Cades Cove

Cades Cove

www.nps.gov
4.5/5
(5.7K) · Hiking area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
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Cades Cove is an isolated valley located in the Tennessee section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. The valley was home …

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 5,669 reviews
5-star
54%
4-star
17%
3-star
10%
2-star
8%
1-star
11%
Recent reviews
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Jul 16, 2025
This is definitely worth a trip. We did this drive twice. One on a Sunday at around 7am and the other on a Monday at 10.30am. Neither were very busy and we easily got parking spots. There are lo…Full review by Victoria F
Jul 15, 2025
It was a nice drive. Saw several bears, turkeys, and deer. The only reason I reduced by 1 star is because the drivers don't follow the rules. There are literally signs that say, "Be an idol, don't id…Full review by Johanna K
Jul 14, 2025
Beautiful but too crowded. Especially people who obviously have never been around nature. Kids hanging out of sunroof yelling. People throwing trash out of windows. I also noticed no one of the 8 car…Full review by Mary W
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Articles

Despite its name, Cades Cove is a stunning valley, not a cove. Located promiscuously on the border of both Tennessee and North Caro…
cityseeker.com

Questions & answers

Q:
Are the roads closed in January?
A:
Previous answer right on. If not posted on the official NPS website for the park you can call the park number. Have found that very helpful, i.e. with rains in the Utah parks this summer.
A:
Q:
Can you take a motorcycle through the area
Q:
Hi, are the roads really steep through the 11 mile loop?
A:
No...the roads are not very steep. Cades Cove is in a valley area.
A:
Answer by Janet W · Sep 1, 2020
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Frequently asked questions

Q:
Why can't I use a treble hook?
A:
Many of the fish which anglers catch do not meet the park's size limits and must be released. Current fisheries research indicates treble hooks cause higher hooking mortality rates...
A:
See all 3 questions
Data from: BusinessWebsite
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Social profiles

Highlights

Tips

The best way to experience the cove is by foot and by bicycle
rootsrated.com
There is a small camp store at the campground and the visitor center offers a variety of educational programs
usnews.com
Longer hikes, including Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top, also start here, but are better suited for experienced hikers
usnews.com
Although visitors may want to purchase the self-guided auto tour booklet (it costs $1) at the entrance
usnews.com
The visitor center is open daily except Christmas Day
usnews.com
You can rent bikes at the Cades Cove Campground store (rentals for adults cost $7. 50 per hour
usnews.com
Entrance to the park is free
usnews.com
Inclement weather may close the loop road to traffic, so be sure to check the park's website or hotline before heading out
usnews.com
You can rent bikes at the Cades Cove Campground store
usnews.com
Other visitors recommended bringing food and water and warn that cell service is spotty at best
usnews.com
At the beginning of the road is an orientation table and you can also purchase a booklet
michelin.com
Rentals for adults cost $7. 50 per hour). Visitors love the mix of scenery and history
usnews.com
If you don't have your own set of wheels, you can rent bikes at the cades cove campground store
usnews.com
Photographers, in particular, say this is worth the time if you're looking for great photos of the mountains
usnews.com
The visitors center has bike rentals for $6 per hr
afar.com
Other visitors recommended bringing food
usnews.com
The 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the Cades Cove valley and is one of the best places in the park to view wildlife
usnews.com
Families and couples enjoy early morning bike rides on the loop and many spotted bears along the way
usnews.com

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Data from: Tripadvisor