Cades Cove | Smoky Mountain Tours

Cades Cove: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cades Cove is one of the most scenic areas in America. A one lane paved road will take you through 11 miles of pastureland, scenic views, and historic structures. Along the way, you can expect to see wildlife including deer, black bear, wild turkey, coyote, fox, and an occasional wild eagle.

From Wears Valley you will enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Metcalf Bottoms after turning onto Lyons View Road in the Valley and following it 4 miles. After arriving at Metcalf Bottoms, turn right onto Little River Road. Follow that road 20.7 miles into Cades Cove. Along Little River Road, you will want to stop at The Sinks. Further down the road are majestic waterfalls.

Summertime in Cades Cove		Peaceful river in Cades Cove

The historic Tipton House in Cades Cove.		Cable Mill in Cades Cove.

The speed limit on Little River Road ranges from 20 mph to 35 mph. There are numerous pullovers to give you an opportunity to take in the scenery and to utilize your photographic skills. The road is very curvy, so travel carefully. Slower driver should use the pullovers so that other vehicles can proceed.

There are restroom facilities at the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, at the Cades Cove campground area, and at Cable Mill in Cades Cove.

Expect to spend between 1-1/2 hours to 3 hours in the Cove depending on traffic flow and how often you stop to view historic structures or take a hike.

If you spot wildlife, please pull over to the side of the road to allow traffic to flow freely. By doing so, you will also avoid getting ticketed by a Park Ranger since it is illegal to stop on the roadways inside the Park.

Cades Cove is open year 'round. The Park Service closes the Loop Road in inclement weather.