The 11-Mile Scenic Drive In Tennessee You Will Want To Take As Soon As You Can
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Meghan Kraft
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Tennessee is a beautiful place to explore both as a local and a tourist, but there’s truly nothing like a loop around the famed natural valley at Cades Cove. The 11-mile loop is a popular drive in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the sights are truly legendary. Learn why this Tennessee adventure is a must for your bucket list below. You may just be surprised at all a simple drive has to offer!
Cades Cove Loop is known for its beautiful, winding, 11 miles of road that makes its way through the Great Smoky Mountains. The drive is known for its stunning backdrop and picturesque views.
Most folks know Cades Cove for its lush valley expanse and location in the mountainous region of the eastern state. It's also one of the first places Europeans arrived and settled in Tennessee, and operates as a living museum for visitors.
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Cades Cove Loop is a one-way loop, but there are many places to stop along the road. The single-lane road has multiple turnouts and opportunities to stretch your legs while admiring the natural beauty that surrounds you.
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Within Cades Cove, you'll find a smattering of historic buildings that hearken to the park's early beginnings. Three churches, a series of log homes, barns, and even a working mill provide an educational step back in time.
The Primitive Baptist Church was the second church built in the valley and is on the National Register of Historic Places. An interesting aside: the church halted meeting during the Civil War and later began services again. There's also a Methodist and Missionary Baptist Church in the cove as well.
Make sure you check out the Oliver Cabin, Elijah Oliver Place, and the Cades Cove Visitor Center. Each offers an intimate look at the history of the state and Cades Cove as a whole. It's a road trip and an educational experience all at once!
Keep in mind that only bicycle and foot traffic is allowed on the Cades Cove Loop until 10 a.m. both on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May to September. You'll also want to watch out for local wildlife! Cades Cove Loop is a true sight to see, but it is also home to surrounding wildlife.
You can learn more about Cades Cove Loop with a visit to its official website, right here.
Looking for a watery adventure? Make sure you check out Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee!
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Cades Cove, Tennessee, USA