The best ranch campgrounds near Townsend, Tennessee

Nicknamed “the peaceful side of the Smokies,” Townsend, Tennessee is a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The area provides access to a wealth of camping accommodations, including primitive backcountry camping, glamping in canvas yurts equipped with wood-burning fireplaces, and tiny home rentals featuring full kitchens, soaker tubs, and cable TV. After setting up in any type of camp, venture into the Great Smoky Mountains to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, view a snapshot of history in Cades Cove, or experience a bird’s-eye view from the observation tower on Clingmans Dome. For fun that’s a little closer to town, the underground natural world of Tuckaleechee Caverns awaits.

97% (772)

Top-rated campgrounds

Nicknamed “the peaceful side of the Smokies,” Townsend, Tennessee is a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The area provides access to a wealth of camping accommodations, including primitive backcountry camping, glamping in canvas yurts equipped with wood-burning fireplaces, and tiny home rentals featuring full kitchens, soaker tubs, and cable TV. After setting up in any type of camp, venture into the Great Smoky Mountains to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, view a snapshot of history in Cades Cove, or experience a bird’s-eye view from the observation tower on Clingmans Dome. For fun that’s a little closer to town, the underground natural world of Tuckaleechee Caverns awaits.

97% (772)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. GlampKnox Canvas Campground

95%

(179)

23mi from Townsend · 5 sites · Lodging · Mascot, TN

GlampKnox, where the outdoors and camping meet luxury! GlampKnox is the new way to glamp! Our BRAND NEW canvas tents sleep 2 to 6 people comfortably with cozy beds, towels and linens provided, outdoor HOT and cold shower, INDOOR SPACE HEATER and private men's and women's bathrooms. Relax by the fire pit, and enjoy our LED lantern, ice machine, fan, private parking, extended covered porch with rocking chairs, and views of the beautiful Cumberland Mountains. This is the perfect getaway! Available for rent: 20 lb PROPANE FOR THE SPACE HEATER TO WARM THE TENT: $50 or Bundle of wood, matches and fire starter for $15 *PLEASE MAKE REQUESTS BEFORE 5PM, OUR STAFF GOES HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES. THANK YOU. HOWEVER, FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT DIRECTIONS OR ISSUES YOU MAY HAVE 24/7. Follow us on Instagram @GlampKnox

2. Twin Valley Horse Ranch

98%

(131)

7.3mi from Townsend · 5 sites · Lodging · Walland, TN

My late husband and myself bought the property in 1983 and it was all just overgrown land!We worked, cleared, built horse shelters/barns, cabins, cut trails, built the outdoor chapel for our wedding and of course fenced it all in for the horses! Started sharing with guests in 1993, so we have met so many amazing folks from all over the world!  Pass thru our gate into another world and leave all your worries and tensions behind. We are all about getting back to what is real -- nature, animals/horses and each other. Complete privacy!There are many mountain trails leaving right from our property! Lots to explore. You can even hike to the outdoor chapel with the pretty view of the Chilhowee Mountain range.  It is a short hike to the barn area for those who want to spend time rubbing the pot belly pigs' tummy, walk the mini horses, groom the love bug~Junebug (donkey), pet horses, cuddle with bunnies and feed chickens!  Every morning and night we set a time for all those who want to become involved with the care/feeding of petting animals and horses! 

3. Harmony hollow

95%

(375)

20mi from Townsend · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Sevierville, TN

Learn more about this land: Hi and thanks so much for checking out the Harmony Farm . Things available you can enjoy here onsite are a small (seasonal) splash pool , a small take one leave one library , fresh organic vegetables (free) when in season , fresh eggs when available , trails with scenic views , abundant wildlife and natural springs , an outdoor macrame swing , two person hammock , forageable firewood , morels , a hot outdoor showers and EXTRA LARGE sites, . We are conveniently located minutes from Pigeon Forge TN. Home of and only 5 miles from Dollywood and 13 minutes from a super Walmart Incase you forget something . Only a short 30 minute drive gets you to the Great Smoky Mountains national park. I will be happy to share the scenic route . Greenbrier Tn. one of the first settlements here in the National park is only a scenic 30 minute scenic drive from the farm which will takes you through the arts and crafts community while avoiding the hectic hustle and bustle of town . While visiting Greenbrier you can find a picnic area near the river and an outdoor pavilion with a large grill for your special events located there . Several trail heads are located there in the Greenbrier community including Brushy Mountain trail Old settlers trail (several old settlements can easily be found here) Porters Gap trail. There are too many local attractions to list within 15 to 25 minute drive , from horseback riding . tubing, rafting , smoky mountain gravity park to shopping outlet malls .  READ !! Be sure to check mypigeonforge.com , pigeonforge.com or gatlinburg.com to find all the local special events calenders as there is at times ALOT of heavy traffic you may not be prepared for . You're welcome . Discounted rides at local riding stables upon request depending on availability . We are accepting tents, hammocks, trucks, with campers, camper vans and pop up campers welcomed also .Small tear drop types ok . We do have sites set up for you or you may prefer to pack your gear out to create your own site in a more secluded areas of the farm .  There are many private areas along the creek side for your primitive camp on our 80 acre horse farm.   Hike to the back of the farm to watch a sunset over the horse field or down by the stream . Lots of wildlife and scenery at the farm .  You will find the laundromat and food venues just minutes away. you can still feel off grid with just a short stroll by the stream that babbles along throughout the 80 acres you will be able to make your playground while visiting the Harmony Farm. Come stay with us as we grow our hip community. Thanks so much for your support.

4. Intrepid Acres

46mi from Townsend · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Clyde, NC

Welcome to our magical farm and forest retreat — a glamping getaway where nature and agriculture live side by side. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Asheville and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our site offers the perfect balance of wild beauty and working-farm charm. We’re just 7 miles from the Max Patch trailhead — one of the most iconic and scenic bald hikes along the Appalachian Trail — and only 2 miles from Ferguson’s Supply, a beloved local general store and café for biscuits, burgers, or forgotten essentials. Wake up to birdsong and mountain air, but don’t be surprised if you also hear the baa of a sheep or catch a whiff of compost or fresh hay. This is a real farm, after all — complete with horses, mini cows, mini sheep, chickens, turkeys, peafowl, emus, livestock guardian dogs, and a cat. We grow, forage, and graze much of what we live on, and we love sharing that experience with guests who appreciate the rhythms of the land. Whether you're here to hike, relax, stargaze, or get your hands a little dirty, we invite you to slow down and enjoy the honest magic of this place.

5. Critter Camp

91%

(179)

5.6mi from Townsend · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Sevierville, TN

I wanted to let everyone know , we lost our serval, Foose in February, he was 22 years old, he will be missed ... I loved him his whole life. We still have horses and and a few smaller rescues , including 5 dogs. We are in the Heart of it all. Looking for quiet nights and super starry skies? This is the place. We have 1 rescued horses and a donkey. Sugergliders and trained rats from a movie. 5 dogs , 2 house cats. We are located exactly in the middle between Pigeon Forge(with shows and go karts) andTownsend.. with the quiet side of the smokies... tubing, horseback riding, hiking, Cades Cove offers biking and car tours. We are one mile from the foothills parkway entrance and less than 2 miles to a Great Smoky mountains entrance. Our sites offer toilets, potable water and trash disposal. We are pet friendly, and you are permitted to have campfires (outside of any burn ban). We offer animal encounters.

6. Cowee (Kawiyi Deer Clan) Campground

96%

(26)

34mi from Townsend · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · Franklin, NC

Private end of road property in the Cowee Valley of Franklin NC, which is the first resupply stop along the Appalachian Trail through the Smoky Mountains. Cowee Valley is a gorgeous scenic valley with farmland and winding roads and mountains on all sides. Idyllic drive in with plenty of cows grazing, deer and wild turkey running around and amazing sunsets. Cowee Campground has newly been made into a campground, previously undeveloped. We have left most of it undisturbed to maintain the natural and peaceful nature vibes. This land is a short distance off the main roads and small/private. All tent sites are in the shaded forest and RV hookups are just a few steps away with hardwoods filling out and providing partial shade. It's a quiet area with the sounds of nature and leaves rustling. We hope you'll appreciate and enjoy the beauty and tranquility as much as we do. If you want to car/truck camp without hookups we have space for that too. Just let us know. We have a beautiful 4 bathroom bathhouse, with ADA shower and another bathroom with clawfoot tub/shower and private back deck. 2 large firepits with Andirondack chairs and a separate picnic table and grill area. There is a large communal Yoga/Event deck and covered Bar/Hangout area beneath - hammock, bar top, darts and it's own firepit as well. Plus Corn hole and Horseshoe pits for your enjoyment. For weekly or monthly RV reservations, please contact 828-371-8471. Weekly RV rates are $325.00 and Monthly are $750.00 Also available for Retreat or Event rental.

7. Buffalo Creek Vacations

100%

(12)

45mi from Townsend · 8 sites · RVs, Lodging · Clyde, NC

Buffalo Creek Vacations was started after our father, Harold, retired from NY as a UPS driver.  He wanted to go somewhere & experience all 4 season!  Him & our mom settled in Haywood County, NC & built their own log cabin & started raising bison.  Then, myself, 3 siblings & our spouses purchases the 40 acres behind my folks 18 acres when it came up for sale.  We decided to build a cabin & then we started rented it out in 2007.  Now, we currently have 6 cabins & 2 train cabooses for rent.  We love living in God's country & raising the bison along w/ a bunch other farm animals.  We love hosting guest on our property & decided after many calls asking if we allow camping, to include a few lucky folks to camp at Buffalo Creek.  If you are looking for something other then "car camping" & being "on top of each other" at traditional camp grounds, then give us a call & come check us out.  You will be glad you did!

8. Walnut Hollow Ranch

99%

(72)

45mi from Townsend · 19 sites · RVs · Hayesville, NC

Walnut Hollow Ranch sits in the Nantahala Mountain Region of the Great Smoky Mountains. The 155 acre farm is a horseshoe shaped cove with Wiggin's Top at its crown. The land consists of 67 acres of cattle pastures, 5 ponds and 3-5 miles of hiking trails. The forest consists of lowland pines, poplar, dogwood, hickory and walnut trees. The upland consists of oaks, poplar and other hardwoods. Wildlife abounds at Walnut Hollow Ranch. Our residents include: wild turkeys, white tail deer, red fox, red tail hawks, bluebirds, finches and many others. Passerby's include: wood and mallard ducks, blue and white herons, river otters, black bear, bobcat, coyote and migratory birds.The ponds include: big mouth bass, small mouth bass and brim.

9. Firefly Creek Retreat

100%

(2)

40mi from Townsend · 1 site · Tent, RV · Murphy, NC

Nestled along a gentle creek and surrounded by whispering woods, Firefly Creek Retreat is your sanctuary for peace and connection. Watch fireflies dance at dusk, enjoy evenings under starlit skies, and wake to the soft sounds of nature. This is the perfect lot tent seeking seclusion and serenity, with direct access to our farm trails and abundant wildlife. To enjoy Owl creek your Tent need to be set up off grid we dont offer electricity

10. Evergreens RV Park

45mi from Townsend · 1 site · Tent, RV · Parrottsville, TN

We have 7 sites, full hookup, pull through sites, We have a playground and pet friendly. Coming soon game room, and putting course. Public restroom and shower.

11. Lot Tent / Teepee Area

40mi from Townsend · 1 site · Tent · Murphy, NC

Creek-Front Tent Lot in Murphy, NC Set up your tent just steps from a peaceful creek and fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. This private, wooded site has a fire pit, picnic table, grill, showers, potable water, and even a pet-friendly atmosphere. It’s the ideal mix of rustic camping with a few creature comforts. Amenities for all guests 5 outdoor kitchens with propane stoves. Outdoor showers (hot & cold) during winter and frost days we CANNOT garantee hot water Dry, odor-free compost/incinerator toilets (our prototype system) we will provide for Shampoo - Bath Soap - Conditioner - Dish Soap - Hand Soap - Toilet Papar ecofriendly plant based produce it is not allowed to use any of your chimical not plant based produce please read our terms and conditions Picnic tables in sharing Pool table room & local farm organic mini-market. Children & families: a beautiful Pirate Boat playground for kids and parents to enjoy together. Bring your gear, unplug, and enjoy a quiet retreat surrounded by nature.

Camper favorites near Townsend

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Buffalo Creek Vacations

100%

(12)

45mi from Townsend · 8 sites · RVs, Lodging · Clyde, NC

Buffalo Creek Vacations was started after our father, Harold, retired from NY as a UPS driver.  He wanted to go somewhere & experience all 4 season!  Him & our mom settled in Haywood County, NC & built their own log cabin & started raising bison.  Then, myself, 3 siblings & our spouses purchases the 40 acres behind my folks 18 acres when it came up for sale.  We decided to build a cabin & then we started rented it out in 2007.  Now, we currently have 6 cabins & 2 train cabooses for rent.  We love living in God's country & raising the bison along w/ a bunch other farm animals.  We love hosting guest on our property & decided after many calls asking if we allow camping, to include a few lucky folks to camp at Buffalo Creek.  If you are looking for something other then "car camping" & being "on top of each other" at traditional camp grounds, then give us a call & come check us out.  You will be glad you did!

Walnut Hollow Ranch

99%

(72)

45mi from Townsend · 19 sites · RVs · Hayesville, NC

Walnut Hollow Ranch sits in the Nantahala Mountain Region of the Great Smoky Mountains. The 155 acre farm is a horseshoe shaped cove with Wiggin's Top at its crown. The land consists of 67 acres of cattle pastures, 5 ponds and 3-5 miles of hiking trails. The forest consists of lowland pines, poplar, dogwood, hickory and walnut trees. The upland consists of oaks, poplar and other hardwoods. Wildlife abounds at Walnut Hollow Ranch. Our residents include: wild turkeys, white tail deer, red fox, red tail hawks, bluebirds, finches and many others. Passerby's include: wood and mallard ducks, blue and white herons, river otters, black bear, bobcat, coyote and migratory birds.The ponds include: big mouth bass, small mouth bass and brim.

Firefly Creek Retreat

100%

(2)

40mi from Townsend · 1 site · Tent, RV · Murphy, NC

Nestled along a gentle creek and surrounded by whispering woods, Firefly Creek Retreat is your sanctuary for peace and connection. Watch fireflies dance at dusk, enjoy evenings under starlit skies, and wake to the soft sounds of nature. This is the perfect lot tent seeking seclusion and serenity, with direct access to our farm trails and abundant wildlife. To enjoy Owl creek your Tent need to be set up off grid we dont offer electricity

Evergreens RV Park

45mi from Townsend · 1 site · Tent, RV · Parrottsville, TN

We have 7 sites, full hookup, pull through sites, We have a playground and pet friendly. Coming soon game room, and putting course. Public restroom and shower.

Lot Tent / Teepee Area

40mi from Townsend · 1 site · Tent · Murphy, NC

Creek-Front Tent Lot in Murphy, NC Set up your tent just steps from a peaceful creek and fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. This private, wooded site has a fire pit, picnic table, grill, showers, potable water, and even a pet-friendly atmosphere. It’s the ideal mix of rustic camping with a few creature comforts. Amenities for all guests 5 outdoor kitchens with propane stoves. Outdoor showers (hot & cold) during winter and frost days we CANNOT garantee hot water Dry, odor-free compost/incinerator toilets (our prototype system) we will provide for Shampoo - Bath Soap - Conditioner - Dish Soap - Hand Soap - Toilet Papar ecofriendly plant based produce it is not allowed to use any of your chimical not plant based produce please read our terms and conditions Picnic tables in sharing Pool table room & local farm organic mini-market. Children & families: a beautiful Pirate Boat playground for kids and parents to enjoy together. Bring your gear, unplug, and enjoy a quiet retreat surrounded by nature.

Stories from the community

R

Ryan

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Twin Valley Horse Ranch

Awesome experience. It was our kids first time camping. They loved the animals and learning how to work with the mini horses. Janice and Jaden are phenomenal hosts and teachers.

A beautiful snowfall during our second week.

K

Kathryn

November 2025

21 ft travel trailer

12 nights at Cowee (Kawiyi Deer Clan) Campground

Cowee is the best campground we’ve ever been to - and we’ve been to a lot all up and down the east coast. Tanya has clearly designed this campground to every last detail with an aesthetic hand. From the campsites themselves and their views, to the public spaces, conveniences of a laundry room to bathrooms which look like bathrooms out of a camp beautiful magazine. And Tanya is absolutely fabulous - responsive and very caring. We are definitely coming back!

Lindsey

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Critter Camp

I had such a peaceful time at Kimber’s farm. I really enjoyed seeing the horse and donkey while it still felt relaxing and quiet. Close enough to some touristy stuff but also felt adequately tucked away.

Darlene

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Critter Camp

The host was very cordial and kind. She has a great deal of property there and had several other people come during the weekend however we were able to pull our travel trailer in a fenced area which allowed us to let our dog run free, which we greatly appreciated. This was the first hip camp we had ever stayed in and it worked out really well for us because it gave us the opportunity to be right in the middle of the things we wanted to see and do like Cade‘s Cove Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. She was actually hosting I believe a community scavenger hunt on our property and the other campers participated and had a good time with it. My husband and I just stayed within our little area because we’ve just recently gotten married and wanted our time.

R

Rebekah

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cowee (Kawiyi Deer Clan) Campground

We enjoyed our time here. The showers and bathrooms were clean and great. There were plenty of places to sit down to eat or enjoy the fire. We would come back.

Alice

October 2025

21 ft Class B

With kids

1 night at Buffalo Creek Vacations

Perfect spot for van camping with our 4-year old who loves animals and trains (maybe they all do?). Peaceful and quiet spot for the night. We enjoyed the fire pit with plenty of seating, and a bathroom (toilet and sink) right across the way. It was cold the night we were there, so my son also enjoyed the indoor toys / play area. First time I’ve ever woken up and seen buffalo walking around — it was great! If we’re back in the area, we’ll definitely camp here again.

A

Abbie

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Harmony hollow

Beautiful views, amazing location,! It couldn't have been simpler.

M

Madison

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Twin Valley Horse Ranch

What an amazing experience! A slice of Heaven and Janice is so great and explains everything upon arrival. I will be back many more times!

Douglas

October 2025

24 ft Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cowee (Kawiyi Deer Clan) Campground

We had an enjoyable time at the campground. I have a van camper class B and site 6 is plenty large enough. The restrooms and showers are very nice and clean. The deck and area under are very nice place to relax and party or just enjoy the outdoors.

R

Ryan

October 2025

1 night at GlampKnox Canvas Campground

Loved this experience! Very unique and enjoyable! The host was very generous with firewood as well. Don't even get me started on the bed, HOTEL quality!

M

Morgan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Firefly Creek Retreat

Alessandra and Gianfranco were excellent hosts and provide a perfect camping experience for those looking to connect with nature but still have some of the comforts of home. As hosts, they were available and accommodating but nonintrusive. We booked last minute for a group of 4 families and they welcomed us with open arms. We had one overlanding trailer with a rooftop tent, one jeep with a rooftop tent and 4 ground tents. They have two great spots to set up camp, one in a wooded area with two toilets and a kitchen area and another with a toilet and outdoor shower, kitchen, fire pit, and teepee. We could have all easily fit in either space but chose the space near the teepee. We were all pleasantly surprised by the toilets… they were comfortable and easy to use and had no smell at all. Alessandra and Gianfranco cleaned them a couple of times a day. Be sure to bring your own toilet paper with you though! We are hoping to visit again this winter when it snows and we are already planning another group trip in the spring.

My daughter finishing up the fairy house behind our campsite

Amy

October 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Cowee (Kawiyi Deer Clan) Campground

I honestly can’t say enough good about Tanya and her property! She was incredibly kind and quick to respond to any questions we had. You can tell a lot of thought and love has gone into this campground. It was the perfect mix for my boyfriend (who likes to rough it) and me and my daughter who prefer more of a glamping vibe . Best of both worlds and then some! The gem mine on the property was really great too. We extended our stay because we enjoyed being there so much. We will be back and tell all our friends about this place. :)

T

The Rooted

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Harmony hollow

This was a beautiful spot. This was our second stay here and we will likely be back.

L

Lourienne

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to GlampKnox Canvas Campground

Absolutely fantastic! This location is private and the bed is extremely comfortable. My toddler and two dogs had a blast. We will definitely be back!

C

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Cowee (Kawiyi Deer Clan) Campground

This is a well maintained campground at a beautiful location. The tent sites are in the woods and offer the feeling of a remote camping experience. But this has all the amenities of a well-appointed campground, including a shower house thoughtfully designed and built using reclaimed materials. As others have said, it’s like no campground shower house you’ve ever seen - more like private bathrooms at a lodge. The adjoining gem mine is a fun way to spend a few hours. Tanya is a welcoming host. Her creativity and vision has made this a really special place.

A

Ann

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Harmony hollow

Welcoming, simple and Peaceful! Loved the shower and other amenities

Christina

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Harmony hollow

We really only slept here! But it was very pretty and quiet despite proximity to the road. It was super accessible from Gatlinburg/PF. The toilet/shower was great! We did worry we were bothering the people in the little cabin each time we started the pump. We noticed upon our arrival the firewood area wasn’t stocked, but some time over that first night wood appeared. The two little solar-powered lights in our site did not work, and none of the tiki torches would light. Something splashed around in the creek a couple times, but no crazy wildlife encounters.

S

Seth

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cowee (Kawiyi Deer Clan) Campground

The Cowee campground was perfect for a quick overnight tent trip with my family. The location and scenery are top notch. The bath house was new and clean - even better than pictured. My kids enjoyed all the open space to explore the property. WiFi on the property and power outlets in the bathrooms were nice creature comforts for the family. Tanya responded quickly to any questions through the Hipcamp app. We’ll definitely be back - highly recommended!

M

Mckenzie

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Twin Valley Horse Ranch

Camping here was fantastic! Loved all the critters!

G

Greg

September 2025

44 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Walnut Hollow Ranch

Very nice ranch. Well maintained and beautiful green surroundings. I enjoyed my stay. Greg

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best ranch camping near Townsend guide

Where to go

Cades Cove

A lush valley flanked by mountains, Cades Cove is a great place to spend the day when camping near Townsend. The 45-minute drive from town brings campers to this iconic paradise, where hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, and sightseeing amid historic buildings abound. Cruise down the 11-mile road that loops through the area, or wander on foot via the 5-mile trail to Abrams Falls. On-site campsites come with a range of amenities like picnic tables, fire rings for grilling, and access to restrooms with flush toilets.

Clingmans Dome

The highest point within the Great Smoky Mountains, Clingmans Dome has a steep, half-mile pathway that leads to an observation deck with 360° views of surrounding mountain peaks. Campers will be set with plenty of places to call home, including equestrian campsites, RV campsites with dump stations, and backcountry tent campsites. The access road is often closed due to weather conditions in winter, so double-check availability before booking.

Tuckaleechee Caverns

A 5-minute drive from the center of Townsend, Tuckaleechee Caverns is a must-see attraction. Boasting 24-foot-high stalagmites and the 210-foot Silver Falls—the world’s tallest underground waterfall—Tuckaleechee is a once in a lifetime experience. There are a variety of nearby campsites to choose from nestled into the shores of Little River. Campers can find perks like free wifi, fire rings, and picnic tables, as well as a mix of back-in and pull-through RV campsites featuring full hookups.

When to go

Townsend has relatively temperate year-round weather, but it gets chilly enough in winter for snow. Look into road or campsite closures prior to booking in the colder months. April, May, September, and October are prime picks for quieter campgrounds and warm weather for outdoor activities. Spring brings wildflower-filled valleys in Cades Cove, while fall revamps the forests with color as deciduous trees drop their leaves.