Cades Cove is the most visited area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is home to beautiful waterfalls, historic sites and even wildlife viewing. John Oliver Cabin Wikimedia Commons The family home of the Oliver family built in the early 1820s is the oldest log home in all of Cades Cove. The cabin remained in the Oliver family for more than 100 years. Primitive Baptist Church Wikimedia Commons The original log building church established in 1827 was replaced in 1887 with the white chapel standing today. Wildlife Pixabay Cades Cove is teeming with Smoky Mountains wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for these majestic creatures and more out on the forest trails: American Black Bears Beavers Bobcats Chipmunks Coyotes Racoons Laurel Falls Wikimedia Commons The mountain laurel which blooms along the trail gives this natural wonder its name. The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, and a walkway crosses the stream at the base of the upper section. The Laurel Falls Trail was built in 1932 to provide fire crews with access to the Cove Mountain area in the event of a forest fire. In order to halt erosion problems, the trail was paved in 1963. John P. Cable Gristmill Flickr/turcottes78 Visitors can sample or purchase flour and corn mill at this still operating gristmill. The mill's power is generated from Mill Creek, although John Cable dug a connecting channel to Forge Creek so both streams could be tapped during low water levels. Take a hike to Cades Cove when you stay at Gatlinburg Town Square by Exploria Resorts, a beautiful resort nestled in the midst of the Great Smoky Mountains and conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Gatlinburg. Visitors can also choose to stay at the charming Mountain Meadows by Exploria Resorts located in historic Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Book now via our Destinations Tab at the top of this page and come explore Gatlinburg with us.
