Where The Locals Go In The Smokies

Cade's Cove was a community that existed between 1821 and 1936 when it became part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 1850 Cade's Cove was home to 132 families with a population of 685. It offers many historic places to visit and let's you get a glimpse of how the first settlers lived.

Cade's Cove is one of the most visited places in the park today, however, there are a few places that we enjoy that have been peaceful and for the most part tourist free.

One place is the Elijah Oliver Place. There are two ways of getting to the cabin. We like the trail that is adjacent to the Abrams Falls Trail. You drive past the first sign that says "Elijah Oliver Place .5 miles". Turn right at the next gravel road that has the Abrams Falls sign. This takes you to the parking lot where you will find a restroom. You will walk over a bridge that crosses a shallow creek that's great for wading.  Follow the sign to the right to Elijah Oliver's Place 0.5 mile. It is an easy walk with a pretty much level path that is wide and follows the creek for a ways.

Elijah Oliver had a very nice cabin

The path is level for the most part and an easy walk.

The creek the path follows.

The Visitor's Center is the half way point. Here you will find restrooms and a museum Just after you leave the Visitor's Center you will see a gravel road, Parson Branch Road. This road will actually take you all the way to 129 or the Tail of the Dragon. The Tail of the Dragon is a favorite among motorcycle riders. It is an 11 mile stretch of road that has 318 curves. However, Parson Branch Road is closed now and will probably not open until next year. A park ranger told us it was due to dead trees that makes the road unsafe. She said there's an estimated 800 to 1000 trees that need to be removed.

Another favorite spot is just past the visitor's center. Another old cemetery in the National Park. There is hardly anyone ever there. It's a favorite place to have a picnic and enjoy the sounds and beauty of nature! We did encounter a bear here several years ago while we were picnicking.  

 On your way to Cade's Cove you will pass the Sinks. The sign tells you that the road you are driving on was an old railroad track used by logging and to bring tourists into the area. It ran from Townsend to Elkmont. The river was also used to transport logs. The Sinks was created when dynamite was used to unblock a log jam. It's also a popular spot for swimmers.

Cade's Cove is open to bicycles only on Wednesday and Saturday until 10:00 AM. If you enjoy bicycling you can rent a bicycle there. By the campgrounds there's a general store where you can buy sandwiches and all kinds of munchies too.

One more tip. The earlier you go the better. Animals are more active and it's not a crowded. Enjoy the Smokies! Remember to only take pictures and only leave footprints!!!!