Top 5 Fun Things to Do in Cades Cove with Your Family

No trip to the Smokies is complete without experiencing all that Cades Cove has to offer! With numerous spots to go fishing, picnicking and more, it’s no wonder this stop in the national park is on everyone’s bucket list. To help you plan for a fantastic visit, here are 5 of the top things to do in Cades Cove with your family.

1. Take a Drive on the Loop Road

If you’re not in the mood to hike, but you still want to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Smokies, you’re in luck! The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile road that allows you to drive along at a leisurely pace while you take in gorgeous mountain scenery! There are also pull outs along the loop, so you can hop out and take a few pictures without holding up any traffic. There are even inexpensive self-guiding booklets available at the entrance, each of which contains a map and information about the cove.

2. Look for Smoky Mountain Wildlife

Another one of the best things to do in Cades Cove is to look for all your favorite Smoky Mountain wildlife! It’s not uncommon to spot white-tailed deer, turkeys, horses, and even the occasional black bear. It’s a smart idea to bring a pair of binoculars along so that if you spot an animal, you can admire them from a safe distance.

3. Spend the Afternoon Fishing

After traveling underground for several miles, Abrams Creek emerges in Cades Cove. It’s a fantastic spot to go fishing because it boasts some of the largest Rainbow Trout in the Smokies! You and your family can spend a relaxing afternoon casting some lines and making big catches! Just keep in mind that everyone over the age of 13 is required to have a fishing license to enjoy this activity.

4. Have a Picnic

There are multiple picnic areas located throughout the cove where you and your group can stop for a bite to eat. Just remember not to leave any trash or leftover food behind as it can attract wildlife to the area, which is dangerous for the animals themselves and other visitors.

5. Go Bike Riding

The Cades Cove Loop Road is closed until 10:00 a.m. every Saturday and Wednesday morning from early May until late September. The reason for this is so that bike riders and pedestrians can enjoy the cove without worrying about passing cars. If you don’t have a bike or don’t feel like bringing yours along, don’t worry! The Cades Cove Campground Store has some that you and your family can rent.

Where to Stay

You can spend less time in the car and more time enjoying all the fun things to do in Cades Cove when you stay in one of our cabins in Gatlinburg! Not only will you be conveniently located near this attraction, but you’ll also have a variety of fun cabin amenities at your disposal!

Now that you know more about all the fun things to do in Cades Cove with your family, it’s time to start planning your visit! Be sure to check out all of our cabins in Gatlinburg so that you can stay close to the cove and all the other exciting area attractions.