Great Smoky Mountains NP— half a day stopover

[Anonymous]

We are considering spending half a day at GSMNP en route from the DC area to Chattanooga (so traveling along I-81). We could spend 5-6 hours exploring the park. Any recommendations?

Considering Cades Cove loop, but heard it can take 4 hours? A visitor center + waterfall hike would also be fine, though Laurel Falls is currently closed.

[Anonymous]

I mean, it's a huge mountain park. It's not the Grand Canyon. You could stop through and check out a waterfall or do a hike, but, yes, to truly enjoy it you'll need to do a four hour hike.

[Anonymous]

Cades Cove is a must visit for our family. The drive into the Cove is beautiful. I’ve never gone where it’s taken four hours. Maybe 90 minutes if you don’t stop at any of the buildings? The loop itself has two roads where you can exit the loop early, so if you need to go, you can dip out early. Take a look at the loop on Google Maps and you’ll see what I’m talking about. We visit frequently to hike so I’m happy to answer any other questions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cades Cove is a must visit for our family. The drive into the Cove is beautiful. I’ve never gone where it’s taken four hours. Maybe 90 minutes if you don’t stop at any of the buildings? The loop itself has two roads where you can exit the loop early, so if you need to go, you can dip out early. Take a look at the loop on Google Maps and you’ll see what I’m talking about. We visit frequently to hike so I’m happy to answer any other questions.

Thank you! I didn’t realize there were ways to do just part of the loop.

[Anonymous]

Bring bear spray.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bring bear spray.

I've never done this and it's never been necessary. You city slickers are loco.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bring bear spray.

I've never done this and it's never been necessary. You city slickers are loco.

I've been to the Smokies many times and feel free to risk it.... Its peak summer.

[Anonymous]

With respect to Cades Cove, they have vehicle free every Wednesday during the summer, so be sure to plan around that if you’re only making a short trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cades Cove is a must visit for our family. The drive into the Cove is beautiful. I’ve never gone where it’s taken four hours. Maybe 90 minutes if you don’t stop at any of the buildings? The loop itself has two roads where you can exit the loop early, so if you need to go, you can dip out early. Take a look at the loop on Google Maps and you’ll see what I’m talking about. We visit frequently to hike so I’m happy to answer any other questions.

Thank you! I didn’t realize there were ways to do just part of the loop.

No problem!

Also, keep in mind that you do need a parking pass ($5) if you plan on parking anywhere within the park for more than 15 minutes. You can print on online or grab one at any visitor center (including Cades Cove.)

Also, you don’t need bear spray. We’ve hiked miles and miles and have never felt the need to have bear spray, even the one time we had one following alongside us on the Chimney Tops trail. Learn some basic techniques to scare them off and keep in mind they are more scared of you than you them.

[Anonymous]

Early morning Cades Cove on a clear day as the sun comes up and there’s a little steam rising off the pastures is up there with any view within our national parks.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies. Anyone know if there’s a decent amount of water in the waterfalls in late July/early August?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the replies. Anyone know if there’s a decent amount of water in the waterfalls in late July/early August?

This area is not Alpine. It basically acts like a temperate rainforest. It's rainy all year round.

[Anonymous]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_temperate_rainforest