Walk Through The Natural Tranquility Of Famous Cades Cove In Tennessee Every Wednesday This Summer
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
