Snow-capped Thunderhead Mountain rises above the fields of Cades Cove.

Highlights: historic buildings, wildlife viewing, bicycling 

Cades Cove is a lush valley surrounded by mountains and one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. Deer are almost always sighted in the fields, and observations of other wildlife, including bear, Wild Turkey, and fox are possible. Please use pullouts when viewing wildlife and never approach or feed animals.

A wide array of historic buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries is scattered through-out the cove. These include a grist mill, a variety of barns, three churches, and a marvelous collection of log homes and outbuildings.

An 11-mile one-way loop road takes you around the cove. Traffic will be heavy during the tourist season in summer and fall and on weekends year-round.

A visitor center (open daily), restrooms, and the Cable Mill historic area are located half-way around the loop road.

Numerous trails originate in the cove, including the five-mile roundtrip trail to Abrams Falls and the short Cades Cove Nature Trail. Longer hikes to Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top (made famous by the popular song) also begin in the cove.

Several designated backcountry campsites (camping by permit only) are located along trails.

Only bicycle and foot traffic are allowed on the loop road from sunrise until 10:00 a.m. every Saturday and Wednesday morning from early May until late September

A campground with 159 sites is open year round in Cades Cove. Tents and RVs up to 35 feet can be accommodated in the campground. Call (877) 444-6777 or visit http://www.recreation.gov to reserve a site.

The Anthony Creek horse camp is located nearby and offers easy access to the backcountry. Call (877) 444-6777 or visit http://www.recreation.gov to reserve a site.

Mileage to Cades Cove:
from Cherokee—57
from Gatlinburg—27
from Townsend—9

Recommended Reading

Self-Guiding Auto Tour Booklet Cades Cove 
Keyed to numbered posts or landmarks along the Cades Cove Loop Road, this tour booklet describes the history of the Cove and describes the homes, barns, churchs, Cable Mill, and other historical buildings you'll see as you tour Cades Cove. Features historical photographs and illustrations which show what life was like a century ago.

Day Hikes In and Around Cades Cove
Map and guide with descriptions of the 9 best day hikes in the Cades Cove area. Full color topo map and elevation charts.

Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official online store for other books, maps, and guides to the park. Operated by the nonprofit Great Smoky Mountains Association, proceeds generated by purchases at the store are donated to educational, scientific, and historical projects in the park.