I've only biked around Cades Cove in the mornings, and it is well worth it! Lots of wildlife out and about the earlier you go. Most of the year, the Cades Cove loops is closed to cars on Wednesday and Saturday mornings so that visitors can bike and walk around the loop without traffic. It's a great time to go! The campground store also has bike rentals if you don't want to bring your own bike. There are quite a few hills, but nothing too strenuous.
5.0
Whenever friends ask for hike recommendations in the Smokies, this is one of the first ones that comes to mind. It's a great day hike, not too strenuous, and you get to check out a beautiful water fall. The trail is very popular though and during peak tourist season, it's best to get on the trail and start hiking early to beat the crowds. You have to drive around Cades Cove to get to the trailhead which can also be a little hectic during the peak summer months. But again, just head out early and you can probably avoid all of that. Plus, Cades Cove has tons of wildlife-- deer, turkeys, bears, coyotes... it's worth the hike!
4.0
I did this hike in late January and it was perfect! Despite it being winter, it's a very green, lush hike thanks to all of the rhodendron and moss along the river. It's almostly entirely flat and makes for an easy, fun stroll that would be great for families. There are several small creek crossings that can be bit tricky if it's rained a lot recently (like when I went).
5.0
I've been up to Gregory's Bald several times and it's worth the trip! Unfortunately, Parsons Branch Road is closed at this time, and not just seasonally. The road will be closed for a while due to hazard trees. It's always best to check out the temporary and seasonal road closures on the Smokies website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm. There are several other ways to get up to Gregroy's Bald besides the Parson Branch Road, though. The other routes are longer and should probably be turned into at least a one-night backpacking trip. But it's well worth it! There is a gorgeous view overlooking Cades Cove and backpacking sites located at the top. If you do spend the night, you'll need to call the Smokies backcountry office and get a permit in advance. I believe cost is $4/night.
5.0
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