Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: How to Visit and What to Do Nearby

Cades Cove is a broad valley at the western end of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, ringed by an 11-mile one-way loop road that passes 19th-century log cabins, churches, and a working gristmill preserved from the pre-park settler community. White-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, and wild turkeys are regularly visible from the roadway, particularly in early morning and late afternoon. The loop road closes to vehicles on Wednesdays from May through September, opening only to walkers and cyclists. Park admission is free, though vehicle parking tags run $5 per day. is just one of many options in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Major attractions worth considering include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, and Elkmont Ghost Town.