Cades Cove

Cades Cove which includes forests and mountains as well as a small group of people
Cades Cove which includes forests
Cades Cove showing mountains and tranquil scenes
Cades Cove showing mountains and tranquil scenes
Cades Cove


Spot colourful wildlife and enjoy the delightful natural landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via scenic drives and hikes.

Cades Cove is a sprawling green valley in the midst of the Great Smoky Mountains. Discover magnificent ridges, dense forests and stunning waterfalls. Visit historic churches and the homesteads of early settlers and spot native wildlife. Once the Cherokee Indians used the area as a hunting ground. From the early 1820s European pioneers cultivated the fertile land of Cades Cove for corn and other crops. Today, the valley is one of the most visited regions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

A great way to see the valley is to drive along the 11-mile (18-kilometre) Cades Cove Loop. This one-way road cuts through thick woodland and broad meadows, which offer views of towering peaks. Pause at the historic buildings, many built in the 1800s by European settlers. Among these are the John Oliver Cabin, Tipton Place, John Cable Grist Mill and Primitive Baptist Church.

Several hiking trails lead from the loop road and snake their way through the cove. Walk the 5-mile (8-kilometre) roundtrip to Abrams Falls or the 9-mile (14-kilometre) roundtrip Chestnut Top Trail for wildflowers and mountain views. Feel on top of the world as you hike the Rich Mountain Loop up 3,686-foot-tall (1,123-metre) Cerulean Knob. Challenge the strenuous hike to Rocky Top, one of the peaks of Thunderhead Mountain.

Be alert for the varied wildlife native to the valley. Spot black bears, coyotes, elk, turkeys and white-tailed deer. The best time to see black bears is in the early morning or late evening in spring and early summer. The Cades Cove Nature Trail offers excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities and is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

Find the valley in the western section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Townsend, an hour from Pigeon Forge and 90 minutes from Knoxville.

Cades Cove is open year-round, although the loop road is subject to closure during extreme weather conditions. Pick up a self-guided pamphlet and trail maps at the Cades Cove Visitor Centre.

Plan a trip to see Cades Cove

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Sunrise Ridge Resort
Tennessee Blue by Avantstayheart of Pigeon Forge!
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Log Cabin, walk to Cades Cove and just minutes from Gatlinburg with a view!

Log Cabin, walk to Cades Cove and just minutes from Gatlinburg with a view!

Townsend, TN
Log Cabin, walk to Cades Cove and just minutes from Gatlinburg with a view!
Heavenly Cabin Look NO Further - Hot Tub

Heavenly Cabin Look NO Further - Hot Tub

2 out of 5
Townsend, TN
Heavenly Cabin Look NO Further - Hot Tub
Panoramic Paradise!  Spacious Pet Friendly House. Sleeps 10, Minutes to GSMNP!

Panoramic Paradise! Spacious Pet Friendly House. Sleeps 10, Minutes to GSMNP!

Townsend, TN
Panoramic Paradise! Spacious Pet Friendly House. Sleeps 10, Minutes to GSMNP!
Best Western Cades Cove Inn

Best Western Cades Cove Inn

2.5 out of 5
7824 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
Best Western Cades Cove Inn
Smoke Rise is a Modern Upscale Cabin with a GARAGE, minutes from National Park!

Smoke Rise is a Modern Upscale Cabin with a GARAGE, minutes from National Park!

Townsend, TN
Smoke Rise is a Modern Upscale Cabin with a GARAGE, minutes from National Park!
Trails End, your own private retreat in the Smokies!

Trails End, your own private retreat in the Smokies!

2 out of 5
Townsend, TN
Trails End, your own private retreat in the Smokies!
Laurel Valley Mountain Retreat

Laurel Valley Mountain Retreat

2 out of 5
220 Winterberry Ln, Townsend, TN
Laurel Valley Mountain Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cades Cove

Cades Cove in Townsend, Tennessee, offers a plethora of activities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy wildlife watching and explore scenic hiking trails, while picnic areas provide the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch amidst stunning surroundings. The area is renowned for its long, picturesque drives, allowing tourists to soak in the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether hiking or enjoying a picnic, Cades Cove promises an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at Foothills Mall, 8.7km away, offering a mix of entertainment and family vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out The Village Shops, 11.8km away, and Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall, 12.4km away, both featuring vibrant city and family atmospheres.

Recreation

Play a round at Laurel Valley Golf Course, just 3.1km from Cades Cove, where outdoor sports vibes create a perfect golfing experience. For relaxation, head to Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, 7.5km away, offering serene surroundings ideal for unwinding amidst nature.

Adventure

At Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, 10.6km from Cades Cove, enjoy thrilling skiing and snowboarding on picturesque slopes. For adrenaline seekers, River Rage Go-Kart Track, 5.0km away, offers an exhilarating racing experience. Explore the Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking Trail, 4.3km distant, for stunning outdoor scenery and adventure.

Nightlife

In Cades Cove, the Palace Theater offers charming performances and cultural experiences just 8.7km away, while the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, located 11.8km out, adds an exhilarating twist to your evening. For family fun, Goats on the Roof, located 11.2km away, promises adventure and laughter.

Find the best attractions near Cades Cove

Cades Cove, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Cades Cove Visitor Centre for insightful information, hike to breathtaking waterfalls, and immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of the national park. Whether you're seeking adventure or a tranquil outdoor experience, Cades Cove is perfect for those looking to connect with nature and enjoy local culture.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the breathtaking beauty of this national park, where you can hike through verdant forests, witness stunning vistas, and encounter diverse wildlife. With numerous trails and picnic spots, it's a perfect place for outdoor adventure and relaxation.
  • Dark Island Swinging Bridge: Experience the thrill of crossing this modern bridge, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. The bridge provides a delightful stroll with views of the local area, making it a great spot for photos and enjoying the city vibes.
  • The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum: Step back in time at this history museum, where you can learn about the region's logging industry and railroad heritage. The exhibits showcase the culture and history of the area, providing an enriching experience for visitors.

Best time to go to Cades Cove

The best time to visit Cades Cove is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cades Cove

To save money on your trip to Cades Cove, consider visiting from January to March when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Tuesday, the least expensive day, while avoiding Saturdays for better rates. Use Expedia to refine your search by budget and accommodation type, and look for eco-certified options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also yield significant savings. Lastly, explore free activities in the area to maximise your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cades Cove are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cades Cove is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Cades Cove is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will present you with sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Cades Cove hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.