Tennessee
Nature|Mountains

Walk Through The Natural Tranquility Of Famous Cades Cove In Tennessee Every Wednesday This Summer

Cades Cove in Tennessee is closing its loop to vehicles on Wednesdays through September 30th for a pilot study on cycling and walking.

Published Jun 23, 2020

Written by 

Meghan Kraft

There's a lot of beauty in the state of Tennessee, and most folks find themselves cycling or hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains or across the Cumberland Plateau. The state's scenic byways are also well-traveled, both by Tennessee locals and tourists from across the nation. Cades Cove is tucked away on the eastern edge of the state, and it remains one of the most naturally beautiful locations in the state. Come for fresh air and wildflowers and stay awhile. This summer through September 30th, Cades Cove will be closing the loop to vehicles on Wednesdays to conduct a pilot study regarding cycling and walking in the area.

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Ginny Gaddis- AllTrails

Cades Cove might be one of the last points of isolation in Tennessee. The valley itself was settled before the national park was organized, and it remains the most popular location in the Great Smoky Mountains.

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Tim Lumley - Flickr

Cades Cove attracts more than two million visitors a year. Visitors find themselves enthralled by preserved historic homesteads, expansive gatherings of wildlife, and a myriad of outdoor activities, like horseback riding and hiking.

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Olin Gilbert - Flickr

The well-maintained and preserved homesteads offer an easy trek back in time. Now known as the Cades Cove Historic District, the valley is remembered originally as the home of the Cherokee tribe and as an early European settlement.

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Judy Payne - AllTrails

This year, the beauty of Cades Cove is going to be preserved in an incredible, new way. Beginning June 17th, the National Park Service will be instituting "Vehicle-Free Wednesdays" in Cades Cove.

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Turcottes78 - Flickr

Every Wednesday, the Cades Cove Loop will be closed to vehicles to make way for cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the park without interruption.

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Turcottes78 - Flickr

A vehicle-free experience makes it easier for folks to enjoy the beauty of the area without the humdrum of a car puttering through the valley. Cades Cove has been collecting data over the last 25 years regarding vehicle-free experiences in the park and has found a drastic increase in day cyclers and walkers during vehicle closure periods.

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Tim Lumley - Flickr

Have you ever visited Cades Cove during its car-free hours? Will you be visiting this summer?

You can learn more about Cades Cove Wednesdays right here. Happy hiking!

There's no place more beautiful than Tennessee, and we know all about it...

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Nature|Mountains

There’s No Better Place To Cool Down This Summer Than The North Chickamauga Creek Gorge In Tennessee

North Chickamauga Creek Gorge in Tennessee offers a perfect warm-weather outdoor adventure with mountains, rivers, and creekside pools.

Updated Jul 2, 2024

Written by 

Meghan Kraft

The summertime tends to end itself to the fun and excitement of outdoor adventures, and Tennessee is one of the best places in the nation to experience mountains and rivers and creekside pools. If you're on the south side of the state, more specifically outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee, then a visit to the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge just might be the perfect warm-weather experience. Bring the kids and your swimsuit, friends, and perhaps a pair of hiking books. Come along as we show you why we love it so much:

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Get ready for an amazing adventure!

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Gerald Law - GoogleMaps

North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area straddles both Hamilton and Sequatchie Counties and is made up of 7,093 acres. The gorge itself is cut deep into Walden's Ridge on the Cumberland Plateau.

The split in the rocky earth resulted in a series of sandstone bluffs, waterlogged coves, and trickling creekbeds.

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Greg Goodgame - GoogleMaps

And this Tennessee natural area is flush with diverse wildlife and a cacophony of insect species.

Chickamauga Creek is also a popular kayaking location.

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Doug Ford - GoogleMaps

This natural area itself presents a challenging experience for hikers. You'll find folks taking a dip in the chilly waters, too!

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The oak forests and sandstone glades make for beautiful photos if you're looking to fill the family photo album.

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Bernhard Sauer - GoogleMaps

It is also known as a trailhead for the famed Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail, the state's only linear state park.

The natural area itself was designated in 1999 and acres have been added ever since.

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Michael Dwyer - GoogleMaps

Additionally, the Bowater Pocket Wilderness area was eventually transferred to this area. And the scenic views are amazing!

Visitors have claimed to see bald eagles and peregrine falcons.

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Scott Shepard - GoogleMaps

And, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of flowering wildflowers and those shelves of sandstone. They're a sight to see, and truly unbelievable. The beauty of Tennessee is unmatched.

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Will you be playing in these emerald pools this summer?

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Kendra Shephard - GoogleMaps

You can visit for yourself during daylight hours all year round.

Learn more about the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge on the TN Department of Environment & Conservation website.

hiking at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge? What other kinds of things do you like to do during the summer in Tennessee?

Continue to fall in love with the beauty of the state with a visit to one of these gorgeous Tennessee treehouses on the east side of the state.

Thinking about taking a Tennessee vacation soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.

If you’re still in the mood for more Tennessee adventures, take a look at this video:

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Nature|Mountains

It’s An Epic Mountain Adventure Riding ATVs To Incredible Views In Tennessee

Published May 6, 2024

Written by 

Chris Dodge

If you want to experience the mountains unlike ever before, you will want to check out these ATV rentals in Tennessee. I love the rolling lush mountains of East Tennessee, but pairing that with a roaring adventure is a whole different experience. So strap in for an adrenaline boost at Doe Mountain Recreation Area.

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Located in Mountain City Tennessee, Doe Mountain Recreation Area sits on 8,600 acres of mountainous terrain. With unparalleled beauty, you will be trading in your peaceful solitude for a revving engine and an adventure unlike anything else.

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Doe Mountain Recreation Area/ Facebook

There are miles of trails to explore and all of it can be done from behind the wheel of an ATV! If you have your own, simply grab a day pass and head out -- but if you need to rent one, they have that covered too. They even offer half-day tours that are completely customized to your own preferences. Meet a guide and they will tear off into the wilderness where you'll discover the best spots in the forest.

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Doe Mountain Recreation Area/ Facebook

If you prefer the speed of a two-wheeler, dirt bikes are more than welcome. Guests love the stunning scenery as they whip by on an adrenaline-laced adventure.

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Doe Mountain Recreation Area/ Facebook

Even if you want to use the space for some superb mountain biking instead, you can hug the edges of the cliffs and zoom down the mountainside.

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Doe Mountain Recreation Area/ Facebook

This area has serene natural beauty, so make sure to bring your hiking boots and hit some trails during your stay. There are stellar overlooks and even a fire tower you can climb to the top of for one of the best views in the area.

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Doe Mountain Recreation Area/ Facebook

Come early and spend all of your daylight hours packed full of adrenaline-inducing adventures or even a quiet hike through the woods. Back at base camp sit by the fire, make some new friends, or throw some axes.

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Doe Mountain Recreation Area/ Facebook

After such an exciting day, you will need a place to refuel and recharge. You don’t need to leave the scenery to find rest, just head on down the road to this majestic cabin for a great place to stay. Known as Cloud 9, this beautiful cabin makes good use of the stunning mountain vistas and has a hot tub to warm your weary bones after a long day on the trails.

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Carolina Cabin Rentals/ Vrbo

When it comes to ATV rentals in Tennessee, this Mountain City location has a pretty sweet deal to take advantage of. For more information, please visit the Doe Mountain Recreation Area website.

Nearby is The Shortest Tunnel in the World -- it is a personal favorite of mine, so make sure you check it out while you're in the area.

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