THUNDERHEAD MOUNTAIN
The Thunderhead Mountain hike offers a challenging route and sweeping views in the Smokies.
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THE OLIVER CABIN
The John Oliver Cabin tells the story of some of Cades Cove’s earliest European settlers.
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VISITOR CENTER
The Cades Cove Visitor Center is located in the historic Cable Mill area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Read MoreWelcome to Cades Cove
Find everything you need to plan a memorable visit to one of the Great Smoky Mountains’ most remarkable destinations.
Explore Cades Cove
Welcome to your complete guide to Cades Cove. Here you will find practical information about the scenic loop, historic sites, wildlife, hiking, camping, and visitor amenities. We hope these resources help you enjoy a safe and memorable trip.
Cades Cove is one of the most majestic areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This deep, lush valley offers some of the park’s best wildlife viewing. Black bears, white-tailed deer, coyotes, turkeys, raccoons, skunks, and many other animals call the area home. Mountains surround the cove, creating breathtaking views across its open fields.
Cherokee people used this area as a hunting ground for hundreds of years, although there is no evidence that the cove served as a major Cherokee settlement. European settlers began arriving between 1818 and 1821, and by 1830 the population had grown to 271. Today, Cades Cove preserves an exceptional collection of historic buildings. An 11-mile loop road follows the perimeter of the cove, allowing bicyclists, walkers, and motorists to explore the valley.
So Much to See and Do
Along the Cades Cove Loop Road, visitors can see three historic churches, an operating grist mill, several barns, log homes, and other preserved structures.
Many of the buildings have been restored while retaining their eighteenth- and nineteenth-century character. Guidebooks available near the entrance provide more information about the buildings and the people who built them.
Plan to spend at least two to four hours touring Cades Cove, and longer if you intend to explore the area’s hiking trails. Traffic can become heavy during popular travel periods, so use designated pullouts whenever you stop to enjoy the scenery or view wildlife.
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Plan Your Cades Cove Visit
The Cades Cove Visitor Center is located roughly halfway around the one-way Loop Road in the historic Cable Mill area. It offers park information, exhibits, a bookstore, accessible restrooms, and nearby historic structures. Because it is well into the loop, download maps and check conditions before entering the road.
Allow at least two to four hours for the 11-mile drive, and longer if you plan to hike or explore several historic sites. The Loop Road is generally open from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting. It is closed to motor vehicles all day on Wednesdays during the seasonal vehicle-free program; dates can change, so review our current hours and closure guide and the official National Park Service Cades Cove page before leaving.
Visitors who park anywhere in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 15 minutes need a valid parking tag. The park does not charge an entrance fee. Review current prices and purchase options on the NPS fees and parking page.
Cades Cove offers trails ranging from short walks to demanding backcountry routes. Start with our camping and hiking guide, and use the Cades Cove maps page before cell service becomes unreliable. Horseback riding is available seasonally through the area’s riding stable; verify current operations before making a special trip.
The Cades Cove Campground is open year-round, with services and availability varying by season. Reservations should be made through Recreation.gov. Confirm equipment-length limits, site details, and current conditions when booking.
Other Things To Do
