Continuing with our list of  “10 Things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains this Spring,” is #9 – Explore Cades Cove on a bicycle.

The arrival of warmer weather means more visitors flocking to the Great Smokies in search of outdoor activities. Cades Cove is the most visited section of the most visited national park in the nation and if you head to the cove on most any day of the week during peak visitation months you’ll have no doubt the validity of that statement.

Nothing spoils a day immersed in the beauty of Cades Cove like fighting  for hours in traffic jams as you inch your way around the 11-mile loop road.

But there’s another way to enjoy this wonderful spot in the Great Smoky Mountains that will be a little easier on your nerves and better for your health….explore Cades Cove on a bike.

From early May until late September the Cades Cove loop road is closed to automobile traffic on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00 a.m. During this time you may explore the cove on bicycle or by walking if you prefer.

Traveling the loop road by bicycle gives you an up-close and personal look at the cove that you can’t get by driving in your car. Free of vehicular traffic you can ride and explore at your leisure. However, there are a couple of spots with steep grades so play it safe and walk your bike in those locations to avoid potential injury.

If you don’t have your own bicycle you may rent bikes at the Cades Cove Campground Store. You can call (865) 448-9034 for more information.

So get out of you car and enjoy Cades Cove this spring in a more relaxing and peaceful way…on a bicycle!

(Do you have photos you’d like to share of your bicycle trip around Cades Cove?  If so, send them to: admin@thegreatsmokies.net for possible inclusion in this article)