2019-05-15 GSMNP-003 Cades Cove Loop

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2019-05-15 GSMNP-003 Cades Cove Loop

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Cades Cove

Date(s) & Time:

Wed, May 15 2019 6:30 am >> Wed, May 15 2019 11:30 am

Registration Opens:

Mon, Feb 25 2019 7:20 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Wed, May 15 2019 6:30 am

Event Duration:

Approx. 5 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Distance:

11 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Bill Wey

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

<<< Cades Cove Loop >>>

This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the GSMNP. It’s among the top choices after a few days long trekking in the park. It also leaves the second half of the day open to explore anything else.

We will meet and start at the Cades Cove parking lot next to the Cades Cove Campground Store Bike Bldg, 10035 Campground Dr, Townsend, TN 37882.

Every Wednesday and Saturday between May and September, the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop is closed to cars until 10:00, so hikers and bikers can enjoy the cove without motor vehicles. We will start a little earlier than usual to fully enjoy this privilege. From past experience it is well worth the effort of getting up early.

Many people consider Cades Cove the crown jewel of the GSMNP. Cades Cove is a broad valley with an 11-mile one-way loop around it. The loop has the most concentrated group of historic buildings with churches, log houses, and a huge cable mill area in the GSMNP. We’ll take our time to enjoy the natural beauty in this valley. Most of the valley is fenced in to keep visitors separated from the wildlife in the grass area.

Cades Cove is a well-known area to spot so many different kinds of wildlife especially early in the morning. We’ll keep our eyes wide open and cameras ready. We also always have an ice cream treat right after our hiking to celebrate such a wonderful morning spent in the valley!

Required Items to Bring:

Layers of clothing suitable for the season.

Good hiking boots/shoes.

Water and snacks.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Camera

Rain gear just in case

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Use Google Address:

Cades Cove Campground Store Bike Bldg, 10035 Campground Dr, Townsend, TN 37882

from anywhere you are coming.

General direction:

If starting from Sugarlands Visitor Center of GSMNP, it's about 25 miles. The driving is very scenic and straight forward. Just follow signs from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Cades Cove; then to Cades Cove Campground Store Bike Bldg. The normal driving time is about 50 minutes.

Notes:

1. This event may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not satisfactory for an enjoyable outing.

2. Itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the trip leader.

<<< Hiking in GSMNP >>>

I will stay in Gatlinburg, TN, and not making day trip back to Atlanta.

There are lots of affordable lodging options in Gatlinburg, TN. The choice of lodging is completely optional of each member.

The hiking is free, but we need to cover ALL our costs. All costs are paid by members on their own. The AOC and trip leader do not pay any costs. This is not an AOC paid event.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.