Cades Cove is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA.It lies between the Tennessee Valley and the surrounding Smoky Mountains, situated in the eastern part of the park, and is famous for its scenic valley, wildlife, and historic cabins.
Cades Cove (Great Smoky Mountains NP) Location Map, Townsend, Tennessee
Tennessee Maps & Info
Top Attractions Inside Cades Cove (Great Smoky Mountains NP)
- Cades Cove Loop Road – 11-mile scenic loop offering views of wildlife, historic buildings, and lush landscapes.
- Historic Homesteads – Preserved cabins, churches, and barns showcasing 19th-century Appalachian life.
- Wildlife Viewing – Opportunities to see deer, black bears, turkeys, and other native animals.
- John Oliver Cabin – Iconic log cabin representing early settler architecture.
- Primitive Baptist Church – Historic church open for tours and photography.
- Hiking Trails – Trails leading to waterfalls, overlooks, and forested areas within the cove.
- Look Rock Tower – Observation tower providing panoramic views of Cades Cove and surrounding mountains.
Cades Cove (Great Smoky Mountains NP) Facts
| Official Name | Cades Cove |
| Location | Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 35.6024° N, 83.7644° W |
| Elevation | 1,680 feet (512 meters) above sea level |
| Managed By | National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region / Concept | Historic valley, cultural heritage site, scenic loop, wildlife viewing |
| Main Features | 18-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, historic cabins, churches, barns, mills, open fields, wildlife habitats |
| Visitor Activities | Scenic driving, biking, hiking, photography, wildlife viewing (black bears, deer, turkeys), picnicking, historical interpretation |
| Trails & Access | Multiple hiking trails including Abrams Falls Trail, Anthony Creek Trail, accessible via Cades Cove Loop Road |
| Accessibility | Paved loop road, pull-offs and parking areas, some trails wheelchair accessible |
| Nearby Towns | Gatlinburg, Townsend, Walland, Tennessee |
| Entry / Fees | Free (National Park entrance fee required: $35 per vehicle for 7-day access as of 2025) |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring and Fall for wildlife and foliage; early morning for wildlife activity |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 2 million (entire park) |
| Nearby Airport | McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) – 35 miles (56 km), Knoxville, TN |
| Transportation | Private vehicles, bicycles, hiking; parking available along loop |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) — UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm |
| Famous For | Historic homesteads, barns, scenic loop, abundant wildlife, panoramic mountain views |
| UNESCO / National Status | Part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park; UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1983) |
Distances from Cades Cove (Great Smoky Mountains NP) to Nearby Landmarks
- Newfound Gap – 27 km (17 mi)
- Clingmans Dome – 35 km (22 mi)
- Laurel Falls Trail – 18 km (11 mi)
- Mingus Mill – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Elkmont Historic District – 22 km (13.5 mi)
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – 30 km (18.5 mi)
- Gatlinburg, TN – 37 km (23 mi)
- Ober Gatlinburg – 45 km (28 mi)
- Great Smoky Mountains Visitor Center – 32 km (20 mi)
- Fontana Lake – 80 km (50 mi)
- Mount LeConte – 28 km (17.5 mi)
- Charlies Bunion – 30 km (18.5 mi)
- Deep Creek Trail – 65 km (40 mi)
- Parsons Branch Trail – 60 km (37 mi)
- Greenbrier – 50 km (31 mi)
- Townsend, TN – 40 km (25 mi)
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center – 55 km (34 mi)
- Clingmans Dome Observation Tower – 35 km (22 mi)
- Newfound Gap Road Overlook – 28 km (17.5 mi)
- Fairyland Point – 33 km (20.5 mi)
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