10 MOST exciting things to do at Cades Cove
*please call ahead to book reservations and inquire about COVID19 closures and restrictions
In this article:
1) Is Cades Cove worth the drive?
2) Where is Cades Cove?
3) What is there to do in Cades Cove?
Destination: Cades Cove
Drive time from Nashville to Cades Cove: 4 hours
Source: Cades Cove FB
Where is Cades Cove?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
How close is Cades Cove to Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg to Cades Cove: 27 miles
Is Cades Cove worth the drive?
According to travelers, the answer is overwhelmingly, yes. Cades Cove is the MOST popular destination in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with over 2 million visitors annually. The one way loop can get crowded, so going early in the day is highly recommended.
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What is there to do in Cades Cove?
Here are the top 10 things to do in Cades Cove:
1) Hayride tours, April - October, starting from riding stables
2) Wildlife viewing: bears, turkeys, deer, coyotes, and more!
3) Biking the 11-mile loop
4) Camping
5) Horse-back riding at Cades Cove Riding Stables
6) Hiking nature trails (Abrams Falls is one of the most popular hikes, 5 miles roundtrip)
7) Picnicking with grills and tables (near the campground)
8) Drive the 11-mile loop in your car, stop at the scenic lookouts
9) Visit historic buildings (pioneer cabins, old churches, working grist mill, etc) along the loop
10) Rent a cabin near Cades Cove
Biking Cades Cove
The National Park closed the loop to motorized vehicles every Wednesday in June - September, from sunrise to 10am, so bikers and hikers can have leisurely access to the one way loop and wildlife viewing.
Can you bike Cades Cove in October even though the road is not closed to motorized vehicles?
Yes, you can bike at any time. You just have to share the road with cars.
Can you rent bikes at Cades Cove?
Yes, at the Cades Cove bike shop between April -October. You must come early in the morning, as bikes are first-come, first-served and often sell out quickly.
Cades Cove Hours
Cades Cove is open from sunrise to sunset, year-round, weather permitting. The Visitor’s Center is open during specific hours and has helpful information for visitors.
Check conditions before you go.
Is Cades Cove free?
Yes. It is free to drive the loop and hike the trails.
Cades Cove Map
Source: Visit My Smokies
Cades Cove Cabins
If you don’t want to camp at Cades Cove, but prefer to rent a nearby cabin, you should check out these highly rated options!
Want to do your own search of nearby cabins? This site has helpful options for cabins near Cades Cove.
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#RoadTripUSA, #BestWeekendRoadTrips: Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
