Cades Cove

Cades Cove which includes forests and mountains as well as a small group of people
Cades Cove which includes forests
Cades Cove showing mountains and tranquil scenes
Cades Cove showing mountains and tranquil scenes
Cades Cove


Spot colorful wildlife and enjoy the delightful natural landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via scenic drives and hikes.

Cades Cove is a sprawling green valley in the midst of the Great Smoky Mountains. Discover magnificent ridges, dense forests and stunning waterfalls. Visit historic churches and the homesteads of early settlers and spot native wildlife. Once the Cherokee Indians used the area as a hunting ground. From the early 1820s European pioneers cultivated the fertile land of Cades Cove for corn and other crops. Today, the valley is one of the most visited regions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

A great way to see the valley is to drive along the 11-mile (18-kilometer) Cades Cove Loop. This one-way road cuts through thick woodland and broad meadows, which offer views of towering peaks. Pause at the historic buildings, many built in the 1800s by European settlers. Among these are the John Oliver Cabin, Tipton Place, John Cable Grist Mill and Primitive Baptist Church.

Several hiking trails lead from the loop road and snake their way through the cove. Walk the 5-mile (8-kilometer) roundtrip to Abrams Falls or the 9-mile (14-kilometer) roundtrip Chestnut Top Trail for wildflowers and mountain views. Feel on top of the world as you hike the Rich Mountain Loop up 3,686-foot-tall (1,123-meter) Cerulean Knob. Challenge the strenuous hike to Rocky Top, one of the peaks of Thunderhead Mountain.

Be alert for the varied wildlife native to the valley. Spot black bears, coyotes, elk, turkeys and white-tailed deer. The best time to see black bears is in the early morning or late evening in spring and early summer. The Cades Cove Nature Trail offers excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities and is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

Find the valley in the western section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Townsend, an hour from Pigeon Forge and 90 minutes from Knoxville.

Cades Cove is open year-round, although the loop road is subject to closure during extreme weather conditions. Pick up a self-guided pamphlet and trail maps at the Cades Cove Visitor Center.

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Go early morning for the best chances of wildlife viewing. Recommend anyone to stop and do the Abraham’s Falls hike, too.

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Things to do near Cades Cove

Cades Cove offers a delightful array of activities for adventure enthusiasts, including hiking the scenic Abrams Falls Trail and experiencing wildlife sightings, particularly bears. Visitors can enjoy tour rides that enhance the beauty of this stunning area, making it an ideal spot for an adventurous holiday. For those seeking accommodation, various hotels are available nearby to ensure a comfortable stay while exploring this picturesque location.

Shopping

Cades Cove offers a charming shopping experience with local gift shops and markets. If you're up for a drive, Foothills Mall, 22.5km away, features a variety of shops and entertainment options. After that, check out The Village Shops and Mountain Mall, both 30.6km from Cades Cove, for more unique finds.

Recreation

At Laurel Valley Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area offers a serene spot for relaxation and wellness amidst nature. For a fun family outing, Hillbilly Golf provides an adventurous mini-golf experience with a quirky twist.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of winter sports at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park, located 27.4km from Cades Cove. For an adrenaline rush, try karting at River Rage Go-Kart Track, 12.9km away. Explore the beautiful Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking Trail, only 11.3km from Cades Cove.

Nightlife

Enjoy a captivating evening at the Capitol Theatre, 22.5km from Cades Cove, where you can immerse yourself in culture and entertainment. For thrill-seekers, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, 30.6km away, offers an exhilarating ride, while Goats on the Roof, 29.0km away, promises fun in an adventurous arcade setting.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cades Cove

Cades Cove offers a delightful mix of attractions for every type of traveller, from waterfalls and visitor centres to the stunning national park. Whether you seek outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply wish to soak in the natural beauty, there is something for everyone in this picturesque area of Townsend, Tennessee. Embrace the adventure and enrich your holiday with the diverse offerings of Cades Cove.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A breathtaking expanse of wilderness, this national park offers stunning scenery and endless outdoor adventures. Enjoy hiking through lush forests, spotting diverse wildlife, and experiencing the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, all located 29.0km from Cades Cove.
  • Cades Cove Visitor Center: Situated just 1.6km away, this visitor centre acts as the perfect starting point for exploring Cades Cove. Engage in family-friendly activities, learn about local history, and embark on outdoor adventures that highlight the area's rich culture and natural beauty.
  • Fontana Lake: A serene escape located 19.3km from Cades Cove, Fontana Lake features picturesque beaches and romantic vistas. Enjoy boating, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water while soaking in the stunning landscape that surrounds you.

Best time to go to Cades Cove

The best time to visit Cades Cove is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cades Cove

For a budget-friendly visit to Cades Cove, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower, especially on Tuesdays. Avoid Saturdays for a more economical stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider package deals that combine flights and hotel bookings for greater savings. Engaging in free activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing can also enhance your experience without straining your wallet. Always check for potential discounts on sites like Trip.com to maximise your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cades Cove are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cades Cove is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Cades Cove is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save money by combining your Cades Cove hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.