Top 10 Reasons to Visit Cades Cove

by Ken Herod

Cades Cove is a beautiful and historic valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Here are the top 10 reasons to visit Cades Cove:

Natural beauty: Cades Cove is surrounded by stunning mountains, and the valley itself is filled with lush greenery, wildflowers, and wildlife.
Historic homes and buildings: The valley is home to several well-preserved historic homes and buildings, including churches, mills, and barns.
Hiking trails: Cades Cove has numerous hiking trails that range from easy to challenging, and they offer opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Wildlife watching: Cades Cove is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and more. Visitors can often spot these animals while driving or hiking through the valley.
Biking: The 11-mile loop road around Cades Cove is a popular spot for biking, and there are also several off-road trails in the area.
Picnicking: Cades Cove has several picnic areas with tables and grills, making it a great spot for a family picnic.
Fishing: The area around Cades Cove has several streams and rivers that are home to trout and other fish, making it a great spot for fishing.
Horseback riding: Visitors can take guided horseback rides through the valley to explore the area in a unique way.
Camping: There are several campgrounds in the Cades Cove area, offering visitors the chance to spend the night under the stars.
Fall foliage: Cades Cove is known for its stunning fall foliage, with the leaves changing to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in late September and October.