Smoky Mountain shuttle opportunities for Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Wednesdays

Cades Cove shuttles begin on car free Wednesdays.

Smoky Mountain shuttle opportunities for Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Wednesdays. Shuttles begin July 7, 2021 and will run through September 1, 2021. The shuttle service will be provided by Rocky Top Tours from Townsend, Tenn. to Cades Cove between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. each Wednesday.

Vehicle-free Wednesdays in Cades Cove continues to be extremely popular,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “Our staff has worked hard to manage safe parking access, including making improvements to a field traditionally used for parking that allowed us to add 85 more spots this year. But, the demand still far exceeds the space and we’re hopeful the shuttle service will allow more people the opportunity to enjoy this unique experience.”

Park staff and volunteers actively manage parking at Cades Cove on Wednesdays to improve visitor safety, prevent disruptions to campground operations, and to reduce damaging roadside parking along Laurel Creek Road. In the 2021 season, parking lots have typically filled by 8:00 a.m. and stayed full until 1:00 p.m., resulting in hundreds of cars being turned away during that time period. Shuttle service will provide an opportunity for visitors to guarantee access during the morning hours. Advanced reservations are encouraged.

Shuttle service may be booked online at www.rockytoptours.com. Tickets for the roundtrip shuttle service, including transport of personal bikes, is provided for a flat rate of $25 per person. Participants who choose not to ride the shuttle are encouraged to plan their visit to Cades Cove in the late afternoons and early evenings to spread use out throughout the day. Vehicle-free Wednesdays began on May 5 and will run through Sept. 1.

Cyclists are reminded to properly prepare for a safe experience. Serious cycling accidents have occurred along the Cades Cove Loop Road. The State of Tennessee requires that children age 16 and under wear a helmet. All riders are strongly encouraged to wear helmets and to ride properly fitted and well-maintained bicycles.

More volunteers are needed to join the team who manage this opportunity every Wednesday. Volunteers help direct visitor flow, provide orientation and safety information, and monitor visitor use. Training and a uniform will be provided to all selected volunteers. If interested, please sign up at https://tinyurl.com/GRSMCCVFD for more information. To be considered for this opportunity, volunteers must be available each Wednesday through Sept. 1, 2021.

Source material GSMNP

More Hey Smokies Features:

Smoky Mountain Aero Club
Smoky Mountain Aero Club...
Smoky Mountain Aero Club. Since 1936 Radio controlled model airplanes have been cruising the skies at local airfields across the country. M[Read More >>]
No thumbnail available
Smoky Mountain Lakeview Drive Opens...
Smoky Mountain Lakeview Drive Opens. GSMNP is rehabilitating Lakeview Drive in North Carolina through Great American Outdoor Act funding. L[Read More >>]
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Cades Cove Loop Lope...
Cades Cove Loop Lope Cades Cove Loop Lope will be held Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 11 a.m. The park’s philanthropic partner, Friends of the[Read More >>]
Smoky Mountain Veterans Day Free Parking
Smoky Mountain Veterans Day Free Parking...
Smoky Mountain Veterans Day Free Parking! In honor of Veterans Day, visitors to Great Smoky Mountains will not be required to display or bu[Read More >>]
Gatlinburg Winter Magic And Chili Cookoff
Gatlinburg Winter Magic And Chili Cookoff...
Gatlinburg Winter Magic And Chili Cookoff. Join us for the kickoff of Gatlinburg's Winter Magic at the 34th Chili Cookoff presented by Bush[Read More >>]
Volunteers Needed For Fontana Lake Clean Up
Volunteers Needed For Fontana Lake Clean Up...
Volunteers Needed For Fontana Lake Clean Up. Volunteers are needed Friday, November 3, 2023 through Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 9 a.m. to[Read More >>]
National Park Hosts Tour Of Historic Daisy Town
National Park Hosts Tour Of Historic Daisy Town...
National Park Hosts Tour Of Historic Daisy Town. Rangers and volunteers invite the public to Daisy Town Day in the Elkmont Historic Distric[Read More >>]
Smoky Mountain Ghost Stories
Smoky Mountain Ghost Stories...
Smoky Mountain Ghost Stories. The Smoky Mountain region is steeped in strange and unexplainable occurrences that some say are supernatural. We h[Read More >>]
No thumbnail available
Gatlinburg Craftmen's Fair...
Don't miss this years Craftmen's Fair Gatlinburg Craftmen's Fair will be held October 5, 2023 thru October 22, 2023 daily from 10 am to 7 [Read More >>]
The Sugarlands Visitor Center Experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Sugarlands Visitor Center Experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park...
… feeling great at SUGARLANDS VISITOR CENTER! The Sugarlands Visitor Center is a must stop for any visit to the Great Smoky Mountains! Entrance [Read More >>]
No thumbnail available
Little River Trail Closure...
Little River Trail Closure. Great Smoky Mountains National Park trail crews will be repairing Little River Trail Monday, September 11, 2023[Read More >>]
Smoky Mountain Elk Rut
Smoky Mountain Elk Rut...
Love is in the air for Smoky Mountain Elk. Smoky Mountain Elk Rut is on. The call of the wild echoes in the Smokies as Bull Elks seek mates.[Read More >>]
No thumbnail available
Smoky Mountain Look Rock Tower Closed...
Smoky Mountain Look Rock tower closed. The popular observation tower and access trail at Look Rock, located on the Foothills Parkway, will [Read More >>]
No thumbnail available
Smoky Mountain Tomato Pie Recipe...
You will love HeySmokies' delicious tomato pie! Smoky Mountain Tomato Pie recipe is a favorite with the HeySmokies.com culinary crew. This s[Read More >>]
Smoky Mountains Need You
Smoky Mountains Need You...
Trail volunteers needed in the Great Smoky Mountains Smoky Mountains Need You! Volunteers are needed for Ramsey Cascades and Little Cataloo[Read More >>]
Cades Cove Car Ban
Cades Cove Car Ban...
Cades Cove car ban is under way. Cades Cove Car Ban began May 4, 2023 and lasts through September 28, 2023.  Cove visitors are encouraged to[Read More >>]
Synchronous Fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains June 2023
Synchronous Fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains June 2023...
Smoky Mountain synchronous fireflies are amazing! Synchronous Fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains June 2023. These aren’t your average backya[Read More >>]
The Cosby Experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Cosby Experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park...
The Cosby Experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is perfect for those who are looking for somewhere a bit off the beaten path and awa[Read More >>]
10 Essentials for Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains
10 Essentials for Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains...
10 Essentials for Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. Packing the 10 Essentials for Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains is like your insurance [Read More >>]
Tick Safety Tips!
Tick Safety Tips!...
Tick Safety Tips! Ticks and what you need to know to stay safe! It is that time of year in the Smoky Mountains. Summertime and outdoor activitie[Read More >>]