The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the number one attraction to the guests who come to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Hundreds of thousands of acres of natural beauty surround the cabins of Cove Mountain. Located in the valley, the beauty of the National Park surrounds us. We have provided some National Park information for your convenience. We hope that you will plan time to spend in this natural wonder we call home.
Park Headquarters & General Information 865-436-1200
Emergencies 865-436-1230
Back country Reservations 865-436-1231
Road Conditions 865-436-1200
In-Park Lodging 865-429-5704
Lost and Found 865-436-1230
Oconaluftee Visitor Center 828-497-1900
Sugarlands Welcome Center 865-436-1291
Cades Cove
Cove Mountain Cabins and Resorts is located near one of the National Park's greatest treasures, Cades Cove. No words can fully describe the beauty of Cades Cove. The trip on a one-way, 11-mile loop road perfectly combines cultural history with natural beauty; in fact, the 4,000 acre valley is often referred to as an open-air museum. The Cove was originally settled by John Oliver but derives its name from Cherokee chief Abrades' wife Kate. Over the years, "Kate's Cove" became "Cades Cove." The valley harbored a thriving community for over a hundred years. In 1850 its population peaked at 685 people. The opening of the western frontier lured many families away from the Cove and by 1860 only 269 people remained
The homes of John Oliver, Carter Shields, Henry Whitehead and Dan Lawson dot the valley floor and represent a variety of building techniques. The Whitehead home is made from logs sawed square at a nearby mill. Dan Lawson's home features an unusual chimney made of brick fired on the spot. Other buildings include a smithy, smokehouses, corn cribs and a cantilevered barn.
Three of five original churches remain in Cades Cove today. The oldest among them is the Primitive Baptist Church, built in 1827. These churches and the surrounding cemeteries provide fascinating insight into the lives and times of 19th-century. For instance, the Baptist church was forced to close during the height of the Civil War because of its Union sympathies. In the cemetery nearby, one headstone reads simply "Bas Shaw -- Killed by Rebels."
Halfway along the loop stands John P. Cable's 19th-century farm. Once a self-contained world, today the farm illustrates the daily lives of early settlers. The farm's centerpiece is the 1868 mill that still grinds corn raised in the Cove, open daily from mid-April through October.
Enjoy beautiful Cades Cove with a special tour! Want to have the entire family together, learn as you go, enjoy the wildlife, scenery, and history, and let someone else do the driving? For a fun and educational trip led by a knowledgeable guide in a comfortable, fuel efficient 19 passenger van, take the Cades Cove Heritage Tour, departing from the CCHT Depot in Townsend. To make reservations, call 865-448-8838.
Select from Cove Mountain's many mountain cabins. One Bedroom, Two Bedroom, Three Bedroom, Four Bedroom, Five Bedroom, Large Group Cabins, Cabin Special Deals
Hiking is a long time favorite past time for locals and our guests. The Smoky Mountains invite you with hikes that will intrigue and educate. The fresh mountain air, a picnic on the trail, and a comfortable, luxurious cabin all make for the perfect Smoky Mountain Getaway. Use our hiking guide to help to select which hike is best for you and your group!
Waterfall hikes are particularly rewarding and fun. These hikes are some of the most popular:
A 2.5-mile roundtrip hike on the Laurel Falls Trail. The trail is paved to the falls. The trailhead is 3.9 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center on Little River Road.
A 4.5-mile roundtrip hike. Take the Gabes Mountain Trail which begins from the parking area at the entrance to Cosby Campground. Beyond the falls, Gabes Mountain Trail leads to old-growth forest.
A 5.5-mile roundtrip hike. The trail starts from the Rainbow Falls parking area on Cherokee Orchard Road near Gatlinburg, TN.
Please be take care when setting out into our National Park for a hike. Here are a few things you will need to know before you go!
Always hike with another person.
Always bring a small flashlight.
Always bring water.
All water taken from the backcountry should be treated.
Let someone know your route and return time.
Wear appropriate shoes.
Carry a small first aid kit.
Be informed about the weather & be prepared for quickly changing conditions. Check current weather conditions.
Select from Cove Mountain's many mountain cabins. One Bedroom, Two Bedroom, Three Bedroom, Four Bedroom, Five Bedroom, Large Group Cabins, Cabin Special Deals
Preserved Structures
Historical Churches
Working Corn Mill
