Townsend

Experience the peaceful beauty of Cades Cove like never before during the 2025 Vehicle-Free Days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Every Wednesday from June 18 through September 24, the scenic 11-mile loop is closed to motor vehicles, giving cyclists and pedestrians exclusive access to one of Tennessee’s most iconic landscapes. Plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy a quieter side of the Smokies.

Heads up, Cades Cove visitors! This year, the beloved **vehicle-free Wednesdays** in Cades Cove are starting later than usual. Instead of kicking off in May, they’ll now begin in **June** according to an update to the park website.

Discover why Bradford pear trees are an environmental disaster in Tennessee. Learn how these invasive trees harm native ecosystems, emit a foul odor, and threaten local wildlife. Find out what you can do to stop their spread and restore native beauty. bradford pear pyrus calleryana #PlantNative #SaveTennesseeForests