This Hidden Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Is Bursting With Wildflowers

Here's how to see the spring and summer blooms in Cades Cove.

Tucked away in the Tennessee section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the valley of Cades Cove spans 4,000 acres across rolling hills and oak-pine forests. Each spring, those fields become blanketed by wildflowers, save for the odd sighting of a white-tailed deer or rambling black bear ambling through. Equally important as the blooms is Cades Cove's history as Cherokee land. Some historians believe its name comes from the Cherokee leader, Chief Kade.

Though travelers can find a whopping 1,500 flowering plants inside the national park — more than in any other national park in the U.S. — black-eyed Susans are one of the main draws in Cades Cove. According to the National Park Service, the best time to try and see them is May through August, giving you plenty of time to catch a glimpse. The park is also famous for its pink and white mountain laurels, which bloom from early May through June, and flame azaleas, which emerge in April and May.

Here's how to plan a trip to see the wildflowers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Cades Cove this spring and summer.

How to Get to Cades Cove

Getting to the isolated mountain meadow of Cades Cove is surprisingly simple. An approximately 11-mile one-way loop road surrounds the valley. A self-guided tour booklet is offered at the road's entrance for travelers seeking a map. Exploring the entire area takes about two to four hours, depending on how many stops you make. And seeing it all is rather inexpensive, as it costs just $5 for a daily parking tag at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The road contains plenty of pull-outs so drivers can stop and safely view those black-eyed Susan blooms, and there are trails to venture off on for the more adventurous travelers. It's important to know how to responsibly view the wildflower blooms, no matter which way you decide to see them. Stick to the designated trails and paths, never pick flowers, and, if you can, try to visit during off-peak hours. This helps with congestion in the park and will help you get a better viewing experience.

Cades Cove offers vehicle-free days on Wednesdays from May through September so pedestrians and cyclists can safely enjoy the road. Seeing the wildflower blooms by bike could make for an even more unique experience. Even horseback riding through Cades Cove Riding Stables is an option to soak in the wild side of the Smoky Mountains.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Have a Picnic at Cades Cove

You'll likely work up an appetite after venturing through the meadows of Cades Cove. At the gateway to the valley, there's a picnic area with 81 sites and charcoal grills between Abrams Creek and Green Branch Creek.

The picnic site is open all year round, starting every day at sunrise. It closes at 8 pm from late April to early September and at sunset on other dates. If you are traveling with anyone with a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license, you can also make a fishing trip out of the day.

Remember, many black bears live in the area, so be mindful. Promptly dispose of garbage in the bear-proof trash cans; if you see a bear, do not approach it.

Where to Stay Near Cades Cove

Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains sits just an hour's drive from Cades Cove and offers a unique accommodation choice. The property, nestled on 82 acres of woodlands, is perfect for those looking for the ultimate glamping experience among wildflowers. If you time your visit right, you might spot the park's famous synchronous fireflies that light up the night sky for two weeks, typically between mid-May and mid-June. Each tent offers luxe, souped-up king-size beds with plush linens and even en suite bathrooms with hot showers. And, after a long day of taking in the blooms, you'll appreciate the opportunity to unwind with its variety of locally sourced dishes and nightly fires in the fire pit.

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