| Cades Cove, a National
Historic Site within the park, receives 2 million visitors each year. Be forewarned,
it is the most crowded park destination and the one-way 11
mile loop that runs through Cades Cove and can get very congested during peak tourist
times (June - October). In these summer months, the loop can take from 1 to 1
1/2 hours to drive through and traffic is often bumper to bumper. Bicycle rental is
available and the best bet during peak times is to bicycle in and around the area. This
will allow you to go around the cars and to avoid the traffic buildups. Bikers
and hikers have the park to themselves in the summer when the loop is closed to motorized
vehicles on Wednesdays and Saturdays until 10am. On this road are 19 stops that
contain historical buildings and explain what life was like back then. There is also
lots of activities to do including hiking, horseback riding, and fishing.
Another alternative to avoid traffic is to explore Rich Mountain Road, a gravel
road that 2-wheel drive vehicles can handle with no problem. |
