How to Explore Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains
Located on the Tennessee side of Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is a valley in the Appalachian range that was settled in the early 19th century. The 30-minute drive southwest of Gatlinburg involves following Little River Road to the Cades Cove Loop, an 11-mile loop that gives the visitor a newfound appreciation for the lives of these sturdy mountaineers. Small churches with dusty benches are open to the public. The adjacent churchyard contains tombstones dated more than two centuries old. Many of the homes and farms in the area are accessible, as well. Explore narrow stairways into fragile lofts, discover the function of cantilever barns, and visit a working gristmill where bags of cornmeal are available for purchase.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and immediately take Interstate 85 north through the city and toward Suwanee. The interstate highway splits near Suwanee into Interstate 985, which you will continue north on toward Gainesville. Interstate 985 becomes U.S. 441, north of Gainesville. Highway 441 travels through the park, becoming Newfound Gap Road. The cove is approximately 200 miles from Atlanta.
-
2
Fly into Charlotte International Airport as an alternative. Access Interstate 85 west toward Gastonia, and then take U.S. 321 up towards Hickory. Interstate 40 travels west near Hickory. From 40, drive past Asheville toward Clyde, North Carolina. Continue west following U.S. 19, and after about 40 miles, U.S. 19 will cross 441 and the Newfound Gap Road. The cove is approximately 200 miles from Charlotte, as well.
-
-
3
Drive over the Newfound Gap, and cross not only two states and the Appalachian Trail, but the Eastern Divide, as well. A nice summer side trip includes a drive up to Clingman's Dome. The famous lookout tower with its circular walk defines the highest point in Tennessee.
-
4
Turn left at the Sugarland Visitor Center onto Little River Road toward Cades Cove. The drive is through thick forest land along a shaded river.
-
5
Stop at the Primitive Baptist Church, and notice its humble interior. Walk among the gravestones of the church’s early members.
-
6
Visit any of the homes opened by the park service. The homes are designated as cabins, places or houses. The Henry Whitehead Cabin is of particular note.
-
7
Study the cantilever barn over at the Tipton Place, and a new appreciation will be gained of these hearty homesteaders.
-
8
Stop for a while at the established homestead of the Cable family. Visit the working grist mill, the molasses still and other contraptions common to a bygone era.
-
9
Watch for bears crossing the roadway. Harmless unless challenged--and still best observed from the car--the bears appear to be the cove's dominate residents.
-
10
Make reservations at either Cades Cove or Elkmont Campground, with both campgrounds on Little River Road. The park has several other campground choices farther away, as well.
-
11
Stay in one of the many motels and resorts in and around the Gatlinberg/Pigeon Forge area. Many dining options are available, as well.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Gatlinberg is a tourist haven, either beware or enjoy, depending on one's perspective.
Dollywood is down the road in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
