Cades Cove Wildlife

About this spectacle

Cades Cove is a broad, open valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park where wildlife emerges from the surrounding forest edges at dawn and dusk. White-tailed deer graze the meadows in large numbers, and black bears are frequently spotted foraging along the tree line — making this one of the most reliable spots in the eastern United States to observe bears in the wild. Wild turkeys, coyotes, and groundhogs also make regular appearances. The 11-mile one-way loop road winds past historic homesteads and provides elevated views into the grassy bowl, giving visitors unhurried observation from their vehicles or roadside pullouts. Mist often hangs low over the cove on cool mornings, adding atmospheric depth to the scene. The combination of abundant megafauna, pastoral scenery, and easy vehicle-based access makes Cades Cove one of the most visited wildlife corridors in the U.S. national park system.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Sep — May

Getting there

Nearest airport: TYS. Nearest city: Knoxville.

Booking options

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