is still a challenging bicycle ride. There are many hills throughout the journey. However, if you are a seasoned cyclist, there is not a better ride through the mountains. Luckily, there are other options than just the 11 mile loop. There are two cut offs that you can take to shorten the ride. These also make for a great family activity that everyone can do together. If you are riding with young children, you can do the 4 mile loop on Sparks Lane. If you need a bicycle, you can rent one from the Cades Cove Campground store during summer and fall. There is no better way to get some exercise and take in the beauty of the Smokies than by biking in Cades Cove.
3. Beautiful Scenery
There is arguably no better bike ride when it comes to scenery than the one through Cades Cove. The view of the Smokies makes for the picture perfect background to a relaxing bike ride. The most popular time to go biking is during the summer and early fall. If you are fortunate to ride when the leaves are beginning to change colors, it will be something you will never forget. In addition to the mountains, you also have the chance to see wildlife when cycling through Cades Cove. As you ride through, be on the lookout for some of nature’s most amazing creatures, including white tailed deer and black bears!
4. Amazing History
If you want to get off the bike for a little while, there are some amazing history sites in Cades Cove that you can walk to. Some of these structures include famous cabins, churches, and grist mills. All of these spots are a great way to learn about the history of the area and appreciate the views you see.
Now that you know the reasons why you should go biking in Cades Cove, you can start planning your next trip. In the meantime, be sure to check out this map to see all the fun places to visit in Cades Cove! We hope to see you soon!
