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Emerts Cove Covered Bridge

4.7

·483 reviews·Pittman Center, United States

A charming, modern covered bridge near Gatlinburg, offering scenic river views, fishing, and a peaceful picnic spot.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings/evenings

Best light for photos

CrowdLow

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Emerts Cove Covered Bridge

Best Time

Weekday mornings/evenings

Best light for photos

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, modern covered bridge near Gatlinburg, offering scenic river views, fishing, and a peaceful picnic spot.

4.7

(483 reviews)

"This place is a hidden gem! Absolutely beautiful. Easy to get Too.. Very picturesque!!!!!"

TIP

📸 Pack Your Camera

This picturesque spot is a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour.

🧺 Bring a Picnic

Enjoy a meal by the river; it's a beautiful and relaxing setting.

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 483 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

Address

250 Hills Creek Rd, Pittman Center, TN 37876, USA

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Covered Bridge Itself

Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River

A charming, modern take on a classic covered bridge, perfect for photos and a peaceful riverside stop.

Riverside Access & Fishing

Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River

Easy access to the clear river waters, ideal for wading, enjoying a picnic, or trying your luck at trout fishing.

Scenic Drive

Approach to the bridge

The journey to the bridge offers beautiful views, making the drive itself part of the experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Photos

While Emerts Cove Covered Bridge is beautiful year-round, visiting during the 'golden hour' (early morning or late afternoon) will offer the most stunning light for photos. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, allowing for a more peaceful experience.

A Modern Bridge with Historic Charm

Don't expect centuries of history; Emerts Cove Covered Bridge was built in 2000 to evoke traditional covered bridges. It's a picturesque spot for a picnic or a short stroll, offering lovely river views and a chance for fishing nearby.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings/evenings

Why

Best light for photos

Crowd

Low

When

Summer afternoons

Why

Perfect for wading

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Covered Bridge festival haul. This is my favorite shopping day of the year! #coveredbridgefestival #coveredbridge #parkecountyindiana #dupe #StanleyCup #airpods #indiana #haul #comeshopwithme

@h_lynn97

14.3K likes • 237.5K views

📸 Pack Your Camera

This picturesque spot is a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour.

🧺 Bring a Picnic

Enjoy a meal by the river; it's a beautiful and relaxing setting.

KISSING Bridge in Waterloo, ON 💋 Did you know? The West Montrose Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in Ontario and the second oldest surviving bridge in the Region of Waterloo. It's called the 'Kissing Bridge' due to the intimacy and privacy that the covered bridge offered its travellers. It is also representative of the early history of @Explore Waterloo Region and of an earlier ...

@eliyst01

10.9K likes • 269.9K views

You’ll love hanging wishes on the Whispering Winds Covered Bridge. 🩷#gatlinburg #pigeonforge #tennessee #makeawish #thingstodo #travel #roadtrip #specialmoments

@thelifebestlived

8K likes • 417.3K views

🎣 Fishing Fun

The river is known for trout fishing, so bring your gear if you enjoy it!

🚗 Parking is Limited

Only space for about two cars, so be prepared for roadside parking.

reddit.com

Fishing in Gatlingburg?

Hi, folks! Will be visiting Gatlinburg in mid-June. We would like to fish. Any leads you can offer would be wonderful! Thank you!

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Pack Your Camera

This picturesque spot is a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour.

🧺 Bring a Picnic

Enjoy a meal by the river; it's a beautiful and relaxing setting.

🎣 Fishing Fun

The river is known for trout fishing, so bring your gear if you enjoy it!

🚗 Parking is Limited

Only space for about two cars, so be prepared for roadside parking.

🩱 Swimsuit Optional

The clear river waters are inviting for a dip on a warm day.

What Travellers Say

4.7

(483 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Emerts Cove Covered Bridge to be a beautiful and picturesque hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful stop with easy river access for wading and fishing. While some note its modern construction (built in 2000), most appreciate its scenic charm and recommend it for photography and picnics. Parking is limited, and amenities are scarce, so planning ahead is advised.

"Contrary to its historic appearance, the bridge was constructed in 2000, designed to resemble traditional covered bridges. The bridge spans the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is room to park maybe 2 cars just before bridge and there is a rough trail if you want to step into the river."

Mark Engstrom

"This place is a hidden gem! Absolutely beautiful. Easy to get Too.. Very picturesque!!!!! Would recommend bringing a picnic, camera And your swimsuit. This is a little off the beaten path. But absolutely stunning!!!!!"

Brandy A

"Was in the area, so we had to go see this bridge. There are a few spots to park on the side of the road. You can walk through it and go down to the water. There were people fishing. The water is so clear. We weren't there long."

Jan French

What People Like

Beautiful and picturesque

Easy river access

Great for photos

What People Dislike

Modern construction

Limited parking

No amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Emerts Cove Covered Bridge is located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The drive itself is scenic. Parking is limited to about two cars on the side of the road near the bridge.

It's considered a bit off the beaten path, but the drive is part of the charm. Look for signs or use GPS coordinates for the best chance of finding it.

While specific routes can vary, many visitors find it accessible via scenic drives in the Gatlinburg area. It's recommended to check a reliable GPS service before heading out.

Public transport options are very limited in this more rural area. Driving is the most practical way to reach the bridge.

The roads leading to the bridge are generally paved and well-maintained, offering a pleasant drive.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Emerts Cove Covered Bridge is a public access point and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit and enjoy.

As an outdoor natural attraction, there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit anytime, though daylight hours are best for enjoying the scenery and safety.

There is no entrance fee to visit Emerts Cove Covered Bridge. It's a free attraction for all visitors.

While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. Daylight hours are ideal for appreciating the bridge and its surroundings.

Yes, the bridge is accessible year-round. However, weather conditions in winter might affect road accessibility and the overall experience.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can walk across the bridge, take photos, enjoy a picnic by the river, and go fishing. The clear water is also inviting for wading.

Absolutely! It's a very picturesque spot, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

Yes, the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River is a popular spot for trout fishing.

There are no public restrooms directly at the bridge. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive.

The bridge has a pedestrian walkway, but the surrounding area and river access might be uneven. It's best to check conditions upon arrival.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The bridge is a bit secluded, so dining options are limited nearby. Gatlinburg, a short drive away, offers numerous restaurants.

Yes, bringing a picnic is highly recommended! The riverside setting is perfect for a relaxing meal.

No, there are no food vendors at the bridge itself. It's advisable to bring all your own food and drinks.

Gatlinburg offers a wide range of dining, from Southern comfort food and BBQ to pizza and casual cafes.

Please pack out everything you pack in to keep the area clean and beautiful for everyone.

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most beautiful, soft light for stunning photographs.

Capture the bridge's architecture, the scenic river, and the surrounding natural beauty. It's also great for portraits.

Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local park rules and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in the area.

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens is great. A wide-angle lens can capture the full bridge and landscape.

Always be respectful of others' privacy. If you wish to photograph individuals, it's polite to ask for their permission first.