Most of the info people have provided is spot on. We see traffic increase around 11:00 AM but if we are working bear jams prior it causes a lot of traffic to back up. Bears have been EXTREMELY active these last few weeks and everyone on Facebook knows this and come in looking for them.

If you come on a Wednesday you can only ride a bike or walk through the 11 mile loop road. You can rent bikes at the campground store and earlier is better.

Be sure you have a parking tag before you come by purchasing at a VC or one of the kiosks. Stop at the Orientation Shelter and get a motor guide which includes a map and a free park newspaper to see a schedule of the programs offered.

There is really only one substantial hike and that is to Abrams Falls and the trailhead has lots of parking. You can also access Elijah Oliver Cabin from same trailhead by turning right. Or you can cross bridge head left to hike 2.5 miles to the Falls - so it is a 5 mile round trip hike takes most people about 3 hours. You cannot swim at the falls the currents are way too dangerous and we had a drowning in 2021. Take water and snacks you will need them. Sunset is usually around 8:30 in the summer but I would be off that trail by 8 PM to be safe. Also this area is ideal for otter spotting but you need to be there early in the morning to catch a glimpse of them.

There are several churches homesites and cemeteries to visit throughout the cove. You can see deer bears coyotes bobcats otters and several birds in the in Cades Cove. Along with numerous butterflies, amphibians and wildflowers.

Also Sparks Ln and Hyatt Lane are 2 way roads that can be taken to “short cut” your time. Or some people want to drive back around.

Rich Mountain Rd is a one way exit road that will take you to Townsend TN may use it to short cut out if traffic is bad or to head home after driving the loop a few times.

Parsons Branch Rd is another exit heading to NC but also you need to be able to traverse high water at one of the final river crossings on the road so it’s not for everyone.

We should have ranger programs staffed and running. Also the Cable Grist Mill should be running and the blacksmith demonstrations should be happening.

Popular off the map sites
Pearl Harbor Tree
Gourley’s Pond