What to Wear During a Summer Day Hike in Cades Cove

Most people visit Cades Cove more than any other spot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A scenic 11-mile drive through gorgeous fields and mountain terrain, it’s a popular spot for sightseeing, nature viewing, observing historic sites and hiking!

With miles of hiking trails to choose from, there’s an option for whatever kind of adventure you want. Looking for waterfall hikes? There are several of those! Want a scenic stroll through the forest? It’s got that too!

To make sure you’re prepared for whatever the day’s treks may bring, we’re covering everything from what to wear when hiking in the Smoky Mountains to some of the top trails, as well as the best places to stay near Cades Cove. Check it out below and get ready for an unforgettable mountain vacation.

After a full day of exploring Cades Cove, come home and soak your bones in a luxurious hot tub at one of our Venture Resorts vacation homes. With properties in Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Wears Valley and Pigeon Forge, you’re certain to find a dream escape for your family or group.

 See All Smoky Mountain Vacation Homes

In This Article

• What to Wear When Hiking in the Smokies
• Gear Recommendations for Beginner Hikers in the Smoky Mountains
• Top Cades Cove Hiking Trails
• Trail Etiquette
• How to Read a Trail Map
• Where to Stay Near the Best Cades Cove Trails
• Frequently Asked Questions

Hiking in the Smokies – A Trail Vacation Plan

The Smokies are some of the oldest mountains on earth, dating back 200-300 million years. As such, it’s no wonder hiking and exploring the ancient forests is such a popular vacation pastime. From Cades Cove to the greater park, the tips in this vacation plan will help you have a safe and enjoyable day on the trails. Let’s get into it! 

What to Wear Hiking in the Smokies

The temperate climate of the Smoky Mountains is characterized by hot and humid summers and cold, snowy and wet winters. High temperatures can often exceed 90°F in the warmer months, and lows in winter dip into the 20s and below. Depending on when you visit, you'll want to adjust your wardrobe for the season.

Some staples include:

• Sturdy hiking boots with good tread to protect your feet
• Thick socks so you don’t get blisters
• Ankle or knee braces to help stabilize joints on rocky terrain
• Layers of clothing – especially a light rain jacket
• A hat for sun protection, or a thicker wool cap in winter for warmth
• Moisture-wicking fabric shirts that both insulate and are breathable
• Pants with detachable sections that can be converted to shorts throughout the day
• Gloves for cooler temps 

Gear Recommendations for Beginner Hikers in the Smoky Mountains

Unless you’re looking to incorporate regular hiking into your everyday life, there’s no need to splurge on expensive gear just for your Cades Cove visit. That said, some things are good investments.  

Must Have Hiking Gear:

• Proper footwear (socks and boots)
• Bug repellant
• Sunscreen
• Synthetic fiber clothing
• Water bottles or backpacks, like a CamelBak, for staying hydrated
• Trekking poles
• Snacks
• First aid kit with bandages, blister band aids, antibiotic ointment, cortisone cream and anti-inflammatory meds
• Fire starters like matches, a lighter or a flint rod
• Maps, a compass or GPS system
• A knife and/or a multi-tool

Top Cades Cove Hiking Trails

There are trails all throughout the Smoky Mountains, but for some right in Cades Cove, we recommend the following:

Abrams Falls Trail – Gorgeous falls, charming footbridges, dense forests

• Length: 5 miles
• Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Estimated Time: 2 hours

Crib Gap Trail – Wildlife spotting, under-the-road tunnel at the end with fun rock hopping opportunities

• Length: 3.9 miles
• Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Estimated Time: About 2 hours 

Rich Mountain Loop – Crooked Arms Waterfall, great views of Cades Cove meadow, historic sites like the John Oliver Cabin

• Length: 8.5 miles
• Type: Loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Estimated Time: Roughly 4 hours

Curious about what else there is to do in Cades Cove? Check out our list of 15 unique ideas!

Trail Etiquette

Who has the right of way on a hiking trail? What do I do if I see a large group of hikers on a trail? What if the hiking trail also allows mountain bikers? These questions lay out some very real scenarios you may encounter in the wild. But don’t worry, just follow these rules:

What is the “Right” Right of Way?

Directionality rules here. Downhill hikers yield to those heading uphill. Additionally, if you’re moving at a more leisurely pace, stepping aside so faster hikers can pass is polite.

If you’re hiking with a large group, practicing spatial awareness is key. A large group should make way for a smaller group to pass.

If a biker is on the trail with you, the biker yields to the hiker, but they’re typically moving so fast it can be difficult for them to stop. If you’re able to side-step out of the way, that may be easiest, even if it’s not quite the “right” way to do it.

In addition to knowing when and how to keep the pace flowing, another key part of trail etiquette is practicing Leave No Trace principles. This simply means ensuring you leave the trail as you found it (or cleaner).

Carry out things like food wrappers or bottles and throw trash away in proper bins. Do not build rock cairns along trails or in streams, as these can interfere with park staff’s intentional trail markings. And above all, never interact with or feed the wildlife.

How to Read a Trail Map

There is no cell service in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, so it's key to make sure you have reliable GPS devices that will work without it and understand how to read a trail map.

Paper trail maps often include a legend explaining symbols for landmarks, campsites, water sources and trail intersections. Pay attention to contour lines—they show elevation changes and help you gauge the difficulty of your route. Always note the trailhead location, mileage markers and any intersecting paths so you can track your progress and avoid wrong turns.

On your map, contour lines are the thin, wavy lines that connect points of equal elevation. When the lines are spaced far apart, the terrain is relatively flat. When they’re close together, the slope is steep. For example, a trail where the lines bunch tightly around a peak means you’ll gain elevation quickly, while wide spacing along a valley indicates an easier, more gradual path.

You can find trail maps at the Cades Cove Visitor Center as well as other brochures and area info.

Book Your Stay Near the Best Cades Cove Hiking Trails

Featured Property: Rushing Falls - 3 Bedroom Waterfall Cabin with Hot Tub and Game Room

Venture Resorts is your connection to exceptional vacation homes in the Smoky Mountains. Choose from properties in the most coveted areas of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Wears Valley when you browse our inventory. Enjoy hot tubs, game rooms, proximity to downtown entertainment, and of course, a connection to the best Cades Cove hiking trails when you book your stay directly with us!

Choose Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Home

FAQs about What to Wear When Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

What kinds of shoes are good for hiking?

For hiking, you’ll want a thick-soled boot or shoe with good ankle support and deep treads. Make sure the toe box has enough space, so you don’t get blisters, and take time to break them in before your first big hike. Brands like Merrell, Solomon and Hoka have some great options. 

Can I wear my regular socks when I hike?

If you’re just going on a short walk, wearing regular socks would be fine. But if you’re hiking, you want a thick, wool sock. The warmth, extra cushion, and ability to wick away moisture are key. In fact, you should carry an extra pair in your pack in case your feet get wet along the way.

Should I wear a tank top or a t-shirt when I hike?

Dressing in layers is the best option for hiking. A tank top as your base layer with a t-shirt and/or long-sleeved shirt or jacket over the top is best, so you can add or remove layers as the weather changes. Keeping in mind insects and UV rays, having something on your arms is likely preferable. 

Is cotton or mixed fiber better for hiking?

Mixed or synthetic fiber materials are best for hiking because they dry faster. In winter, a wet cotton shirt can lead to hypothermia. We recommend that you find clothing that traps body heat, easily dries and is still breathable.

Should I wear a sun hat or a baseball hat when I hike?

Yes. We recommend wearing head protection like a sun hat or a baseball cap when hiking, especially in Cades Cove. Not only will a cap keep you shaded in summer or warm in winter, but if you’re walking in the woods, things like ticks can easily make their way into your hair as you brush against trees and vegetation. A cap makes it harder for them to get into hard-to-search areas.