Cades Cove Loop Road is a pretty drive in the Great Smokies
Located in Blount County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee, Cades Cove Loop Road is a very scenic drive running through a lush valley where you’ll see wildlife and historic buildings.
How long is the Cades Cove Loop Road?
Located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove Loop Road is a 16.73km (10.4 miles) one-way loop road that circles the cove. The road is narrow.
Is the Cades Cove Loop Road open?
The road is totally paved running alongside an old logging railroad track. Cades Cove is open year round from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting. It’s closed on Wednesdays to all vehicle traffic from June 17th through September 30th. Traffic is heavy during the tourist season in summer and fall and on weekends year-round.
How long does it take to drive the Cades Cove loop?
The drive is one of the most popular destinations in all of the Great Smoky. It’ll take 45 minutes without any stop but plan from two to four hours depending on traffic. The gently winding road offers many places to stop. For history buffs, they can enjoy the largest variety of historic buildings, including churches, log homes, and a functioning mill in Cades Cove, which is a broad valley surrounded by mountains and offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Is Cades Cove worth the drive?
The road circles the cove so drivers have a chance to see all of the historic points along the way. As you drive through the beautiful wooded areas of the Smoky Mountains you’ll enjoy breathtaking views. While driving, keep your eyes open for white deer, coyote, elk, fox and black bears. Visitors often spot black bears in the late afternoon or early evening hours. Black bears typically can be seen along the Loop during late summer and fall. The drive offers motorists the opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace.