A splendid view across the Cove |
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Welcome to Cades Cove Tn, one of the most mystical places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). From the thousands of acres of grasslands to 5000 ft. peaks and
balds surrounding this beautiful area. The History of early pioneers in the 1800s that settled this land is sure to amaze anyone. Even how this beautiful place was even discovered, and
farmed in a time when people were and had to be self-sufficient. Information and a tour guide are available at the ranger's station & the Cades Cove Campground Store too the left of the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road. This will
tell you about anything you need to know about the History and the Families of the Cove.   
Morning fog burns off the Cove
I have a tremendous love for the Great Smokies and enjoy getting out in them as much as I can. Cades Cove Tenn is full of wildlife. The whitetailed deer is the most abundant. You may see as
many as 220 deer at the right time of year. The deer feed most on the grassland's
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Majestic view with a
monster buck |
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that the early settlers cleared and farmed in the early and mid 1800's. The deer also feed on
acorns and browse from the wooded areas and surrounding ridge lines that tower above the fields and pastures. You can view the wildlife by driving the Cades Cove Loop Road. A 11
mile trip that is a must see. For best deer sightings I recommend early morning (sunrise) in the summer months when the heat and the traffic is not so bad. In the winter early morning
is good as well as late evening.
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For seeing whitetail bucks in the summer months you will usually see them in bachelor groups as many as 30 bucks in one group! In the fall the bucks are fighting (October
through the first of November) the rut comes in about mid October—November. The Bucks are going crazy! The rut can last well up in December as cold weather sets in. This is a great time to get
that photo you have been looking for. |
Two Bucks Fighting During Rutting Season |
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Black Bears are also found in Cades Cove as well throughout the Great Smokies. Summer months are a good opportunity to see a black bear, because the bears are
feeding on berries for the winter especially in July, August and September. Blackberries, Wild Cherry's and Polk Berries are abundant at late summer and are falling in
July—September and the bears love them! I think late evenings and early mornings are the best for bear sightings in the summer and early fall. Be prepared when you drive the loop road, traffic can be heavy.
The Black Bears that are found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are use to people especially in the Cades Cove area. If you see a Black Bear give it plenty of room, stay
clear! Do not try and feed the bear, even if it doesn't run. It may seem very friendly and other people may try and feed it, but my advice is to leave it alone. If you see a bear with cubs,
BEWARE! Or if you see cub by its self stay clear! The mother may be close, or even watching you, so turn and leave it alone (do not run). Several accidents have occurred in the National
Park and almost all could have been avoided if the person had just used common sense. Remember, a bear that isn't afraid of you is the one you have to watch!
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