Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Meadow · Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Cades Cove
Mountain-enclosed valley in the park’s west, with open fields, cabins, churches and an old settlers’ mill, and a loop of about 17 km.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cades Cove
Cades Cove was settled by European colonists from 1818 onward, in a valley that had been Cherokee hunting grounds. Families farmed, raised livestock and built log houses, barns, three churches and a mill, which were preserved when the park was created.
A one-way road of about 17 km circles the valley. Along it visitors stop to enter the cabins, see Cable Mill and walk to the church cemeteries. In the open fields it’s common to see deer and wild turkeys, and sometimes black bears at the forest edge.
The loop is often slow-moving because cars stop to watch wildlife. On some summer weekdays the road is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to four hours for the loop; more time if you do hikes.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when animals tend to be in the fields and traffic is lighter. Check the days reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.
How to get there
It is about 45 km from Gatlinburg via Little River Road, or about 15 km from Townsend.
Tip
Bring snacks and water: there are no services on the loop, and the return time can be long on busy days.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cades Cove
How long does the Cades Cove loop take?
Two to four hours by car, including stops.
Can you see bears in Cades Cove?
Sometimes black bears appear at the forest edge; deer and wild turkeys are more common.
How do you get to Cades Cove?
Via Little River Road, about 45 km from Gatlinburg, or about 15 km from Townsend.