Cades Cove is the most popular destination in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Many visitors come to see the historic buildings and wildlife here. However, many aren’t aware of the hiking trails in Cades Cove! Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is sharing details about several trails that are just waiting for you to explore in the area!
1. Abrams Falls
If you love waterfalls, Abrams Falls is a must visit! This is the most popular trail when it comes to hiking trails in Cades Cove. The trailhead is located halfway around the Cades Cove loop. So we suggest getting there early to beat the traffic! The trail is 5.2 miles round trip. Abrams Falls is a short waterfall, but what makes it special is the large volume of water that rushes over it! It’s a must-see!
2. Rich Mountain Loop
If you hate sitting in the gridlock of traffic that happens along the 11 mile Cades Cove loop this may be the hike for you. The Rich Mountain Loop offers all the beauty of Cades Cove, but on foot. During the first part of this hike you will pass by the John Oliver cabin, and a beautiful meadow that’s filled with wildflowers every spring! Hikers should veer left at the Crooked Arm Trail junction. Later continue going to the right at Grave Trail Gap. The entire loop is 8.5 miles. The hike showcases beautiful scenic sites of the meadows, mountains, wildflowers, and more! This is one of the best hiking trails in Cades Cove to see everything!
3. Spence Field
There are a couple of ways to hike to Spence Field. We suggest going to Spence Field via Lead Cove Trail. The trail is 9.4 mile round trip, and is the shortest hike to Spence Field. This is a wonderful springtime or summer hike. The trail offers great panoramic views and lots of green forest growth. If you are hiking on a pretty day, you will be treated to outstanding views of the North Carolina side of the Smokies! Once hikers reach the top it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a picnic.
4. Gregory Bald
If you are looking for a trail that offers stunning panoramic views and gorgeous wildflowers to see you’ve found it! Gregory Bald is a strenuous hike, and is 11.3 miles round trip. However, for those hikers that make the effort this is a highly rewarding trail! From the top of this mountain bald you’ll not only have a great mountain view, but you can look down at Cades Cove! It’s a spectacular sight on nice days. Moreover, Gregory Bald is famous for the beautiful flame azaleas that bloom here!
It’s not hard to figure out why Cades Cove attracts so many visitors each year. From historic buildings to mountain views and spotting wildlife, it’s all there! But, there is nothing like hitting the hiking trails in Cades Cove to really immerse yourself with the nature and history! If you love the idea of visiting Abrams Falls here, make sure you check out the other stunning waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains!
