Cades Cove

Encircled by the Smoky Mountains and tucked within the national park that bears their name, Cades Cove offers an 11-mile driving loop that highlights life in what was once an isolated 19th-century farming community.

Prior to that, the area near Townsend, Tennessee, was a Cherokee Indian hunting ground until the first European settlers arrived in this remote valley in the early 1820s. By the time the Civil War arrived, the population at Cades Cove included many residents that supported the Union, despite the fact that Tennessee was part of the Confederacy. In the early 20th century, Prohibition brought moonshiners and barn burnings between competitive distillers. 

When Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934, much of Cades Cove history was left intact, creating a stunning drive dotted with cabins, churches and a mill from the 19th century. Attracting about 5 million visitors annually, Cades Cove is among the national park’s most visited attractions.

Because of its popularity, expect to spend between two and four hours driving the one-lane loop, which has a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour during the park’s busiest times. Or park the car and go for a hike, as trails along the way range from easy to challenging. The trailhead to Abrams Falls, the largest waterfall in the cove, begins close to the Cades Cove Visitor Center, which also offers information, maps and restrooms

Other points of interest include the Cades Cove historic gristmill, which produces cornmeal in the summer months and sorghum in the fall, and the Gregg-Cable House. The latter was once home to a woman locals knew as Aunt Becky, who helped run the general store, took care of people who were sick and amassed 600 acres of land in her 96 years. Cades Cove Visitor Center: Cable Mill Road, Townsend, Tennessee 37882, 865/436-1200, nps.gov/grsm