There is another way to enjoy the magic of Smokies and for just the afternoon or longer. On the south/western end of the the park is a place called Cades Cove. Cades Cove is a valley nestled between the main mountains and Chillowee mountain. The park is located just seven miles from the town of Townsend. Cades Cove can be reached in around 2 hours from northern Hamilton county. Traffic can be a slight problem on some days but, normally it’s very peacefully and there is plenty to do.

Cades Cove receives 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. Many deer can be found in the hills and woods along “the loop” road. Deer can also been found usually in groups in the large meadows between the “loop road”. Wild turkey can be found year-round and a lot of groundhogs in the summer, an occasionally bear can also be found. The cattle grazing in the cove helps to keep the cove from returning to forest. It is unlawful to feed wildlife. motorist are also asked to leave gates alone, and are not to drive on or in the fields.

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. In the small village that includes the grist mill is a visitor center . The Cades Cove Visitor Center is open daily, except in winter when it is open on weekends. Cultural history displays are integrated with sales items. Orientation information is also available.

The eleven mile scenic “loop road” provides access to the cove. The road follows many of the grades and turns of the old wagon roads, fording a stream now and then. The only exception is on Saturdays and Wednesdays from early May to late September, when the road is closed to motor vehicles until 10:00 A.M. to enable bicyclists and pedestrians to travel the loop safely. Safety on the loop is a problem. The road is usually bumper to bumper and many times shared with bicycles and pedestrians. Quick stops and pull offs cause many near hits and the occasionally fender bender. Signs are posted regularly to use pull off when stopping, but there are many motorist who can not resist taking a quick snap shot of one of the many deers or someone pointing and shouting “bear”.

Bicycling and horse riding are very popular in “the cove”. Bicycles rentals are available from April through October and in December. Horseback riding is seasonally available from near the loop road entrance. Daily hayrides offer another great way to see the Cove. In addition to bike and horse riding, hiking, camping, fishing, playing in the streams and waterfalls are all popular activities in the park.

The Cades Cove Campground is one of largest campgrounds in the park and is extremely popular. Reservations can be made in advance and are recommended. The campground store is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 PM in spring and fall. It remains open to 7:00 PM in summer.

Eventhough Cades Cove is very popular, the nearby town of Townsend, located seven miles away, is called the “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies"®.” Several hotels, private campgrounds, and restaurants are located there. The town has several gas station/general stores that are great to visit and to fill up the tank, before heading into the park.