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John Oliver Place
Cades Cove |
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Cades Cove Description
Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations within the most
visited national park in the country. It is one of the best places in
the Smokies to view wildlife and to see the
spectacular fall colors in October. The cove also includes historic
buildings of early settlers in the area, a working grist mill, several
hiking trails, a campground, and a picnic area. Admission is free.
Cades Cove features an 11-mile, paved loop road around the cove. A
self-guiding auto tour booklet is available for $1 at loop road entrance.
The booklet provides an excellent description of the historic buildings
and other sites in the cove. It also gives a good history of Cades Cove.
Bicycling and Horseback riding are popular in Cades Cove. You may rent
bicycles or horses, except in winter, or bring your own.
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Cades Cove Auto Tour
The 11-mile one-way loop road around Cades Cove provides an excellent
way to see the Great Smoky Mountains by car.
There are 18 designated landmarks on the loop road as well as many
scenic pulloffs. These stops provide opportunities to get out of the
car, view the natural or historic sites, hike a little of you wish, and
just enjoy the great outdoors.
The auto tour booklet available at the loop entrance provides
more detailed information about each stop along with
a brief history of Cades Cove.
The 18 landmarks are designated with small signposts that look like this:
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| Working Grist Mill in Cades Cove |
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The 18 designated landmarks are:
- Loop road entrance: The Auto tour book is available at the
orientation shelter. It is sometimes staffed with rangers who can
provide more information about the cove.
- Sparks Lane: is a short-cut out of the one-way loop road back
to the entrance.
- John Oliver Place: A historic log home of one of the early
settlers of the cove.
- Primitive Baptist Church: Historic church established in 1827.
The current building was built in 1887.
- Methodist Church: Historic church established in the 1820s.
The current building was built in 1902.
- Hyatt Lane: Another two-way road that can provide a short-cut back
to the entrance.
- Missionary Baptist Church: Started in 1839 from a group
that split from the Primitive Baptist Church over the issue of
missionary work.
- Rich Mountain Road: One-way road leading out of the cove
which provides scenic views.
- Cooper Road Trail: Hiking trail that was once part of an
Indian trail.
- Elijah Oliver Place: Historic log house.
- Mill Area and Visitor's Center: Walking tour with grist mill
and several other historic buildings. Restrooms and visitor center
also available.
- Henry Whitehead Place: Historic sawed log house.
- Cades Cove Nature Trail: Short hiking trail.
- Hyatt Lane: Two-way road that can be used to repeat a portion
of the loop.
- Dan Lawson Place: Historic house built in 1856.
- Tipton Place: Historic house built in the 1870s.
- Carter Shields Cabin: Historic Cabin.
- Sparks Lane: Two-way road that can be used to repeat most
of the loop.
Recommended Reading
Best times to visit Cades Cove
The best time to view wildlife is early morning or early evening.
You are almost certain to see deer at this time. You may also see bear,
wild turkey, red wolves, and coyotes.
The fall colors in October in Cades Cove are spectacular. But
be prepared for heavy crowds, especially on the weekends, in October.
Mid-week is the least crowded time to visit.
Before 10am on Wednesdays and Saturdays the loop road is closed to
motor vehicles, making this the ideal time for bike riding, walking,
or running.
Weather in Cades Cove
Forcast for Townsend, near Cades Cove
General weather information in the Smokies
Best Hiking in Cades Cove
Cades Cove offers numerous hiking trails. Some of the most popular are:
- Abrams Falls: 5 mile round trip hike to one of the best waterfalls
in the Smokies. Trailhead is located about 5 1/2 miles into the Cades
Cove loop road. Signs on the road point to the parking area.
- Cades Cove Nature Trail: Starts at stop #13 on the loop road. This
is a short, easy hike.
- Anthony Creek Trail: Starts at the picnic area. The full trail is
7 miles long and difficult, but you can go as far as you want and
then return to the picnic area.
- Ace Gap: 5 1/2 miles, relatively flat.
The trailhead is located on Rich Mountain Road.
Camping in Cades Cove
The Cades Cove campground is located near the entrance and is open
year around. It has restrooms with running water and flush toilets,
but no hot water, showers, or RV hookups.
There are 159 campsites, each with a picnic table, a fire grate, and
a clear area for a tent. RVs up to 35 feet can be accommodated.
There is a small store near the campground. For reservations and price
information, call (877) 444-6777 or visit
www.recreation.gov. A map of the campground is available here.
There are also several back-country campsites that can be reached by
some of the hiking trails. Back-country camping requires a permit, which
is available free from the ranger station.
You may also choose to stay in a
mountain chalet or cabin in Townsend or Gatlinburg.
Picnicing at Cades Cove
Cades Cove has a wonderful picnic area with picnic tables and grills.
A mountain stream runs through the wooded picnic area.
Parking and restrooms are available.
Restrooms
Restrooms with running water and flush toilets are available at the
picnic area and at the campground.
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