Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
We had a great time on this trip. We met up with some of my best friends and explored the many beautiful sights and stops found in Cades Cove.
Cades cove is an 11 mile motor loop and one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Rich in history, wildlife, and hikes, it has a little bit of something for everyone. Be warned though, the traffic is heavy and you’ll spend a lot of time sitting in your car. Especially if there is a wildlife sighting. We were lucky and saw two bears along the drive. This is also a common spot for deer and elk sightings.
First settled by Europeans between 1818 and 1821, Cades Cove was a fast growing settlement. By 1930 the population hit 271 people and included three churches, a working grist mill, barns and log houses. These have been carefully restored and are open to the public. More information on the history of Cades Cove is available on the National Park Services website.
One of the many stops along the Cades Cove drive is the trailhead for Abrams Falls. A roundtrip distance of 5 miles, the hike is moderate in difficulty. This 20 foot waterfall is well worth the visit.
More information about Abrams Falls is available on the National Park Services website.