Cades Cove Picnic Area: A Serene Escape in the Heart of Nature
Discover the beauty of Cades Cove Picnic Area, a perfect retreat in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ideal for picnics and wildlife watching.
A brief summary to Cades Cove Picnic Area
- Townsend, Tennessee, 37882, US
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
- Thursday 8 am-6 pm
- Friday 8 am-6 pm
- Saturday 8 am-6 pm
- Sunday 8 am-6 pm
Cades Cove Picnic Area is an enchanting escape located within the stunning confines of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This picnic ground provides a tranquil setting for families and friends to unwind while surrounded by nature's beauty. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere, with picnic tables strategically placed to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests. The area is well-maintained and features facilities that cater to all, making it accessible for everyone. The Cove itself is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including deer, black bears, and various bird species. As you savor your meal, keep an eye out for these magnificent creatures roaming freely in their natural habitat. The scenic drive through Cades Cove is another highlight, offering picturesque vistas and opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture the essence of the Smokies. Open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, the picnic area is an ideal spot for a delightful afternoon of relaxation and recreation. Whether you're enjoying a packed lunch or simply taking in the fresh mountain air, Cades Cove Picnic Area promises an unforgettable experience in one of America's most cherished national parks.
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a good picnic spot and enjoy the peace before the crowds.
- Bring a camera; this area is perfect for capturing stunning nature shots and wildlife.
- Pack out what you pack in to help keep the area clean and beautiful.
- Check local wildlife regulations to ensure a safe experience while observing animals.
Getting There
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Car
If you are already in Cades Cove, simply follow Cades Cove Loop Road. As you drive, look for the signs for the Cades Cove Picnic Area. It will be located on your right when you approach the area near the entrance to the picnic grounds. The address is Townsend, TN 37882. There is no entry fee for the picnic area itself, but you may need to pay an entrance fee to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you haven't already done so.
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Public Transportation
Public transportation options are limited in Cades Cove. If you are relying on a bus service, it's advisable to check with local transit providers for any shuttle services that run to Cades Cove. Once you arrive at Cades Cove, you would still need to walk or possibly hitch a ride to the picnic area, which is not far from the main loop road. Ensure to plan ahead, as services may not run frequently.
Attractions Nearby to Cades Cove Picnic Area
- Cades Cove Scenic Loop
- Cades Cove entrance
- John Oliver Cabin
- Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church
- Tuckaleechee Caverns
- Cades Cove Visitor Center
- Cades Cove Historical Grist Mill
- Elijah Oliver Cabin
- The Townsend Wye
- Spruce Flats Falls
- Cades Cove Heritage Tours
- Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
- Meigs Falls
- The Sinks
- Indian Flats Falls
Landmarks nearby to Cades Cove Picnic Area
- Tipton Place
- Cades Cove
- Henry Whitehead House
- Little River Gorge
- Little Greenbrier School
- Sugarlands Rock House
- The Goat Coaster at Goats on the Roof
- Ober Mountain Tramway Mall
- Downtown Gatlinburg.com
- Gatlinburg Space Needle
- Impossibilities-Magic, Mindreading and Mayhem!
- Sugarlands Distilling Company
- Ripley's Believe It or Not!
- Chimneys Picnic Area
- The Escape Game Gatlinburg