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Top 4 Reasons to Visit Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains in the Fall Season

Beautiful photo of Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains during the fall.
November 11, 2015

Making a visit to Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains is one of the top things to do in the area. Whether you’ve been to Cades Cove once or twice, or you’ve visited dozens of times, it’s always a wonderful addition to a vacation getaway. But have you ever visited Cades Cove in the fall? Here’s why we think visiting Cades Cove in the fall needs to be at the top of your to do list.

1. Smoky Mountains Fall Colors

The Smoky Mountains fall colors are a main reason most people visit the area each year. From mid-October into November, the leaves change from dark greens to bright reds, yellows and oranges throughout the mountains. Of course, the colors will change at the highest elevations first, then they’ll make their way down the mountainside with the last leaf-changes happening at the lowest elevations.

2. Roaming Cades Cove Wildlife

Fall foliage in Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains.

If you’ve ever been to Cades Cove before, you know that the Smoky Mountain black bears are a must-see. If you want to guarantee seeing a black bear on your vacation, then a trip to Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains needs to be on your itinerary.

Generally, fall days in the national park are cool temperatures, but are still perfect for being outside. It’s a great time to enjoy a picnic in the field while you watch all of the Cades Cove wildlife roam throughout the area.

Click HERE for more information about viewing the wildlife at Cades Cove.

3. Cades Cove Hiking Trails

There’s a few great Cades Cove hiking trails, so if you’re ready to go on a hiking adventure, this is something you definitely won’t want to miss out on! Here’s a few of the most popular hiking trails around Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains:

Abrams Falls Hiking Trail

Cades Cove Nature Trail

Gregory Bald Hiking Trail

Each of these hikes will give you a good look at the national park, the fall colors and the history of the area.

4. Explore the History of Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains**

Photo of the gorgeous fall colors in Cades Cove.

Exploring the history of the Smoky Mountains, and especially Cades Cove, is something you just can’t avoid when you visit. The mountains are filled with historic sites, but Cades Cove is definitely one you don’t want to miss. From old cabins and grist mills to churches and even a schoolhouse, there’s so much to see and learn when you travel through Cades Cove.

Take a drive on the Cades Cove auto tour and you’ll be able to see everything in a single afternoon! Make sure you schedule plenty of time to enjoy the area and take lots of photos!

After a visit to Cades Cove, you can retreat back to one of our luxury cabin rentals in Gatlinburg. Only a short distance from Cades Cove, our cabins will be the ultimate treat and a wonderful way to end your day.

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