Cades Cove is probably the most photographed area within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Located in East Tennessee, the cove is surrounded by mountains and is a haven for deer, turkey, bears, numerous birds, and hundreds of wildflowers.
"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." ~John Muir, 1913
Open from sunrise to sunset, visitors can explore Cades Cover on an 11-mile one way loop road (with several shortcuts along the route). For those of you that prefer to get off the road, there are numerous trails and historic buildings you can visit. Even though the loop is only 11 miles, it can take several hours, depending on the number of visitors. From May through September the loop road is open only to hikers and bikers from till 10 am on Wed and Sat mornings.
If you plan on birding in Cades Cove, make sure you check out the sewer lagoons. While they are is fenced, there is still an opportunity to see waterfowl common to the area. Another hot spot is hiking the stream section between Sparks Lane and Hyatt Lane.
“Backcountry camping is permitted in designated locations with the appropriate permit. Cades Cove also has an established campground. Because fees, reservation requirements, and regulations can change, check current National Park Service information before your visit.”
And as always, remember that weather conditions change quickly in the mountains. If you venture out, make sure you are prepared.
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