Cades Cove - Smoky Mountains
With just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg, you will be taken back into the rich, mountain history of East Tennessee at Cades Cove. Cades Cove is a beautiful valley in the west end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is perhaps the most popular area of the park, receiving over 2.5 million visitors a year. Most visitors come to catch a glimpse of wildlife, which thrive in and around the nearly 5,000 acres of open meadows. You will travel around this cove on an eleven-mile scenic loop road, which is open from sunrise to sunset year around.
In addition to the wide variety of wildlife, there are also several historic buildings dating back to the nineteenth century, 
including a working grist mill, a variety of barns, three churches, and a variety of pioneer log and frame houses. More modern buildings were removed at the time of the park's formation. The remaining buildings and surrounding landscapes begin to tell the story of Cades Cove's cultural history. In addition to an incredible history lesson on the area, recreational opportunities abound. Hiking, horseback riding, camping, picnicking and hayrides are just a few of the fantastic activities that the whole family will enjoy. Or arrive early, before 10 AM, and enjoy a bike ride around the Loop on Wednesdays and Saturdays from early May to late September when the road is closed to traffic. If you prefer to drive, expect delays during the peak seasons of summer and fall, allowing up to 3 hours to complete the drive. Once you arrive, just sit back, relax, and take in all of the wildlife 
and incredible sights of the fertile valleys surrounded by majestic mountains. Keep your eyes open for the many white tailed deer and the occasional black bear.
Make the most of a Cades Cove Smoky Mountains weekend getaway or a week long family vacation by learning more about a region filled with a rich history and extraordinary scenic backdrops at Cades Cove. Enjoy the fantastic activities available in the Smokies while having a fully stocked, rental cabin retreat waiting for you after you soak in all the history and sights that can be found by taking a drive over the mountain to Cades Cove. Book your own private mountain cabin in the action-packed Gatlinburg TN, but take the time to drive over to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies to see what made this region what it is today. You won't regret it!
Horseback Riding Cades Cove Riding Stables Townsend, TN 37882 (865) 448-6286 Open 7 days a week, 9 am - 5 pm Get ready to take in the beautiful scenery of wooded trails, mountain brooks, trees and wildflowers. Age 6 and up can ride by themselves. Cost is $20 per person. Arabian horses
Easy: Cooper Road Trail This trail is located about 4 miles from the entrance to Cades Cove loop. It's a great hike with a level trail.
Easy: Cades Cove Nature Trail The Cades Cove Nature trail is easy enough for just about everyone to enjoy the natural splendor of the area. 1 mile past the Cades Cove visitor Center.
