Have you ever dreamt of stepping back in time to a place where nature’s beauty envelopes you like an old, cherished blanket? If so, look no further than the picturesque Cades Cove Loop in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Come along with me as I share my recent escapade in this magical park.

Ensure you keep an eye out for wildlife as you approach the driving loop. I have seen many deer, turkeys, and even a coyote in this area. Take a brief pause at the little kiosk near the entrance to the 11-mile one-way driving loop to grab a map. And with that, let’s start our adventure!

John Oliver’s Cabin

Life of the Cove

The first cabin we discovered is the one belonging to John Oliver in Cades Cove. It requires parking and a brief walk, but the visit is truly rewarding. This cabin is the oldest in the area, where John Oliver, his wife Lucretia, and their daughter Mary “Polly” settled in 1818. Remember to obtain a parking tag if you intend to park for over 15 minutes in the park; each tag costs $5 per vehicle.

Continuing along the loop, you will come across the Primitive Baptist church, established in 1827 as the first church in Cades Cove, and the Methodist church, constructed in 1902. Originally, the Methodist church had two separate doors for men and women. The doors are still there today. If you prefer, you can turn left onto Hyatt Lane to shorten the loop, but I personally prefer to stay on the main route. Continuing on, we then encountered the Missionary Baptist Church.

Tipton Place

For those interested in hiking, one option is to explore the Old Wagon trail on Cooper Road or visit the nearby cabin known as Elijah Oliver’s Place, which belonged to John and Lucretia Oliver’s son, Elijah. Another hiking opportunity awaits at Abrams Falls. Personally, I particularly enjoy the Cable Mill area and its visitor center. Don’t forget to take a dip in the nearby creek and try your hand at skipping rocks. If you have a National Park passport, make sure to have it stamped at the visitor center or obtain one along with a park sticker from the gift store. Additionally, don’t miss out on the delicious jams available, my personal favorite is the peach preserves. The area also features several historical buildings, including the grist mill.

Cater Shield Cabin in the rain

Next, we will turn right from the visitor center onto Forge Creek Road to visit Henry Whitehead’s cabin. Don’t forget to glance at the field on the left where you might spot some deer. Continuing along the loop, we will reach Dan Lawson’s Cabin, constructed in 1856. Dan Lawson held the position of postmaster for the cove for more than 25 years, and this structure functioned as the post office for an extended period. Moving on, we will come to the Tipton Place, where you should definitely explore the unique Cantilever barn. As we near the conclusion of the loop, we will arrive at the Carter Shields cabin, built by Will Sparks in 1880, offering a picturesque spot for photos!

The Great Smokey Mountains in Cades Cove

Embracing Nature’s Bounties

While traveling through the valley, we admired the stunning scenery of the mountains, fields, and creek, while keeping an eye out for the various animals that inhabit the area. We spotted horses in the front field, as well as deer, turkeys, and bears. The bears are particularly visible during berry season, as they relish the taste of fresh berries. Although I haven’t personally encountered wild boars, a park ranger provided me with insights into them and the diverse wildlife of the cove. The mountains are truly breathtaking, especially in the right weather conditions when the fog blankets the mountain peaks, showcasing why the park is known as the Great Smoky Mountains. The expansive landscape provides ample opportunities for picnicking, photography, and simply basking in the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds you.

A velvet buck

Timeless Beauty

So, dear readers, if you ever find yourself yearning for a taste of the past intertwined with the wonders of nature, set your sights on the Cades Cove Loop. It’s not just a destination; it’s an experience that will linger in your heart long after you’ve bid farewell to its verdant embrace.

Come immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Cades Cove – where history, nature, and adventure converge to create a sanctuary unlike any other.

Embark on your unforgettable journey through Cades Cove Loop today and witness nature’s enchanting symphony unfold before your eyes!

Black bear, she had cubs but I couldn’t get them in the picture

An owl enjoying the day