Cades Cove is one of the most beloved destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and for good reason, as the broad valley features a scenic driving loop packed with historical structures and offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the park! While Cades Cove Loop Road is certainly the most popular way to explore, it can often get congested during peak times. If you prefer to relax while enjoying the beauty of the area, you’ll find several fantastic alternatives at the Cades Cove Riding Stables! Here are 3 fun ways to experience Cades Cove without driving the Loop Road:
1. Guided Horseback Trail Rides
The Cades Cove Riding Stables offers guided horseback trail rides where you’ll embark on a scenic one-hour journey with a professional guide! The well-trained horses and knowledgeable guides make this experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders, and horseback riding is one of the best ways to explore the Smokies! These guided trail rides depart continually throughout the day and are limited to 9 riders per group to ensure a personalized experience. Note that reservations are not accepted, so simply show up when you are ready to ride!
2. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Another one of the fun ways to experience Cades Cove without driving the Loop Road is with a horse-drawn carriage ride! These tours generally last between 30-45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to appreciate the beauty of Cades Cove in a relaxed setting! Each carriage can accommodate up to 6 riders, so enjoy a romantic ride with your sweetheart or bring the family for this unique experience! As with the guided horseback trail rides, reservations are not accepted for the horse-drawn carriage rides.
3. Group Hayrides
Join a nostalgic hayride through the picturesque Cades Cove Loop Road, where you’ll see many of the preserved 19th and early 20th-century farming communities! The hayrides can take anywhere between 1.5 and 3 hours, as they are subject to the same traffic conditions as the other vehicles on the Loop Road. The fall hayrides depart daily at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM, and each wagon can accommodate up to 55 riders. Keep in mind that reservations are only accepted for groups of 15 or more with a signed tour contract and a 50% deposit.
Where to Stay
Make the most of your Smoky Mountain vacation with a stay at our Sevierville hotel right along the Parkway! In addition to our fabulous location in the heart of the action, you’ll enjoy our gorgeous rooms that come complete with hardwood flooring, luxurious bedding, walk-in tile showers, and more, all at affordable rates! While staying with us, you can also take advantage of our complimentary breakfast, fitness room, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a firepit and lounge area!
Check out all of the rooms at our hotel in Sevierville TN today to stay close to Cades Cove and all of the other popular destinations throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smokies!
