


Emert's Cove Historic Covered Bridge
About
Emert's Cove Historic Covered Bridge is a charming step back in time that's perfect for families seeking a peaceful outdoor experience. Kids will love exploring the rustic covered bridge, skipping stones in the gentle creek below, and picnicking in the scenic natural setting while parents capture beautiful family photos in this picturesque Smoky Mountain gem.
Highlights
- ✓Walking through the authentic historic covered bridge
- ✓Wading and playing in the shallow, gentle creek
- ✓Spotting ducks and other wildlife along the water
- ✓Easy nature walks along the creek-side paths
- ✓Picture-perfect scenery for family photos
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring bread to feed the ducks in the creek - it's a favorite activity for younger children and creates memorable moments
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings to have the bridge practically to yourself for uninterrupted photos and exploration
- 3.Pack water shoes or rain boots so kids can safely wade in the shallow creek areas during warmer months
- 4.Bring a picnic blanket and snacks to enjoy at the creekside - there are lovely shaded spots perfect for a family lunch
- 5.The bridge itself makes for stunning family photos, especially in fall when surrounded by colorful foliage
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays offers the quietest experience. Fall (October-November) provides spectacular foliage for photos, while spring and summer allow for creek play. Avoid midday summer weekends when tour buses may stop by.
What to Know
This is a free attraction with a small unpaved parking area that fills quickly on weekends. There are no restroom facilities on-site, so plan accordingly before arriving.
Seasonal Notes
The bridge is accessible year-round, but spring through fall offers the best experience. Fall foliage (October) is spectacular for photos. Creek play is best May-September. Winter can be muddy and the area may be less maintained during colder months.
Nearby Eats
Head to The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge (20 minutes away) for hearty Southern comfort food in a family-friendly historic setting, or stop by Harpoon Harry's Crab House (15 minutes) for casual seafood that kids enjoy.
More Activities Near Pittman Center
Pittman Center Elementary School
Pittman Center Elementary School opens its modern playground to the community after school hours, providing families with a well-maintained space to play and explore. Located just outside Gatlinburg, this spacious playground offers quality equipment in a peaceful mountain setting, perfect for families looking for a safe, free place to let kids burn off energy away from the tourist crowds.
Greenbrier Road
Greenbrier Road offers one of the Great Smoky Mountains' most accessible riverside trails, perfect for families seeking an easy introduction to mountain hiking. The gentle, relatively flat path follows the rushing Little Pigeon River through lush forest, with plenty of spots where kids can safely explore the water's edge, skip stones, and enjoy picnic lunches surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Twin Creeks Trail Trailhead
Twin Creeks Trail Trailhead serves as your family's perfect introduction to Great Smoky Mountains hiking, offering gentle, manageable paths that wind through beautiful forests where kids can spot deer, turkeys, and colorful songbirds. The well-maintained trails provide just enough adventure for little explorers without the intensity of more challenging mountain hikes, making it an ideal choice for families with varying fitness levels.
West Prong Little Pigeon River
West Prong Little Pigeon River offers families an authentic Smoky Mountain experience with calm, shallow areas perfect for little ones to wade and splash. This peaceful riverside spot provides a refreshing escape from the touristy attractions, where kids can explore the clear mountain water, hunt for smooth river rocks, and enjoy an old-fashioned creek day surrounded by beautiful Tennessee scenery.