Welcome to Cades Cove

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A Cades Cove mountain view

Welcome to the most comprehensive Cades Cove site on the web.  Here you will find everything you need to know about the Cades Cove and all of the amenities.  Thanks so much for stopping by, and we hope that your trip is the best it can be. Cades Cove is perhaps the most majestic area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  A deep, lush valley, it affords visitors some of the best wildlife viewing anywhere in the park. 

Black Bears, White-tailed deer, coyotes, turkeys, raccoons, skunks, and many more animals call this area home.  The area is surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Smokies and as a result, offers breathtaking views stretching across the vast open fields. The Cherokee Indians hunted in the area for hundreds of years, dating back centuries. However, no signs indicate that the cove ever served as a major settlement for the indigenous tribe. The Europeans first begin settling Cades Cove between 1818 and 1821.  BY the year 1830, the population had grown to a hardy 271.  As a result, Cades Cove enjoys a collections of historical buildings that are not matched anywhere in the GSM National Park.  An 11 mile loop runs the perimeter of the cove allowing bicyclist, walkers and motorists to enjoy the entire area as they make their way around the cove.

Along the loop, there are three historic churches, a active grist mill, several historic barns, log homes, and other structures.  Restorers have preserved most of the buildings, maintaining their historic features from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. There are guide books available at the entrance road that provide in-depth details about the buildings and those that built them.  Electronic guides and iphone apps are available here for immediate download.

The Cades COve Loop Road

Visitors should expect to spend at least two to four hours touring Cades Cove, even longer you intend to walk the numerous trails along the way.  Please keep in mind that during the heavier tourist seasons the traffic can swell so be sure to use the pullouts whenever you stop to view the gorgeous views or wildlife.  The cove is a wonderful place, and your courtesy makes it even better.

There is a visitors center that is opened daily along with restrooms, and the Cable Mill historic area (located about half way through the loop).  Visitors can hike throughout Cades Cove, including a 5-mile round trip to Abrams Falls.

Additionally there is the Cades Cove Nature Trail for those who want a beautiful hike that is a bit shorter.  Additionally, longer hikes to Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top begins in the Cove.

For those who are a bit more serious about hiking, there are several designated backcountry campsites located along the trails. (Permits required)

Bike Only Times

Each Saturday and Wednesday from early May until the later part of September, the loop closes to all traffic except bicycles and pedestrians until 10:00. This allows visitors an even more personal and unimpeded experience.  Otherwise, the loop road is open to motor vehicles from sunrise until sunset daily weather permitting.

The Anthony Creek horse camp, offers horseback riding in the Cades Cove area, providing backcountry rides to interested individuals. We highly recommend making reservations.

Cades Cove also boasts a 159 site campground that is open year round.  Campsites for tents and RVs (up to 35 feet) are available in the campground.  To reserve a site call (877) 477-6777.