Here are pictures taken of Cades Cove, Tennessee, located in the Great
Smoky Mountains National Park. This cove encompasses 6,800 acres and is
located about 5 miles from the town of Townsend. This is a "must see" for vacationers who love the outdoors and gives
them a glimpse of life in the 19th century when the peak population of the Cove
reached 685 in 1850. Wildlife viewing is abundant as visitors may see
whitetail deer, turkey, and black bear. About two million visitors
come to Cades Cove every year making it the most visited area of the Great Smoky
Mountains National Park. Every day during the summer months, and October
the Cove is crowded, so plan on about 3 hours to drive the loop during this peak
season. You can easily spend a whole day here if you make every stop and
walk around. Some points of interest are up to a mile off of the
loop road, so wear some comfortable walking shoes. There is no food
on the loop road, so pack a picnic lunch or snacks if you intend to make a day
of it. If you prefer, you can bike the loop as well. These pictures were
taken as our family drove through the Cove in late May of 2004. The pictures below are in sequence starting
at the entrance to Cades Cove and follow the 11 mile loop road which circles the
valley.
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We saw about 150 deer during our trip through the
cove. Wildlife is more abundant early in the morning or very late
in the afternoon. |
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The open valley is fenced and has horses and cows that graze
to help keep the fields open. |
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Not a great picture, but turkey are also abundant. We saw
about 10 or 12 on our visit. |
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Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church. Organized June 16, 1827. |
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Click here to see more information about
what Primitive Baptist believe |
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We saw this deer at the back of the church. |
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John Oliver (1793-1864) and his wife, Lurena Frazier Oliver
(1795-1888) were the first permanent white settlers of Cades Cove
settling there in 1817 or 1818. They were buried in the
Primitive Baptist Church cemetery. |
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Same deer as above walking away. |
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Cades Cove Methodist Church |
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Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church |
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One of the best (of many) views of the Smoky mountains from within
Cades Cove. You want to stop here for pictures! |
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Deer on the trail to cabin. The deer are not afraid of humans
unless you get within 20 to 30 yards of them. |
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The walk to this location is about 1/2 mile. |
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The spring house was used to keep food and milk cool during the warm
season. |
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The grist mill still works. It is located at the Cades Cove
visitor center, 6 miles around the loop. You can buy freshly
ground corn meal here also. |
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Cantilever Barn located at the Cades Cove visitor center, 6 miles
around the loop. |
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Located at the Cades Cove visitor center. |
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Located at the Cades Cove visitor center. |
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Located at the Cades Cove visitor center. |
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Located at the Cades Cove visitor center. |
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Located at the Cades Cove visitor center. |
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Located at the Cades Cove visitor center. |
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The Cades Cove visitor center. |
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Cantilever Barn |
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Wildlife is abundant. If you see a black bear, STAY AWAY!
These animals are dangerous. Do not attempt to feed any animals in
the park. |
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