Your Guide to Visiting Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains

When you come for a tournament here at Rocky Top Sports World, you will not only get to enjoy the amazing gameday experience here at our Gatlinburg sports complex, you will also be able to discover some of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains! Whether you are a parent, athlete, sibling, or friend, you are sure to have a great time exploring the natural beauty of the area. One place in particular that is beloved by visitors is Cades Cove, as this destination offers a little bit of everything! From hiking trails, to historic structures, to picnic areas, and more, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to visit Cades Cove when you are here in the Smoky Mountains. And, to help you plan your excursion, we’ve gone ahead and put together some helpful info for you, so read on!

Where is Cades Cove?

Cades Cove is a valley located southwest of Townsend that is home to an 11-mile one-way loop road with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, historic homesteads, and more. Although it takes about an hour and a half to reach Cades Cove from the Gatlinburg area, if you have time during your stay, it will be well worth your trip!

What can you do at Cades Cove?

There are lots of options when it comes to activities at Cades Cove! If you are interested in getting out of the car and stretching your legs, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to hike to Abrams Falls. This 5.2-mile roundtrip hike will bring you to the waterfall itself, which although only 20 feet tall, is the most voluminous waterfall in all of Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Cades Cove is also well-known for its incredible wildlife viewing, as the natural setting and the open sightlines make it easier to see black bears, deer, and other native creatures than in many other locations. History enthusiasts will also love visiting Cades Cove, as you can check out a number of historic homesteads, and a church that dates back to the 1820’s! These are just some of the many things to do at Cades Cove, which is why it is such a great destination to add to your vacation itinerary.

How long should you plan to spend at Cades Cove?

If you are just planning to drive around the Cades Cove scenic loop with limited stops and you encounter little traffic, it takes about an hour to traverse the entire loop. However, we would highly recommend that you plan to have at least 3 hours for a visit to Cades Cove, as it is best to enjoy the area at a relaxed pace, and there are several areas where you can pull off.

Now that you know more about visiting Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains, you are ready to head out and discover this amazing destination for yourself! And, if you are looking for even more places to explore at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can check out this list of some of the top scenic hiking trails in Gatlinburg that the whole team will love.