There's Nothing Quite As Magical As The Tunnel Of Trees You'll Find Along Cades Cove Road In Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Published September 29, 2021
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Cades Cove is known for being magical in itself, as one of the top-visited spots in the Great Smoky Mountains. The valley is known for its lush beauty, and it’s the go-to spot for wildlife viewers and bird watchers to seek a sighting. If you drive Cades Cove Loop Road, you’ll have access to some of the most beautiful scenery in the National Park, including a series of overhanging trees that form a natural tunnel along the roadway. If you’re looking to have your own storybook experience in Tennessee’s natural wonderland, then there’s only one place to go…
Cades Cove has a rich history all its own, known as the prime hunting spot for local Cherokee Native Americans as well as where European citizens settled between the years of 1818 and 1821. You'll find that there is a series of historic, preserved buildings located throughout the cove that offer homage to these first settlers.
Cades Cove Loop, however, is an 11-mile loop that is most often traversed by car. Between May and September, the road is closed to vehicular traffic so that visitors can experience the stunning roadway either on foot or by bicycle.
...especially during the peak of the autumn season! You'll be driving beneath swathes of trees dressed in their holiday colors, and the whole experience takes on the feel of a fairy tale.
You're more than welcome to pull off to enjoy the scenery, but make sure that you remain aware of other travelers and drivers along the road. You don't want to block traffic, and at some times of the year it can get fairly crowded along the roadway.
There are all sorts of activities to take part in throughout the Cove as well, including 159 campsites available for reservation and hiking trails perfect for folks of all ages.
Have you ever drive Cades Cove Loop? Do you think you'll be planning your own visit sometime soon? Leave your thoughts about the drive in the comments below, along with any other tips and tricks you have up your sleeve for a great experience.