Things to Do
Things to Do (near treehouses)
Cove Mountain
The Smoky Mountain Treehouse Village and treehouses sit at the base of Cove Mountain. At 4,078 feet, Cove Mountain is the most prominent peak in the valley and it rises over 2,000 feet from the valley floor and is beautiful year round. Just driving through the valley, visitors are treated to breath taking views of mountains.
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Walker Sisters Cabin
With the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hundreds of families were asked to move out of their mountain homes. Some went willingly, and others fought against it, but most families moved immediately. A select few, including the six unmarried Walker sisters, received a special lifetime lease—a chance to live out the rest of their lives in the log cabin they were raised in, even after the creation of a national park. Their incredible story is one of strength, hard work, and a love for the land of the Smokies.
National Park Entrance
Wears Valley is noted for a lesser known park entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known as the Metcalf Bottoms Park Entrance.
This entrance will take you to the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, where there are picnic facilities, bathrooms, hiking trails, and the Little River where you can do water tubing. In addition, from this area you can access other areas of the National Park like Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Laurel Falls.
This beautiful spot on the Little River is has several hiking trails to the Historic Little Greenbrier community. By taking the Metcalf Bottoms Trail, you van visit an old schoolhouse, graveyard, and the Walker Sisters cabin.
From Hwy 321 (Wears Valley Road), turn left onto Line Springs Rd and continue approximately 2 miles into the National Park. The picnic area is located immediately after the wooden bridge over the Little River.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible.
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
This private museum is located in nearby Townsend, TN just 7 miles west on Hwy 321. It is an excellent way to explore the history and culture of Appalachia. There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits that included historical artifacts and preserved buildings. Learn of the ancient Cherokee and Cades Cove residents. During the summer, the museum hots local/live concerts.
Elvira's Cafe
A popular local institution in Wears Valley is Elvira's Cafe. This restaurant is definitely one of the best places for breakfast & lunch in Wears Valley.
The menu features a great lineup of crepes, pancakes, and sandwiches that are perfect after a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Elvira's is a local favorite that earns stellar reviews from visitors as well!
