It’s no secret that Cades Cove is the most popular spot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! What might be a secret, however, is that there are a few hidden gems you should uncover when you visit. The next time you’re in Cades Cove, take some time to stroll away from the main loop road and discover everything from a unique tree to a cave. Trying to find these spots during your visit just adds to the adventure! Here are 4 secret spots in Cades Cove:
1. The Pearl Harbor Tree
One of the best hidden gems in Cades Cove is the Pearl Harbor Tree. It’s not hard to walk to if you know where to park. To get there, you’ll travel about 3.5 miles along the Cades Cove Loop Road, until you’re half a mile away from the Missionary Baptist Church. Then, you’ll park and walk west for .1 miles until you see a clearing on the left side of the road. Just keep walking towards the treeline along the western edge of the field until you see it!
Although it’s now surrounded by other trees, you’ll know it’s the Pearl Harbor Tree as soon as you spot it. The Pearl Harbor Tree was planted by a man named Golman Myers on the day of the attack to pay tribute to the people who lost their lives. This unique tree has a metal tag that reads, “Golman Myers transplanted this tree Dec. 7, 1941” and is often surrounded by American flags that visitors have left. It’s truly a sight to see!
2. Gourley’s Pond
Gourley’s Pond is a spot in Cades Cove that’s often overlooked. It’s not visible from the road, so many never get the chance to see it. Because it’s a wet-weather pond, it’s best viewed after a rainfall. To get there, you’ll want to park at the LeQuire Cemetery parking area, right after you pass the south end of Sparks Lane. Walk along the road for about 200 feet until you spot a path on the right. Follow the path for about 100 feet and then head southwest, where you’ll find Gourley’s Pond.
3. Gregory’s Cave
Only the ultimate Cades Cove fans have heard about this one. Cades Cove is actually home to a cave! Gregory’s Cave is a natural cave that was used for mining during the pioneer days. In the 1920s, the Gregory family turned it into a tourist attraction, and it was open to the public until 1935. This secret spot is one of the largest caves in the area, with an entrance that’s 10 feet wide and 4 feet tall. To get to the cave, you’ll drive along the loop to the John Oliver Cabin. You’ll want to park your car and search for the dirt road that’s gated off with metal bars to keep cars out. Follow the road until you pass two picnic tables on your right, then a little ways ahead you’ll spot the cave! You cannot enter the cave, as the entrance is closed to the public, but it’s still an interesting sight to see.
4. Parson Branch Road
You may have heard of Rich Mountain Road as an alternative to leave Cades Cove, but have you heard of Parson Branch Road? This secret road was closed for many years and just recently opened to the public in 2022. It’s a one-way, 8-mile road that travels out onto Highway 129. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to spot wildlife and some of the most scenic views in the area! Be cautious as you drive along this road — it’s a narrow, gravel road and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Parson Branch Road is typically open seasonally, from April until mid-November, but be sure to check before visiting to guarantee it’s not closed for other reasons.
Now that you know more about these secret spots in Cades Cove, we bet you can’t wait to try to find them! For more things to uncover on your trip, check out our scavenger hunt guide to all the unique things to find in Cades Cove.
