Experience the Magic of Cades Cove in Winter
There are a lot of good reasons to visit Cades Cove in winter. Of course, it’s always a good time to drive this scenic loop. Cades Cove is 6,800 acres of history, beauty, and wildlife. It is the most biodiverse of the US national parks.
But winter in Cades Cove is something special. The winter season is much less crowded, resulting in much less traffic on the often bumper-to-bumper scenic loop. And the winter season is much quieter, more peaceful, more relaxing. Though the flowers are not yet blooming and many of the trees have shed their leaves, the valley is still beautiful in its own way – especially when it snows.
Still not convinced? Read on and let me change your mind.
It’s Not Really That Cold…is it?
Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the home of Cades Cove is probably not as cold as you think. January’s daily average low and high is 29 degrees to 47 degrees. Still, about half the days in winter are 50 degrees or higher. That might feel freezing to you if you’re from South Florida, but if you’re from Michigan it might feel balmy!
Besides, Cades Cave is a scenic drive, and I’m guessing your auto has a heater. Problem solved!
Pro Tip – If you do decide to go hiking, say to Abrams Falls, my suggestion is to layer up. Wear a warm base layer made of merino wool. (We recommend Smartwool base layers and socks.) Put a tee shirt over that, and a fleece jacket or hoodie over that. You’ll be toasty, and when you get too warm, just shed one of the layers. And don’t forget to wear a hat! This will be adequate most days unless you’re hiking to the highest elevations of the park – then just add a layer or two.
Let it Snow!
According to the National Park Service…
“In the low elevations, snows of 1″ or more occur 1-5 times a year. Snow falls more frequently in the higher mountains and up to two feet can fall during a storm. One is most likely to find snow in the mountains in January and February.”
We’ve never lived where snow was a problem, so the “kid” in me still thinks it’s fun…and beautiful.
Pro Tip – Cades Cove is open year-round but will close on days when there are hazardous driving conditions. It’s a good idea to check at any of the visitors centers to make sure the roads you want to take are open. Or you can check the National Park Service’s Seasonal Road Closures webpage.
You Might See More Animals
Except for black bears, the animals in Cades Cove still have to eat during the winter months. (Black bears usually do not eat while they are hibernating.) But food is not as abundant then, so the animals are more likely to be seen in open areas searching for a snack. This makes them more likely to be seen.
In addition, since much of the foliage from trees and bushes has died back during the winter, the animals tend to be less camouflaged and easier to spot.
Look for deer, turkeys, foxes, rabbits, groundhogs, coyotes, and much more. No snakes, though – they are cold-blooded and will be most likely be burrowed underground until the temperature warms up.
Though you might be tempted, please do not feed any animals you see. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has strict rules against this, for your own safety and that of the animal.
Cades Cove in Winter is Much Less Crowded
Cades Cove is the busiest section of the busiest national park in the United States, but most of those people are visiting in the summer months when school is out and people like to vacation. The winter months are much less crowded. That means less traffic, which means your drive will feel less rushed and more peaceful.
Since the main complaint about Cades Cove is the bumper-to-bumper traffic, winter tends to alleviate this issue.
Think of the Photos!
Don’t forget your camera! Winter is a great time and Cades Cove is a great place to unleash your inner artist. The drive is open from sunrise-sunset every day, so get there early to catch the sun rising over the valley, or stay late to grab photos of the sun setting behind the mountains.
Several “pullout” parking areas along the drive feature amazing views. And if it snows – WooHoo! Your photos will be even more amazing!
It Costs Less to Visit Cades Cove in the Winter
While driving through Cades Cove is free, lodging in the surrounding area is not. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge can be expensive! If you are a budget traveler and you want to save some money, winter is the time to go.
Your biggest winter savings will be your lodging costs, due to supply and demand. As the crowds lessen, the availability of hotel rooms and rentals skyrockets, which in turn drives the price down.
Many hotels run winter specials, including our favorite lodging in the area, The Buckhorn Inn, located just east of Gatlinburg.
Some Frequently Asked Questions about Cades Cove in Winter
- Is visiting Cades Cove in winter worth it? Absolutely! You’ll enjoy everything you would any other time of the year, without the crowds and traffic.
- Will I see a bear? You could. Black bears do occasionally wake up during their hibernation and wander around a bit.
- Is there a visitors center in Cades Cove? Yes, there is! The Cades Cove Visitors Center is open daily 9:00am-4:30PM in the winter. It includes a small bookstore/gift shop, ranger talks, and an old gristmill, barn, and other historic structures.
- What about restrooms? Yep, and the Cades Cove Visitors Center.
- Can I drive through Cades Cove on Christmas Day? No, sorry, that’s the only day of the year the park is closed.
- How much does it cost to go to Cades Cove? Cades Cove is free, however, a parking permit is required for parking anywhere in the park. These may be obtained at www.recreation.gov or any of the visitors centers in the park.
- What is the closest town to Cades Cove? Townsend, TN, which is north of Cades Cove. It is smaller and much less hectic than Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. On the other hand, it has less eating and lodging options.
The Verdict – Cades Cove in Winter
Winter is a wonderful time to drive through Cades Cove. Less traffic. Quieter. Less expensive. And just as beautiful…in a wintery sort of way!
Have fun out there!
Related Posts
- 13 Reasons to Visit the Great Smoky Mountains in the Fall
- Ultimate Guide – 9 Best Things to Do in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains
- Cades Cove Bears – How to Spot Them
