Cades Cove

Cades Cove is an outdoor activity in Townsend, TN, part of the Gatlinburg & the Smokies guide. Cost: free.

Cades Cove Loop Rd · Townsend, TN

Why you should go…

This broad mountain valley inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited spots in the entire park, known for historic log cabins, churches, and frequent black bear and white-tailed deer sightings. The one-way Cades Cove Loop Road is best driven at dawn or dusk when wildlife is most active.

#national park
#wildlife
#scenic drive
#hiking

What's around here?

The closest stops to Cades Cove, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sport & Outdoor
Family Favorite
Ober Mountain
$25–$50
An aerial tramway ride up to alpine coasters, a ropes course, and mountaintop views.
14 mi awayMore like this
Sport & Outdoor
Outdoor Adventure
Clingmans Dome
Free
The highest point in the Smokies, with a 360-degree observation tower above the treeline.
15 mi awayMore like this
Sightseeing
Family Favorite
The Parkway
Free
Walk the Parkway, Gatlinburg's main street of candy shops, restaurants and attractions at the edge of the Smoky Mountains.
15 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Attractions
Family Favorite
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
$25–$50
A glass tunnel moves visitors through shark and stingray tanks in downtown Gatlinburg.
16 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions
Sightseeing
Iconic
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Under $25
A 407-foot observation tower with a glass elevator ride to a 360-degree viewing deck.
16 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Sport & Outdoor
Family Favorite
Anakeesta
$25–$50
A mountaintop adventure park reached by gondola, with treetop rope courses and zip lines.
16 mi awayMore like this