Vehicle Free Wednesdays Started in Cades Cove
Cades Cove Loop Road is now “Vehicle-Free Wednesdays” in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Vehicle Free Wednesdays started on June 17, 2020 and will continue through September 30. Cades Cove Loop Road is only open to pedestrians and cyclists on Wednesdays every week until late September. Now bike riders and walkers can enjoy the peace and quiet of exploring Cades Cove without the vehicle noise, exhaust fumes and traffic congestion. In the past Cades Cove had been closed to vehicle traffic only on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from May through September. But this caused parking problems as well as many other problems. The idea for “Vehicle-Free Wednesdays” in Cades Cove came about after the park asked
for ideas from the public. Over half of those asked supported the idea of “Vehicle-Free Wednesdays”.
Wildlife Viewing Easier By Bike and On Foot
Vehicle Free Wednesdays for Cades Cove
Getting around Cades Cove either on bike or on foot is a great way to enjoy the park. Cades Cove is full of wildlife. Without the noise of vehicles spooking shy creatures viewing wildlife can be much easier. The scenery in Cades Cove is just beautiful, and without the noise of cars it would make a trip around the loop road so peaceful and serene. For those without bikes they can be rented at the Cades Cove Campground Store if you don’t have your own bike.
On Vehicle Free Wednesdays now you can take your time to enjoy the whole day by bike or on foot. Make sure to take some of the shortcuts through the park. Turn off on either Sparks Lane or Hyatt Lane to really enjoy the less traveled areas of Cades Cove, but both are dirt roads instead of paved like the main loop road. Exploring these two cutoff roads on the left is another great area to spot those extra shy creatures.
Cabins and Historical Churches
Church in Cades Cove
Make sure to stop at some of the historic structures along the way. Just to name a few are John Oliver Cabin, Elijah Oliver Place, Tipton Place, the three historic churches, and the Grist Mill and park store. For hikers take the path to Abrams Falls and enjoy the cool rushing waterfall. It a great place to rest and catch your breath. But don’t drink the water. Remember to take your own water to drink as you explore Cades Cove.
Black Bears, Deer and Other Wildlife
Cades Cove is a popular place to see wildlife. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the best times to spot wildlife. The park is full of black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, raccoon and other creatures. When you do see wildlife remember you must stay at least 150 feet away from animals at all times. Use your cameras zoom lens to get a close up picture. These are wild animals that are unpredictable. Staying 150 feet away is to protect both you and the animal.
Wildlife Pictures Taken In Cades Cove
