Due to high fire danger throughout the park, a fire ban has been put into place. As a result, the lighting of campfires and charcoal grills is not allowed at this time. More
Rehabilitation began on December 9 for the 2.3-mile-long Cosby Entrance Road from TN State Route 32 to the gate of Cosby Campground. While crews are working, the entrance road is closed to the public. The work is projected to be completed in spring 2025. More
Kuwohi Rd (formerly Clingmans Dome Rd), Parson Branch Rd, Rich Mountain Rd, Little Greenbrier Rd to the schoolhouse, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail are closed for the season. More
Cades Cove is a scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains south of Townsend, Tennessee. A popular 11-mile one-way loop road encircling the valley provides access to hiking trails, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and chances to explore the many historic homesites, cemeteries, and churches. The area also holds a visitor center, campground, picnic area, and riding stable.
Are you too close? Approaching wildlife endangers both humans and wildlife. Even turkeys have been known to attack humans in the Smokies, so be a friend to wildlife, and keep your distance.
The 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace. Allow at least two to four hours to tour Cades Cove, longer if you hike some of the area's trails.
Traffic is heavy during the tourist season in summer and fall and on weekends year-round. While driving the loop road, please be courteous to other visitors and use paved pullouts when stopping to enjoy the scenery or view wildlife.
Download the NPS mobile app and check out the self-guided Cades Cove driving tour for an interactive experience.
Location:Trailhead located on 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove Loop Road
Walk 5 miles (8 km) roundtrip through rhododendron, hemlock, and pine-oak forest to a 25-foot (7.6-m) waterfall and scenic pool. Swimming in the pool is not recommended due to slippery rocks and a dangerous undertow.
Roughly half-way through the Cades Cove Loop Road, pause to speak with park staff and visit various exhibits. Learn about Southern Mountain life and culture, and see a gristmill (operates spring through fall), the Becky Cable house, and other historic structures. Enjoy seasonal ranger-led activities and peruse the park bookstore and shop. Public restrooms available.
Physical Address
Cable Mill Road Townsend, TN37882
Mailing Address
107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN37738
Located halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road.
Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Hours vary seasonally.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Wednesdays from May to September (Vehicle-Free Days)
May 1–September 25
Sunday-Tuesday:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Wednesday:7:00 AM–3:30 PM
Thursday-Saturday:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
The Cades Cove Visitor Center has different hours on Vehicle-Free Days.
Roughly halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road, this visitor center offers information, a park bookstore, and nearby restrooms. NPS Photo/S. Singleton
Puzzles, DVDs, postcards, and other items are available for purchase at the park visitor centers. NPS Photo
Peruse park information and merchandise in the rustic Cades Cove Visitor Center. NPS Photo
Cades Cove Visitor Center NPS Photo
The Cades Cove Visitor Center is near other points of interest like Cable Mill, Becky Cable House, and more historic structures. NPS Photo/S. Singleton
Cades Cove Campground—open year-round—combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. With an elevation of 1,807 feet (551 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. No hookups or showers.
America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.
The valley has a rich history. For hundreds of years, Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830, the population of the area had already swelled to 271. Cades Cove offers the widest variety of historic buildings of any area in the national park.
Scattered along the loop road are three churches, a working gristmill, barns, log houses, and many other faithfully restored eighteenth- and nineteenth-century structures. Pick up the self-guiding tour booklet available at the entrance to the loop road for information about the buildings you'll see in the cove and the people who lived here.
Cades Cove Story
Learn about farming, home life, religion, and recreation in the fascinating history of this beautiful, lively mountain community. Contains historic photos.
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, churches, Cable Mill, and other historic buildings you'll see in the area. It features historic photographs and illustrations that show what life was like a century ago.
Day Hikes In and Around Cades Cove
Map and guide with descriptions of the nine 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 books, maps, and guides to the park. Operated by the nonprofit Smokies Life, proceeds generated by purchases at the store are donated to educational, scientific, and historical projects in the park.
