Cades Cove
Townsend, TN
A mountain valley with log cabins, churches and a mill, circled by an 18 km one-way loop road where deer, turkeys and black bears are common. Closed to cars on Wednesdays from May to September; go early.
For centuries this valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park was a Cherokee hunting ground. European settlers arrived between 1818 and 1821, and by 1830 the population had already reached 271. Today Cades Cove has the widest variety of historic buildings in the park: three churches, a working gristmill, barns and log houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. A visitor center, campground, picnic area and riding stable round out the facilities.
The 18 km (11-mile) one-way loop road around the valley is open from sunrise to sunset. Allow at least two to four hours for the loop; expect traffic jams in summer, in fall and on weekends. Keep your distance from wildlife; even turkeys can be aggressive. From May through September the road is typically open only to walkers and cyclists all day on Wednesdays, with Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes allowed; on those days cars are turned away once the parking areas are full. If you park anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes, you need a valid parking tag.
- Nearest town
- Townsend, TN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.5930, -83.8200
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
© Famartin · CC BY-SA 4.0The quiet side of the Smokies: Foothills Parkway and Cades Cove
© Nicolas Raymond from Bethesda, Maryland, USA · CC BY 2.0Blue mountains, golden autumn – along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Great Smoky Mountains
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Anthony Creek Horse CampCampsite3 mi from Cades Cove
- Look Rock CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Cades CoveTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Citico Site 1Campsite16 mi from Cades CoveTentsCaravansDogs allowedFree
- Low Meadow FarmsCampsite23 mi from Cades CoveTentsCaravans
- Deep Creek CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Cades CoveTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Notchy Creek CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Cades CoveCaravans
All campsites in Tennessee · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cades Cove?
Cades Cove is in Townsend, TN, at GPS 35.5930, -83.8200. It is about 19 mi from Robbinsville.
Can you camp near Cades Cove?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cades Cove Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 77 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cades Cove?
Cades Cove is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The quiet side of the Smokies: Foothills Parkway and Cades Cove and Blue mountains, golden autumn – along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Great Smoky Mountains.
What is there to see near Cades Cove?
Places worth a stop nearby: Look Rock, Foothills Parkway (7 mi), Tail of the Dragon (10 mi), Elkmont Campground (14 mi) and Clingmans Dome (18 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cades Cove?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)