Cades Cove Scenic Loop Itinerary
Cades Cove Scenic Loop is a stunning 17km road trip through the mountain valleys of the United States. This trip starts and ends in Cades Cove, allowing visitors to enjoy the views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The best time to drive this route is in the late spring and summer, when the landscape is lush and green and the weather is mild. Along the route, visitors will pass by the Cades Cove Visitor Center, where they can learn more about the area and its history. The road is generally in good condition, with some parts being narrow and winding. However, visitors should be aware that there may be seasonal road closures due to weather conditions. This road trip provides an amazing experience and is suitable for any driver, regardless of budget. Whether you're looking for a relaxing drive or an adventure, Cades Cove Scenic Loop is sure to give you plenty of memories to last a lifetime.
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number of days
17 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Cades Cove
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: slow
3.9 kWh
Airports
TYS
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Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Cades Cove is a beautiful valley filled with wildlife, historic buildings, and stunning scenery. It is the perfect starting point for a road trip named “Cades Cove Scenic Loop”, which takes you through the valley and into the surrounding mountain ranges.
The best way to experience Cades Cove is by car. It is located at a convenient distance from the nearest international airport at Knoxville, Tennessee (IATA code: TYS). You can rent a car at this airport to begin your journey.
Once you are in Cades Cove, there are lots of sights to explore. You can take a leisurely drive around the 11-mile loop to spot wildlife such as deer, wild turkey, groundhogs, and even bears. You can also explore the historic buildings in the area, including the John Oliver Place and the Cable Mill.
The Cades Cove Historic District also offers a variety of trails, including the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abrams Falls. The falls drop over 20 feet and plunge into a large pool, making it a sight to behold.
For those looking for a more leisurely experience, you can take a horseback ride around the valley or simply take in the views of the surrounding mountains.
Cades Cove is the perfect starting point for a road trip through the Great Smoky Mountains. With its wildlife, historic buildings, and stunning scenery, it is a place that will stay with you long after your journey is over.
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Cades Cove
- Cades Cove Visitor Center
Distance 9 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: modest
2.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the beautiful road trip from Cades Cove to Cades Cove Visitor Center! This 6mi drive will take you less than 1 hour and will be filled with stunning views and exciting attractions.
As you drive along this scenic road, you will be able to explore the many interesting sites and attractions that Cades Cove has to offer. Be sure to watch out for seasonal closures and narrow roads in some sections.
You will be able to explore the many historic buildings, take a walk through the forest, and check out the many wildlife that call Cades Cove home. You can also take a dip in the cove itself and take in the breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains.
Make sure to take your time and enjoy the journey. There are so many amazing things to see and do in Cades Cove that it would be a shame to rush through it.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage.
We hope you enjoy your journey from Cades Cove to Cades Cove Visitor Center!
Cades Cove Visitor Center - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - pixabay
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Cades Cove Visitor Center
- Cades Cove
Distance 8 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: slow
1.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Cades Cove Visitor Center,United States. This 5mi drive will take less than an hour and will take you to the picturesque Cades Cove. Along the way, you'll enjoy a scenic drive, with some sections closed seasonally and others being narrow. Don't forget to look out for wildlife, as you may spot some deer, wild turkeys, and even bears! Once you reach Cades Cove, you'll find plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, like hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and fishing. You can also explore the historic buildings and churches that make this area so unique. After a day of exploring, you can settle in for a peaceful night of camping under the stars. Remember that more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Cades Cove - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - pixabay
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Cades Cove
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Cades Cove is a stunning valley located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the United States. This stunning valley is the perfect ending point for the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, a beautiful road trip that winds through the spectacular Smoky Mountains.
Once you arrive in Cades Cove, there are plenty of interesting places to explore. The Cable Mill Historic Area is an old gristmill and a living history museum. You can also visit the John Oliver Cabin, an historic log cabin from the 19th century. There are also numerous picturesque waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife to observe in the area.
Cades Cove is accessible by car. If you're traveling to the area by air, the closest international airport is located in Knoxville and is designated with the IATA code TYS.
The Cades Cove Scenic Loop is a perfect road trip for those who want to experience all the beauty the Smoky Mountains have to offer. And Cades Cove is the perfect ending point to this spectacular journey.
Cades Cove Scenic Loop at a glance
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Start:
Cades Cove
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End:
Cades Cove
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Distance:
17 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
After exploring Cades Cove you will need to leave that part of Great Smoky Mountain National Park to get to Newfound Gap Road or Cataloochee Valley. For this you have 3 trails, the challenging trail over Rich Mountain to Townsend ( Rich Mountain Road ), the longest from Cades Cove Visitor Center to Tennessee 129 Road and the fastest via Laurel Creek Road down to Townsend. The first two trails are impassable from November to April.