Cades Cove
A broad green valley with old log cabins and churches, and America's best chance for black bears and deer. An 11-mile one-way loop runs through it.
In 2026, the loop was closed to cars on Wednesdays from May to September, for walkers and cyclists. Check the park's dates each year.Checked November 2, 2026 · Latest
- Open
- Open all year, weather permitting
- Price
- Free entry; parking tag needed
- Time Needed
- Half a day
- Address
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN 37738Google MapsApple Maps
- Getting There
- From Townsend, Tennessee, on Laurel Creek Road.
Why Go
Settlers lived here until the park was created. Stop at the Cable Mill, the Methodist Church and the John Oliver Cabin. The loop can take hours in traffic,.
Tips
- Go at dawn. Stay at least 50 yards from bears and elk: it's federal law.
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