Cades Cove is by far the most interesting, timeless, and peaceful area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Not only is it a unique habitat for wandering wildlife, but it is also an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Let’s not stop there as there is something for everyone at Cades Cove- Whether you are a hiker, a historian, a photographer, wildlife enthusiast, an agriculturalist, an archeologist, a biker, an adventurer, an arborist, a bird watcher, an outdoorsy person, a non-outdoorsy person- You name it, Cades Cove can peak your interest in one way or another. Cades Cove has its unique beauty and qualities for each season of life, today we are going to enlighten you on 3 things to do in Cades Cove during the winter.

1. Hiking

Hiking is one of the most desired activities to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park year round. The Smoky Mountains are home to over 100 well-maintained hiking trails and some of which are located in the heart of Cades Cove! With unlimited opportunities to hike to picturesque mountain views, waterfalls, and old country roads- You’re sure to love this atmosphere, even more, when paired with a frozen fog, glistening frost, or a healthy helping of snow.

2. Study the History and Backstory of Cades Cove and Those Who Dwelled Here

Long ago, far before Gatlinburg ever became a popular vacation destination, Cades Cove was a hunting valley for the Native Americans and the Cove and surrounding Smoky Mountains were a place for new settlers to call home. It was a frontier life where pioneers lived off the land, created their home from the trees surrounding them and a community for people to build churches, barns, and work in a trade. Cades Cove was a place of new possibilities and opportunity, a place where veterans and reverends alike came to grow with a peaceful mountain community.

3. Picture Perfect: Wildlife Watching and Landscape Photography

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is flowing with active wildlife of all shapes, sizes, and sounds. The winter months you are sure to see a lot of them more vividly since they can no longer camouflage themselves within the brush, trees, and blossoms. It is especially fun to see the breath of the animals when the chill is in the air. It makes for some outstanding photographs. Bring your camera along with you to take some stunning landscape and wildlife photography. The color gradient of winter paired with sunlight is pure magic. Enjoy photographing the snow-capped mountains, old churches, and snow-covered buildings.

Photo Credit: Deb Campbell Wildlife & Nature Photography via Facebook