It’s hard to match the serenity of Cades Cove. Deep gurgling streams, rushing waterfalls, jagged mountains, thick forests, old cabins and churches from early settlers—what’s not to love? There’s also a good chance to spot a deer or bear while out and about.
While it seems like solitude may be hard to come by in a place as popular as Cades Cove, from my experience most people stick to their cars to drive the 11-mile loop instead of getting out to hike the trails. But there are tons of trails to hike, and very few people once you get away from the main road.
Of course, you can just hike along the main road instead of going off. Whenever I’ve been, there’s also been a lot of people biking along the main road as well.
It takes a bit of driving to get up there, with the entrance into the Great Smokey Mountains right near Gatlinburg. The road up, and subsequently, back down, can be unsettling at times as it winds its way up the mountain, but it’s worth it.
There are some beautiful, quiet corners of the world in Cades Cove. It’s worth a trip.