One more place to enjoy near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee
The Cades Cove Visitor Center can be found at the midpoint of the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road. It’s a popular spot in the park, known for its diverse wildlife such as white-tailed deer, black bears, turkeys, raccoons, and more. Inside the visitor center, you’ll discover exhibits that showcase the way of life in the Southern mountains. If you’re interested, make sure to visit the Cable Mill, a grist mill that operates during the spring, summer, and fall. You can also explore the historic Becky Cable House or check out the exhibits indoors. Additionally, the visitor center offers various ranger-led programs during certain seasons and provides amenities like a bookstore, public restrooms, and trail maps for hikers.
The Cades Cove Visitor Center has received positive feedback from recent travelers. They appreciated the friendly staff and the abundance of information provided. However, some visitors mentioned that there is a lack of public restrooms along the 11-mile Cades Cove loop. To address this, it is recommended to use the restrooms at the visitor center before starting the drive. Another highlight mentioned by many was the well-stocked gift shop. It’s worth noting that on busy weekends and during peak seasons, the traffic on the loop road can become quite slow.