Cades Cove Birds of the Smokies

Beginner Birding Walk

June 8, 2022

Cades Cove is one of the best spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for birding. During vehicle closure days, the loop road becomes a path for bikes and walkers to enjoy the peace of grassy meadows and mountain vistas without the disturbance of cars. Join us for an 8 mile walk along the Cades Cove Loop Road and Hyatt Lane where we will search for Indigo Buntings, Eastern Meadowlarks, Common Yellowthroats, Red Shoulder Hawks, and more in the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains. This trip is the perfect opportunity to learn birding basics such as using binoculars, identification by sound, habits and characteristics, and how to create a thriving bird habitat in your own backyard. 

The walk will be led by Guest Guide and Southern Appalachian Naturalist, Leah LaRocco, who has volunteered at the Warner Parks bird banding station in Nashville for the past 4 years. She is involved with the ongoing Purple Martin research project, and is in training to receive her hummingbird banding sub permit. 

Participants should be prepared for any kind of weather since the route will be exposed the entire way. Sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas are highly suggested. The terrain will be a combination of pavement and compacted dirt road, so wear cushioned, comfortable shoes. Bring your best pair of binoculars and bird field guide of choice.
 

Cost:

$125 per hiker

This hike has a minimum of 2 hikers, and a group size maximum of 6 people.  If the group minimum has not yet been met, we'll reach out to registered hikers 2 weeks before the trip to discuss options.

In addition to the guide, your hike will include a picnic lunch.  Price does not include personal items or gratuity for your guide.
 

Sign-Up Details:

In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our Trip Calendar and select the trip date (June 8th).  You will find the trip listed there.
 

Itinerary:

Trip meets at 8am on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (near Gatlinburg, TN).  Parking is very limited on vehicle-free days at Cades Cove!  Exact meetup location and details will be sent after registration.  Hikers will walk the Cades Cove Loop (8 miles) and search for several common bird species from that area.  This is a great opportunity to learn birding basics like how to use your binoculars, how to identify birds by sound, and how to create a bird habitat in your own back yard!  This trail is easy (paved road or packed dirt the whole way), with only 800ft of elevation gain.

Elevation profile created with Gaia GPS.
 

Guide:

Your guide for this trip will be Leah "Eagle Eye" LaRocco.  Leah received her certification as a Southern Appalachian Naturalist from Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, and loves exploring nature on the trail whenever she gets a chance.  Growing up in the northeast, she developed a passion for the outdoors by camping and hiking in Vermont.  When away from work, you can find her adventuring in places like the Smokies, Rocky Mountains, Yosemite, Tetons, Scotland's West Highland Way, and the Appalachian Trail.
 

What to Bring:

Hikers should all bring their favorite pair of binoculars and their preferred bird field guide.  They should wear comfortable clothes and footwear.  We recommend you avoid cotton; activewear is an excellent choice!  Hikers should bring 2L of water per person.  This hike is all on paved road and packed dirt, so cushioned, comfortable shoes are best!  Because this hike is all exposed, we recommend sunscreen and a hat, as well as an umbrella (perfect for rain or sun!) and a rain jacket.
 

Cancellation Policy:

Payment in full is required to register. Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hike may be cancelled up to 1 week before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 1 week, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather. 

We hike rain or shine! 

If your guide does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip.  Our team of highly trained professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip.  Industry standard gratuity for a guided backpacking trip is 15-20% of trip price.

If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach us by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.