Looking for info about Cades Cove

[blessedby3]

We are planning a quick 2 day trip to Pigeon Forge before our family reunion and have seen lots of people suggest Cades Cove for something inexpensive to do.
I was wondering who has been on the hayrides there and how much they cost and how long, etc.
Any information about this area would be greatly appreciated as well as specifics about the wagon rides. Thanks

 

[Magic Mom]

I love Cades Cove, and we can spend a day or more there. There is an auto loop tour that you can drive or bike. Lots of places to stop, like old homesteads and churches. You can stop at the cable mill and visitor center to take a tour or sightsee on your own. If you are hikers you can visit Abrams Falls (moderate hike) or go up to Rocky Top, or take a walk on a nature trail.
There are bike rentals or you can take a trail ride on horseback. Lots of places to picnic. The last time we were there we saw black bears crossing the fields (far away) and lots of deer by the road. It really is a gorgeous place.

I've never been on the hayride, but here is some info I found.

Cades Cove Riding Stables offers a 1.5 – 2 hour hayride around the Cades Cove Loop Road. Passengers sit on a bed of hay in a trailer pulled by a truck and enjoy an open air view of the scenery of Cades Cove. Reservations are generally required and can be made by calling (865) 448-9009. Rates are $6.00 per person.

Join a Park Ranger for an evening haywagon ride through Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or just a regular hayride without narration.

Guided hayrides will leave from the Cades Cove Riding Stables nightly and last approximately two hours. Hayrides are conducted regardless of weather conditions unless deemed unsafe.

Space on the wagons is limited. Advance reservations are required and can be made by telephoning the Cades Cove Riding

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

I live in the area and have done the hayrides 3-4 times. I've usually gone in the fall, when it gets dark sooner. The hayride is truly a wonderful way to see Cades Cove. Your visual field isn't confined by automobile windows, so you can appreciate the mountains that are behind you as you go around the first half of the loop. In the early morning or early evening, you are sure to see lots of deer and maybe even a bear.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, car traffic is not allowed on the loop until 10:00am. Only bikers and joggers can go at that time. My husband and kids biked the loop last Saturday; it's 11 miles. They saw deer and turkeys. Usually when there is a full moon, there is a night time ride. My husband did that once, but he said it was pitch black on the back half of the loop where the trees are more dense.

The road around the loop is one way. It can get very congested during high tourist season. If anyone sees a bear, traffic comes to a complete halt! The picnic area just before you enter the loop is very nice. It and Metcalf Bottoms are my favorite places in the Smokies to picnic.

 

[blessedby3]

Thanks for the posts. I think the hayride would be best for us. We have a 2 yr old with us, and I dont think we would be able to hike that much and we cant ride horseback. Sounds like the hayride would be better than the car. Is there anywhere to get something to eat there, or do you need to bring a picnic lunch in? Since we will be staying at a hotel, we really wont have groceries. Wondering what to do for lunch if we are there for a while.
Does anyone know what the difference is between the regular hayride and the guided hayride? Thanks

 

[lulu2]

We went on the early morning hayride last year. It was lots of fun, it must have been the guided tour. A young gal was our guide, she was great, shared lots of great information. Check the times, it leaves very early in the morning. Also, dress in layers. It was very cold in the morning, we had our daughter in her winter hat and gloves and we went in late July. Also, bring a blanket to sit on, as you will be sitting on hayhHave a great time!

Just read your last question. I can't think of anywhere to eat, it may be best to bring lunch into the park.

 

[clh2]

That is such a pretty area! We did just the "auto loop" there about a month ago. It is 11 miles - and took about an hour to go through. All the "locals" commented that it gets VERY busy in the summer, and will take much longer to drive through. We did see a bear, and yes, people literally just stop their cars in the roadway to take pictures. We stopped at a couple of the buildings, but we had other things to do that day too, so didn't do things like the hay rides or horse rides.

I would also go as early as you can - just to avoid traffic jams

 

[blessedby3]

Thanks again

 

[DianeV]

I loved Cades Cove once we got there (but bring food!) I just didnt like the drive through the mountains to get there

 

[cjlvsccm]

You might also enjoy the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. It's a free-of-charge driving loop, but not nearly as long or as busy as Cades Cove, and it is just off the strip in Gatlinburg. Lots of interesting stops with signage about the flora and fauna of the area... and there's a good chance you'll see bears there too!! Best bet is to stop at the Welcome Center and ask about a "tour book" for it.

Also, if you have time (or plan another trip), we think the Ripley's Aquarium is the best in the SE region!!

Enjoy your reunion and seeing the sites!

 

[blessedby3]

You might also enjoy the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. It's a free-of-charge driving loop, but not nearly as long or as busy as Cades Cove, and it is just off the strip in Gatlinburg. Lots of interesting stops with signage about the flora and fauna of the area... and there's a good chance you'll see bears there too!! Best bet is to stop at the Welcome Center and ask about a "tour book" for it.

Also, if you have time (or plan another trip), we think the Ripley's Aquarium is the best in the SE region!!

Enjoy your reunion and seeing the sites!

Thanks for the heads up on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. I will check into that. I looked briefly at the Aquarium and wondered if it would be worth the money. We have 4 that would be adults (Me, DH, DD20 and DS15). I think it was about $22 per person. Do you think it is worth that price for "older" folk? We will also have our 2 yr old with us, but our 11 yr old wont be.