We‘ve never visited Cades Cove. (A single lane road with solid bumper to bumper traffic... 🤔 no!). To allow for hikers/bikers, the Loop would close to motor vehicles Wednesday and Saturday mornings... until 10am.
Smokey Mountain National Park, rolled out their new bike plan June 17th, 2020. Starting today, the Loop is closed to ALL vehicles ALL DAY Wednesdays. Which is great... now you have time to enjoy the old cabins, churches, wildlife, and hiking trails along the way!
I suggest:
1) arrive early (or camp at the Cades Cove Campground) parking lot is limited. Though you will be allowed to park along the road as overflow.
2). Abrams Falls- allow 4hrs to hike in/out. Bring water/lunch if you plan to visit as it will extend your trip. (We didn’t plan appropriately.). (Another note regarding Abrams Falls: don’t follow the first “trail” signage for it. Instead continue around the Loop, until you come to a gravel road and a street sign clearly indicating Abrams Falls).
We saw a few deer, a handful of turkey, and one black bear.
Bike/hike traffic is one way, which is a must as there is a steady flow of people.
Tuckaleechee Caverns- Townsend, TN (just south of Smokey Mt National Park). A fantastic, little known gem we stumbled upon. Privately owned and relatively recently discovered, this cave still has an uncommercialized feel. Great story behind its discovery. Engaging tour guides. Sweet subterranean 200ft+ waterfall. Bring a cup and enjoy a drink of it’s fresh water. About 1 mile of hiking and steps. Takes about 1.5hr. Tours leave every 15-20minutes. Plenty of parking for our travel trailer. Highly recommend!