You may be surprised to know that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country, with more than twice the annual visitors as Grand Canyon National Park! When you consider that Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the park, it is easy to see how the area can get a bit busy during certain times of the year! The good news is that there are several ways that you can avoid the crowds with a little careful planning! Here are a few tips on avoiding the peak crowds in Cades Cove:
1. Arrive Early
One of the easiest ways to avoid the peak crowds in Cades Cove, just like the other big sights in the Smokies, is to arrive as early as possible! The Cades Cove Loop Road opens at sunset each day, so early risers can take advantage of less traffic on this 11-mile, one-way road! As a bonus, you’ll find that much of the wildlife in the area is active in the morning so you may spot some white-tailed deer or even a bear! If you can arrive by 9 AM on most days, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the valley without running into large groups of people.
2. Plan a Trip During the Off-Season
Although the Smoky Mountains are popular all year long, there are definitely times where the park is much less crowded! Since many families enjoy visiting the Smokies, you’ll find Cades Cove busy at times when school is not in session. This includes the summer months and holiday weekends such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. Winter is a great time to visit with lower crowd levels, as long as you avoid major holidays like Christmas and New Year's. Spring is also a less busy time to visit, while fall tends to draw big crowds to see the fall foliage.
3. Visit Some of the Secret Spots
If you have no choice but to visit during one of the peak periods and you’re not an early riser, you can still avoid some of the peak crowds in Cades Cove! Rather than heading to all of the traditional highlights along Cades Cove Loop Road, consider traveling a bit off the beaten path! There are plenty of secret spots in Cades Cove where you can explore some hidden gems, so take some time to stray away from the crowds!
4. Avoid the Loop Road
While Cades Cove Loop Road is certainly a worthwhile endeavor, there are extra busy days when the road can become clogged with traffic! In addition to the high number of motorists, many visitors want to stop to see wildlife, so sometimes it can take between 2 or 3 hours to complete the drive! Rather than joining the crowd, park just outside the cove and explore some of the sights by foot! These include the Cades Cove Nature Trail, a short walking trail that begins in the Cades Cove Campground, and the Rich Mountain Loop hiking trail near the start of the Loop Road.
Now that you know some of the top tips on avoiding the peak crowds in Cades Cove, you’re all set for a successful visit to this beautiful area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Before heading out on your trip, you may be curious to know some of the fascinating history about the area! Therefore, be sure to check out these interesting facts about Cades Cove history!
