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Walking and Biking in Cades Cove

Officials at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced that the pilot program for vehicle-free Wednesdays in Cades Cove will continue from May 5 through September 1, 2021.  What a great opportunity to enjoy this beautiful area on foot or by bicycle.  Please know that mobility-assisted devices will be welcome on the vehicle-free days.

Vehicle-free Wednesdays allow cyclists to see Cades Cove in a new way. Photo by Ali Kazal.ut 

Park officials say that up to 1,100 pedestrians and cyclists enjoy Cades Cove without car congestion on the vehicle-free days.  

Cades Cove Is A Beautiful Area of the Park

Visitors to this area can enjoy amazing views.  They can also imagine life in an earlier time as they observe historic buildings dating from the first settlers to the area.  And its one of the most popular places to spot wildlife!  You may see black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and many other birds and animals.

If you are driving to Cades Cove from Buckhorn Inn, it is easy to find.  From Gatlinburg you follow the Parkway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  After you pass the Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn right onto Little River Road.  You will follow Little River Road about 25 miles until you arrive at the Cades Cove Loop Road.

The Loop Road is paved and one-way.  It follows an old logging track.  To the left of the entrance you will find an orientation shelter staffed with park rangers who will answer all your questions.  

As you walk travel the Loop Road you will see the John Oliver Cabin.  No pegs or nails keep this building standing–only the notched corners.  

You will see the trailhead for the Cooper Road Trail.  This trail is about an 11-mile round trip hike.  It is considered a moderately easy hike.  You also will see the trailhead for Abrams Falls trail.  The waterfall is about 20 feet high and the water rushing over the rocks is an impressive sight.  This trail is about five miles round trip and is a little more difficult.  

The Cable Mill historic area includes a working gristmill.  You also will find a barn, a smokehouse, and a blacksmith shop.

These highlights are only a small sampling of the wonders to be found on the Cades Cove Loop Road.  We hope you take advantage of vehicle-free Wednesdays this season to enjoy the area in a new way.  http://www.nps.gov.grsm.planyourvisit