February 15, 2021
Walking and Biking in Cades Cove
Officials at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced that the pilot program for vehicle-free Wednesdays in Cades Cove will continue from May 5 through September 1, 2021. What a great opportunity to enjoy this beautiful area on foot or by bicycle. Please know that mobility-assisted devices will be welcome on the vehicle-free days.
Vehicle-free Wednesdays allow cyclists to see Cades Cove in a new way. Photo by Ali Kazal.ut
Park officials say that up to 1,100 pedestrians and cyclists enjoy Cades Cove without car congestion on the vehicle-free days.
Cades Cove Is A Beautiful Area of the Park
Visitors to this area can enjoy amazing views. They can also imagine life in an earlier time as they observe historic buildings dating from the first settlers to the area. And its one of the most popular places to spot wildlife! You may see black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and many other birds and animals.
If you are driving to Cades Cove from Buckhorn Inn, it is easy to find. From Gatlinburg you follow the Parkway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After you pass the Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn right onto Little River Road. You will follow Little River Road about 25 miles until you arrive at the Cades Cove Loop Road.
The Loop Road is paved and one-way. It follows an old logging track. To the left of the entrance you will find an orientation shelter staffed with park rangers who will answer all your questions.
As you walk travel the Loop Road you will see the John Oliver Cabin. No pegs or nails keep this building standing–only the notched corners.
You will see the trailhead for the Cooper Road Trail. This trail is about an 11-mile round trip hike. It is considered a moderately easy hike. You also will see the trailhead for Abrams Falls trail. The waterfall is about 20 feet high and the water rushing over the rocks is an impressive sight. This trail is about five miles round trip and is a little more difficult.
The Cable Mill historic area includes a working gristmill. You also will find a barn, a smokehouse, and a blacksmith shop.
These highlights are only a small sampling of the wonders to be found on the Cades Cove Loop Road. We hope you take advantage of vehicle-free Wednesdays this season to enjoy the area in a new way. http://www.nps.gov.grsm.planyourvisit
February 25, 2019
Early Spring Events in Gatlinburg Draw Visitors
Early spring is a great time to visit the Smoky Mountains. The air is cool and fresh and swathes of blooming wildflowers blanket the mountains. Whether you are interested in wine or wildflowers, crafting or running, this area has something just for you. In order to help you plan your visit, here are some community events in which you might be interested.
April Events
April 12-13 Smoky Mountain Wine Weekend. Located at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Wine Festival guests can sip from the area’s best wineries and savor samples from the best restaurants in the Smoky Mountains. http://www.gatlinburg.com/event/wine-fest/
April 12-14 Hands-On Gatlinburg. Studios throughout the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will provide guests the chance to learn how to make crafts from the artists themselves. Festivalgoers will leave with the items they make. Woodturning, fused glass ornaments, rug weaving, and drawing are only a few of the areas to be explored. http://www.pigeonforge.com/event/hands-on-gatlinburg/
April 17-20 Arts and Crafts Community Center Easter Show. The Show will be held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Admission is free. Demonstrations are part of the fun as you view unique handcrafted products produced locally.http://www.gatlinburg.com/event/great-smoky-easter-arts-crafts-show/
April 21 Easter Sunrise at Ober. Gatlinburg’s Annual Easter Sunrise Service will be enhanced by the beauty of the Smokies when the community and its visitors gather at Ober Gatlinburg. The 30-40 minutes mountain service will begin at 6:30 am and will be led by pastors of the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association.
April 24-27 Wildflower Pilgrimage. The Spring Pilgrimage has been held for 68 years in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The experience features professionally-guided walks. Registration
Spring wildflowers abound in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
opens on March 1. http://www.wildflowerpilgrimage.org
April 26 Earth Day 5k. Both runners and walkers are invited to participate in this run/walk in beautiful downtown Gatlinburg. Proceeds benefit local scholarships, donations to schools, the Gatlinburg Goes Green Program and community-wide educational events. Buie Pottery is providing awards and finishers medallions. http://www.runsignup.com/Race/TN/Gatlinburg/earthday5kgatlinburg
We hope your visit includes a stay at Buckhorn Inn. We are conveniently located on the Arts & Crafts Loop with easy access to the both Gatlinburg and the Park.
Gatlinburg Weather
Click for weather forecast