Cade's Cove Loop

Townsend, Tennessee

4.8/5
based on 18 reviews

Details

Distance

10.47 miles

Elevation Gain

1148 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Mason Boring

Hiking or biking around the historic Cade's Cove Loop is a great activity and base camp for hiking and backpacking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Cade's Cove is a valley located smack in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Feel free to drive the 11 mile loop in the day, but if you're really cool, you'll schedule your trip around a full moon so you can bike under the light of night! Allow yourself a few hours to explore around off the loop!

There is camping nearby. Just make reservations! 159 sites are open year round in Cades Cove. If camping, return inside the loop before sunrise to make a memory that's sure to stick.

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Features

Photography
Camping
Cycling
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Forest
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

Cade's Cove Loop Reviews

Wanderer

09/21/17

We rented bikes at the visitors center. Beautifully scenic and historic loop. Perfect for biking but I’d highly recommend riding before cars are allowed! The loop is closed to cars every Saturday and Wednesday morning until 10 a.m. from early May until late September... so plan accordingly and get there early!

I've only biked around Cades Cove in the mornings, and it is well worth it! Lots of wildlife out and about the earlier you go. Most of the year, the Cades Cove loops is closed to cars on Wednesday and Saturday mornings so that visitors can bike and walk around the loop without traffic. It's a great time to go! The campground store also has bike rentals if you don't want to bring your own bike. There are quite a few hills, but nothing too strenuous.

Wayfinder

12/13/16

Cade's Cove was my favorite spot in the park and seeing it on a crisp July morning was truly amazing. Not only do you get amazing views out of it, but you get to see and explore some awesome historic structures!

Wanderer

10/18/16

Just did this last weekend with a few friends during the full moon and WOW. We got there around midnight and the entire valley was lit by the moon. Heard some coyotes but that was it in terms of wildlife. Completely surreal experience, thanks so much for the suggestion.

Beginner

02/18/16

The loop has historic building in areas, all are open to the public. There are many animals living there, so have your camera ready! Something so amazing can be missed in the blink of an eye! It is way better to go as early as possible due to animal feeding patterns and most are out in the early hours.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Abrams Falls Trail

Gregory Bald via Gregory Ridge Trail

Rocky Top

Backpack to Spence Field

Look Rock Tower

Whiteoak Sinks