5 Fun Things to Do in Cades Cove as a Family

Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are so many fun things to do in Cades Cove, especially as a family. You’ll love making memories together in this beautiful area of the park. Check out these 5 fun things to do in Cades Cove:

1. Go on a Picnic

Your whole family will enjoy having a picnic in the mountains together! You can drive your car along the paved road and then walk to one of the various picnic tables next to the creek. Grab stuff to make sandwiches and bring it in a cooler with you. Take all the fixings to grill hamburgers and hot dogs on the charcoal grills at the picnic tables. You can also grab a family meal from one of the local restaurants and eat it in the mountains. After you eat, watch the kids as they play in the creek!

2. Drive the Loop

The most popular thing to do in Cades Cove is to drive the 11-mile loop. Motorists drive the loop every day to see the historic buildings, take pictures with their families, and enjoy the scenic views. You’ll be able to see incredible views of the mountains and enjoy the native plants. In the fall, you can enjoy the different-colored leaves, and in the spring, you’ll find beautiful wildflowers. If you want to walk or ride a bike around the loop, you should get to Cades Cove before 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays between May and September.

3. See Historic Buildings

Cades Cove is home to some of the oldest standing buildings in the Smoky Mountains. You can stop and hike to the John Oliver Cabin, one of the oldest buildings in the national park. Stop and check out the Missionary Baptist Church, the Primitive Baptist Church, and the Methodist Church. The John P. Cable Grist Mill still works today, which is neat to see. The Smoke House at Cable Mill will make you think about the people who lived in the area a long time ago. You and your family will find the historic buildings in Cades Cove fascinating.

4. Hike on the Trails

One of the great things to do in Cades Cove is to hike on the trails within the Loop. If you walk past the John Oliver Cabin, you’ll find the Rich Mountain Loop Trail. The whole family will love hiking on the Cades Cove Nature Trail. You might even see some wildlife along the way! One of the most popular waterfall hikes, Abrams Falls, is in Cades Cove. You have a ton of trails to choose from!

5. Go Fishing

If you have your Tennessee fishing license, then your family can go fishing in Abrams Creek! Some of the largest rainbow trout live in this water, so you’ll find plenty of fish to catch. Everyone will have fun spending the day along the banks or even in the water, casting their lines to get a fish to bite. You’ll love fishing in Cades Cove!

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Cades Cove. Go to Cades Cove on your next vacation for a fun-filled day with your family!