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Cable Mill Historic Area (U.S. National Park Service)

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Join a miller inside Cable Mill to learn about the process.

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White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) - Jewel Cave National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

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Riverwalk Trail – Scenic Walking, Biking & Running Trail in Pigeon Forge

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Hike, bike or run along the six-mile Riverwalk Trail in Pigeon Forge, a tree-lined paved trail that travels along the Little Pigeon River.

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RESEARCH Help Fund the Solution Donations to Safe Passage are vital to connecting landscapes and making roads safer for wildlife and drivers. Your support helps fund research-based road improvements incorporated […]

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Abrams Falls | Waterfall Hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Abrams Falls is a moderate five-mile roundtrip hike lined with beautiful geological structures, and at 2.5 miles you are met with the breathtaking Abrams Falls.

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As you already know, Cades Cove is full of history. It's where the first settlers lived when they came to the Smoky Mountains. Many historical buildings are located in the area. There's a rich backstory to almost everything in Cades Cove, including the Pearl Harbor tree. We're going to uncover the history of the Pearl Harbor tree in Cades Cove.

History of the Pearl Harbor Tree

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934. People were still living in the area, and they were slowly making their way out. Many of them had farms where they grew crops and tended to livestock, and the Myers family was no different. Golman Myers owned a family farm in the Cades Cove area, and he started the process of moving his farm in the 1940s to Townsend since his land was in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Myers liked keeping up with current events, mostly through listening to their battery powered RCA radio. The Myers were sitting around their radio when President Franklin D. Roosevelt interrupted the program they were listening to by announcing Pearl Harbor had been attacked by Japan. Myers knew in that moment the United States was going to go to war with the rest of the world.

With the looming threat of war and his oldest sons old enough to be drafted into the war, Myers wanted a way to memorialize the soldiers who lost their lives in the Pearl Harbor attack. He went out behind his house and found a small sweet gum tree sapling, no bigger than a limb. Myers pulled up the tree from where it was growing and transplanted it out in front of his home. He then placed an old automobile rim around the sapling and said, "We will remember this forever."

Remembering the Act

In the mid 1970s, Myers' youngest son, Bernard, had a metal sign engraved with, "Golman Myers transplanted this tree December 7, 1941" on one side and "Pearl Harbor" on the other side. He wanted to commemorate the moment and help everyone who finds the Pearl Harbor tree in Cades Cove what it stands for. He attached the metal sign with a chain around the tree. Bernard said he just did it for his grandchildren so they could remember what their great grandfather did.

The Pearl Harbor Tree Today

Today, you'll find this sweet gum tree in Cades Cove surrounded by many other trees that have grown up where the family home used to be. It stands at about 60 feet tall, showing how much it has grown since being transplanted. The rim around the tree has grown with the tree, splitting itself. The gap between the two sides of the rim show how much time has passed since the rim was placed around the tree as a sapling. Although this memorial was created years ago, it's a way people can remember the tragedy of what happened at Pearl Harbor.

How to Find the Tree in Cades Cove

There is no clear path to the Pearl Harbor Tree in Cades Cove. To get to the tree, you should find the parking area that is 3.6 miles from the entrance gate to Cades Cove. This pull off has about 20 parking spots and is 0.5 of a mile away from the Missionary Baptist Church. From the pull off, walk west about 0.1 of a mile, and you'll find a small clearing on the left side of the road. The point where the treeline on the western edge of the field meets the road is the bottom of the hill you climb to reach the Pearl Harbor tree. A short walk uphill due west will put you in the area of the sweet-gum tree.

There's so much you can learn about the history of Cades Cove! Want to know even more? Check out these things you didn't know about Cades Cove history!

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Uncovering the History of Cades Cove: The Pearl Harbor Tree

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Did you know there's a memorial dedicated to Pearl Harbor? Experience Cades Cove uncovers the history of the Pearl Harbor Tree.

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If you've visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you've probably been to the most popular spot: Cades Cove. There are a ton of cool stops along this scenic drive, such as the cantilever barn, John Oliver cabin, and Cable grist mill. These stops are right along the road, but did you know there are some hidden gems in Cades Cove too? One of them is Gregory's Cave. Keep reading to find out more about Gregory's Cave in Cades Cove.

Gregory's Cave in Cades Cove

Most caves are formed when limestone and sandstone fracture and weather over time. Gregory's Cave is one of the largest caves in the Cades Cove area. The entrance to the cave is 10 feet wide and 4 feet tall. The cave is primarily a single large passage that ranges from 20 to 55 feet wide and 15 feet tall. There are quite a few side passages in the cave as well. In one of the side passages, there are pick marks along the wall, which indicates mining activity happened in the early 1800s.

Gregory Cave was actually the only cave in the national park that was developed as a commercial cave. In 1925, the cave was opened to the public by the Gregory family, who still lived in Cades Cove at the time. There were planks in the cave to walk across certain areas, and they installed battery powered lights. Gregory Cave was even used as an emergency shelter that would hold a maximum of 1,000 people when people still lived in the Cades Cove area. The cave was still open to the public in 1935, but when the national park bought the property from the Gregory family, it was closed. Today, the cave entrance is securely closed to the public.

Finding Gregory's Cave

You may be wondering how you would find the entrance to Gregory's Cave. First, you have to drive along the Cades Cove Loop! Then, you'll stop and park in the small parking lot on the right after you pass the entrance of Sparks Lane near the John Oliver Cabin. From there, you'll hike along the loop until you see a gated-off dirt road on your right that leads the way to the cave. It has metal bars to keep cars out. Follow it a short way, passing two picnic tables on your right, and just a little ways ahead you'll spot the cave!

Other Interesting Stops in Cades Cove

There are some other hidden gems, as well as not-so-hidden gems in Cades Cove. Another one of the hidden ones you'll have to look for is the Pearl Harbor Tree. You'll have to walk through the woods and keep a sharp eye out for this tree to find it.

Abrams Falls is another great place to go. You'll just have to take a moderately difficult hike along this 5 mile roundtrip trail. Along the hike, you'll walk through old forest growth and possibly see wildflowers and wildlife, depending on what time of the year you're there. Abrams Falls is 20 feet tall with a huge amount of water that rushes over the rocks.

Any of the historic buildings along the Loop are great places to get out and explore. The grist mill is the only working mill in the national park, and you can purchase flour and cornmeal a few times a year that has been ground by the grill. You'll also see the cantilever barn, a unique structure that isn't found in many other places in the country other than East Tennessee.

Seeing Gregory Cave in Cades Cove would be a neat thing to do the next time you're in the area. Want to know more about the area? Learn more about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before you come!

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All About Gregory's Cave: A Hidden Gem in Cades Cove

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Information about Gregory's Cave, a hidden gem in Cades Cove

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Animals - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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5 Interesting Facts About Clingmans Dome

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Read these interesting facts about Clingmans Dome including how it got its famous name!

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The rivers of East Tennessee can be confusing if you’re not a local. Use this FAQ on the Little Pigeon River to plan your splash-filled fun!

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The Cades Cove area's beautiful natural scenery is always teeming with wildlife. You may have the exciting opportunity to see some of the residents during your visit. While the most popular animal is the black bear, there are many other creatures wandering about in the national park, including river otters. Let us tell you more about them! Here are some fascinating facts about river otters in Cades Cove:

1. They Have Two Layers of Fur

River otters spend two-thirds of their life on land, but they swim a lot. While these versatile creatures sleep on land in dens, they catch fish underwater. They use their long whiskers to detect fish in muddy waters. So, how do they stay warm and dry? One of their unique features is having 2 layers of fur. The inner layer is soft and keeps an otter warm. On the other hand, the outer layer is coarse and repels water. It's almost like having a raincoat on all the time!

2. They Are Great Swimmers

River otters in Cades Cove have excellent swimming abilities. In fact, they can swim 8 miles per hour which is about 3 times faster than humans. Their short legs, webbed feet, and powerful tails all work together to propel them through the water. River otters also don't have to come up for air as much as we do. They can hold their breath underwater for up to 8 minutes. In addition to being great swimmers, river otters can also dive to depths of up to 60 feet.

3. They Eat A Lot

River otters may be small, but they have a big appetite. They weigh between 20 to 25 pounds and consume 20 to 33% of their body weight each day. They spend around 5 hours looking for food. When river otters catch prey, they tuck them into the pockets of loose skin under their arms. They are carnivores. In addition to fish, they eat insects, turtles, and small mammals. River otters have a set of 36 large teeth as well as thumbs and forepaws that they use to catch prey.

Where to Find River Otters in Cades Cove

Where can you find river otters in Cades Cove? Long ago, the Cherokee people called Cades Cove "Tsiya'hi" which means "Otter Place." In 1986, the National Park Service started a program to reintroduce otters to the Smokies. Today, you can find them around Abrams Creek in Cades Cove. This scenic hike is a trail that is 5 miles roundtrip and moderate in difficulty. While Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, it has a large volume of water rushing down. If you do see otters or any other wildlife during your hike, refrain from getting too close. Maintain a distance of at least 150 away! Bring a pair of binoculars for the best view.

Now you know all about river otters in Cades Cove. Want to learn about more wildlife in the area? Check out our other list of animals you might spot on the Cades Cove Loop!

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3 Fascinating Facts About River Otters in Cades Cove

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Discover some fascinating facts about river otters in Cades Cove, such as how fast they can swim!

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Raccoons in the Great Smoky Mountains - Up The Creek RV Camp

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its great diversity of species, including 65 species of mammals. The raccoon, known as the “masked bandit” is an intelligent, mostly nocturnal mammal. Fully grown, raccoons weigh from 8-14 pounds, and live up to 7 years old. They feed on many aquatic species such as frogs or crayfish, and […]

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Whitewater Rafting in Tennessee - White Water Attraction near Gatlinburg TN - Pigeon Forge Rafting

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The Pigeon River is one of the best places for white water rafting in Tennessee. With everything from class 1 to class 4 rapids, this beautiful river can accommodate rafters of all ages and abilities. Did you know that the Pigeon River spans two states? Read on to learn more about one of the South East's most popular rivers.

1. The Pigeon River Starts in North Carolina and ends in East Tennessee.

It can be easy to forget how long this river is! The Pigeon River begins in Haywood County in North Carolina and flows mostly northwest, with a few exceptions. In East Tennessee, the river runs through Hartford to Newport and eventually merges into the French Broad River. It stretches 70 miles! Our Pigeon River rafting outpost is located in Hartford, TN.

2. The river was named after the passenger pigeon.

The Pigeon River takes its name from these birds because their migration pattern used to include the river valley in North Carolina. Unfortunately you won't see any passenger pigeons flying along the river because the birds have been extinct since around 1914.

3. The Pigeon River is home to diverse wildlife.

When you explore the Pigeon River, you'll have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife! The water and surrounding forests provide the perfect habitat for so many species of fish, birds, and mammals. As you're white water rafting on the Pigeon River, keep your eyes peeled for otters, turtles, and maybe even a bald eagle!

4. The river has two distinct sections: the Upper and the Lower.

Did you know that the Pigeon River has two distinct sections? Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers exciting trips down both the Upper and the Lower Pigeon River. The Upper section offers a wild ride featuring class 3 - 4 rapids with plenty of big waves, big drops, and surfing. This trip is perfect for those who want an exciting and unpredictable ride down the river. In contrast, the Lower Pigeon River is gentle and scenic, with mostly class 1 and class 2 rapids. This is our most popular trip for families with kids, and you'll even have the opportunity to get out and splash in the river!

5. It's a popular spot for fishing.

Do you love to go fishing? Plan a visit to the Pigeon River! Many anglers flock to the area because of its abundance of trout and smallmouth bass. Not only do you have the opportunity to catch fish, but the environment is perfect for a relaxing afternoon casting a line! We recommend booking a stay at Pigeon River Campground to stay right along the banks of the river.

Go White Water Rafting on the Pigeon River

Now that you know more about the Pigeon River, we bet you can't wait to come experience it for yourselves! The best way to do so is by visiting us at Smoky Mountain Outdoors. You simply cannot beat the Pigeon River for white water rafting in Tennessee! Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing trip down the lower part of the river or a thrilling ride down the upper portion, you're sure to have a great time. Or, you can do both! Visit our Combo Trip page to learn how you can raft both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River.

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4 Little Known Facts About the Pigeon River

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The Pigeon River is one of the best places for white water rafting in Tennessee. Learn the top facts about the Pigeon River!

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Everything You Need to Know About the Little Pigeon River

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Everything you need to know about the Little Pigeon River

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American black bears ( Ursus americanus) are the most common and widely distributed species of bears in North America. They can be found anywhere from forested areas to the beach to the alpine zone.

While bears of the same species might look similar, everything from their size, coloring, diet, and sleeping patterns depend on the bear and its location. For example, a bear's diet varies depending on what foods are available during a specific season in a specific region. The home range for an adult black bear can vary depending on the location, season, and food availability.

Let's take a look at two different black bears, one in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and another in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve to see how they differ in diet, winter denning, and life cycle. For more information about bears and bear behavior in a specific national park, please contact that park.

What Do Black Bears Eat?

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Black Bears - Bears (U.S. National Park Service)

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American black bears ( Ursus americanus) are the most common and widely distributed species of bears in North America. They can be found anywhere from forested areas to the beach to the alpine zone. While bears of the same species might look similar, everything from their size, coloring, diet, and sleeping patterns depend on the bear and its location.

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Discover the rich history of The Old Mill, one of the oldest continually operating gristmills in the country.

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Classic Smokies Wildlife - The Groundhog

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To the settlers of the Great Smoky Mountains, this now rare animal was known as the whistle-pig, chiefly because of the shrill, high-pitched whistle it gave when disturbed or excited. A cautious creature, it seldom wandered far from the burrow, even when searching for food. The predators were waiting, and this animal knew to watch for the fox, wolf, and bear. A wise creature of the open fields, it stayed put whenever possible. Today, the whistle-pig (Marmota monax), is commonly called the groundhog or woodchuck. A member of the squirrel family, it is much larger than its fluffy-tailed relatives, about 18 inches long with stout legs and a broad flat head. Groundhog fur is of a mottled appearance - gray-black guard hairs mingled with soft yellow underfur. The underbelly and legs have a reddish tint, and its feet are black.
The groundhog lives in a den which it dug with its own sharp claws. The den or burrow has several rooms and is a safe warm haven during the winter. A male groundhog is a solitary animal, preferring to den alone for most of the year. The male will stay with the female through childbirth and early rearing of their babies. Though known as a ground creature, the groundhog has been observed climbing trees and has keen eyesight. In the afternoon hours it hunts for dinner, usually sweet grasses such as clover or alfalfa. The groundhog also enjoys tree buds, stems, and leaves. In the cold winter, the groundhog enters a dormant sleep period, curled in a ball deep in the den. Since it doesn’t store food for the winter, the groundhog eats well before the winter sleep, seldom venturing out before February. Breeding occurs during the next month and young are born in April and May.
Visitors to the Smokies will find the groundhog most abundant in the grassy meadows of Cades Cove, close to the places where cabins once stood. Listen for it’s whistle - two shrill notes with teeth gritting, then a softer chatter that gradually fades into silence. The brown head of the groundhog suddenly pops out of the burrow, reminding one of a jack-in-the-box toy from a past childhood. Look for the groundhog in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though they are less plentiful now due to the ecological changes occurring as the park reverts to a more forested condition, they can still be spotted on your ventures through the Smokies.

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The wild turkey is the largest nesting bird in the Smoky Mountains. This bird is easily recognizable by its large, dark body, long feathers, and colorful face and neck. It's not uncommon to see wild turkeys foraging along roads and in clearings throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here are a few fun facts about the wild turkey to keep in mind the next time you see one in the Smokies.

1. The Smoky Mountains Are Home to the Eastern Wild Turkey.

There are six subspecies of wild turkey that live in North America, including Eastern, Osceola, Ocellated, Rio Grande, Merriam, and Gould wild turkeys. The Smoky Mountains are home to the Eastern wild turkey. This subspecies has the strongest gobbles and longest beard of any of the other subspecies. It's estimated that roughly 500 wild turkeys live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, though the exact number is unknown. The population is stable and healthy, and it appears to grow each year.

2. Wild Turkeys Can Fly.

Because the wild turkey spends much of its time feeding on the ground, many people think this large bird can't fly. However, wild turkeys are actually skilled fliers. They have been known to fly up to 55 or 60 miles per hour in short bursts. They are also much more agile in flight than what their large appearance may suggest.

3. Wild Turkeys Sleep in Trees.

The wild turkey spends most of its time on the ground in search of food. At night, however, this large bird will fly up into a tree to sleep. Wild turkeys will usually roost at dusk and fly back down as the sun starts to rise. This is in part because they can't see well at night and in part to protect themselves from predators.

4. The Wild Turkey Has Excellent Eyesight.

The wild turkey might not be able to see as well at night, but this bird has excellent vision during the day. In fact, wild turkeys can see three times better than humans. These birds can also see in color unlike many other animals. Because of the shape of their heads and position of their eyes, their eyesight covers a 270-degrees field of vision, which is much more than that of a human.

5. Their Snoods Are for Mating.

The red, fleshy appendage that extends over a wild turkey's beak is called a snood. Its purpose is to help females find a suitable mate. Female turkeys prefer males with longer snoods when searching for a mate. Snood length can also help predict the winner of a competition between two males.

6. The Wild Turkey Can Change Colors.

You probably didn't know that a wild turkey's head can change colors. The color of their head reflects the turkey's emotions. Head color can change from white to blue to red, depending on how calm or excited the animal is at that moment. More intense colors mean more intense emotions.

7. Both Males and Females Gobble.

Male turkeys, or toms, are more well-known for making the iconic gobble sound that's associated with turkeys. Contrary to popular belief, female turkeys, or hens, can also gobble. However, hens are more likely to make a loud, sharp "tuk" noise that sounds somewhat similar to a chipmunk. Wild turkeys make other sounds, too, including purrs, yelps, and "kee-kees."

Learn More About Birds in the Smoky Mountains

Now you know a few fun facts about the Smoky Mountain wild turkey. This is just one of the many species of birds that make their home in the Smoky Mountains. Discover more about the 10 most common Smoky Mountain birds that you're likely to see when you visit the national park!

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Fun Facts About the Smoky Mountain Wild Turkey

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t's not uncommon to see wild turkeys in the Smoky Mountains. Discover some fun facts about the Smoky Mountain wild turkey!

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Explore the Great Smoky Mountains like the settlers did on horseback! At the Cades Cove Riding Stables, you get to travel through Cades Cove on a horse. Even if you've never ridden a horse before, you'll have a great time! Here's everything you need to know about the Cades Cove Riding Stables:

Guided Tours Through Cades Cove

A guide will lead your group through trails in Cades Cove. You ride your own horse and control it while it follows the trail guide. Cades Cove Riding Stables wants to keep groups small, about 9 people per group, so you feel like you get to know your guide well.

The horses have been hand selected based on their temperament, athletic ability, and willingness to please. The guides will ask you if you've ever ridden before, and based on your answer, they will pick a horse that's perfect just for you! Before you head out on the trails, the guides will have a small orientation for new riders on how to ride on the trails and how to control the horse.

Guided tours depart frequently throughout the day. These tours last about 1 hour each. Cades Cove Riding Stables suggest everyone riding a horse should wear a safety helmet, but it is required for riders 16 years old and younger wear a helmet.

You can go trail riding in Cades Cove anytime in March through November from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

Carriage Rides Through Cades Cove

If you don't want to go on a trail ride, you can always ride a horse-drawn carriage through Cades Cove! You'll feel like a wealthy traveler from the past, riding through the forest in a carriage. The carriage drivers will entertain you with fascinating history about Cades Cove. You might even come across wildlife along your ride, and they will tell you more about the different animals too!

The maximum number of people Cades Cove Riding Stables will allow on the carriages are 6 people, depending on their size. The rides last about 30 to 45 minutes. You can ride a carriage through Cades Cove from March to November, anytime between 9 am to 4:30 pm.

Hayrides Through Cades Cove

Want to take the kids to see Cades Cove in a different way other than from the car? Go on a hayride through this popular destination in the Great Smoky Mountains! The whole family will have a great time riding in a trailer full of hay pulled by a truck.

For the hayride to continue, there must be at least 2 riders at the scheduled time. The trailers can hold up to 65 people at a time. The ride time varies, depending on traffic in the Loop. Usually, the hayrides can last from 1.5 to 3 hours. Here is the schedule for hayrides:

March 3 through May 31: 10 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm

June 1 through August 15: 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 6 pm

August 16 through closing season 10 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm

Your whole family will love seeing Cades Cove in a new way. Cades Cove Riding Stables can help you see what traveling was like before modern technology. You'll definitely appreciate the quietness and beauty of nature on guided trail tours, carriage rides, and hayrides. For even more information, read about horseback riding in Cades Cove.

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Everything You Need to Know about the Cades Cove Riding Stables

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Wondering how you can see Cades Cove in a new way? Experience Cades Cove shares everything you need to know about the Cades Cove Riding Stables.

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Clingmans Dome - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Clingmans Dome is inside Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Clingmans Dome observation tower is located on the Tennessee and North Carolina border.

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Kuwohi as seen from Sevierville, Tennessee