Cades Cove is the most-visited part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In fact, it receives 5 million visitors every year! People love the fresh air, scenery, and the exciting opportunity to see wildlife. Come see everything for yourself! But first, you need to know how to get there! Start planning your trip right now by finding out the directions to Cades Cove:
1. The Gatlinburg Entrance
Directions: Take the main Parkway (US 441) into GSMNP then turn right on Little River Road past the Sugarlands Visitor Center. After about 20 miles continue onto Laurel Creek Road into Cades Cove.
The Gatlinburg entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is conveniently located close to both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. This makes it the most popular way to get into the park from either of these cities. The distance to Cades Cove is between 27 to 30 miles. Stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center on the way there! It has a bookstore and a fascinating natural history exhibit!
2. The Townsend Entrance
Directions: Turn at red light #3 in Pigeon Forge and take US-321 south into Townsend. Then take TN-73 East into the park. When you get to the park, turn right at the junction onto Laurel Creek Road. Follow this road for 7 miles. You will reach the start of Cades Cove Loop Road.
Visitors to using the directions to Cades Coves from the Townsend entrance to the park because it is closest– only around 11 miles! Another perk of entering the national park from here is that it tends to be less crowded than the entrance from Gatlinburg. Pay attention as you look out at the low fields. You may have the opportunity to spot a black bear or deer wandering about. Be sure to stop at the Cades Cove Visitors Center to see the Becky Cable House. The Cable Mill is also located here, and it operates from spring to fall.
3. The Wears Valley Entrance
Directions: From Pigeon Forge, turn off the Parkway onto Wears Valley Road. The intersection is located at traffic light #3. You will follow Wears Valley Road and turn onto Line Springs Road and follow it into the park until it becomes Wears Cove Gap Road. Cross a one-lane bridge to the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. Turn right onto Little River Road and stay on it for about 20 miles. Turn right at the junction onto Laurel Creek Road. Follow the road to arrive at Cades Cove!
The Wears Valley entrance, another of the ways to get to Cades Cove, is deemed the “secret entrance” because it is lesser known to tourists. Since this route leads to the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, you can have lunch before or after your visit to Cades Cove. A nearby trail offers a pleasant walk to see the Little Greenbrier School which was built in 1882. You can even go inside and take a look at the classroom setup!
What to Do in Cades Cove
Now you know how to get to Cades Cove, so what should you do while you’re there? You can take a short hike on the Cades Cove Nature Trail. This is an easy 2-mile hike that is ideal for visitors of all ages. More challenging hikes include Abrams Falls which is 5 miles roundtrip. If you do decide to hike, keep in mind that you will need a parking tag if you leave your vehicle parked for longer than 15 minutes! The fees are very affordable, and the funds go back into maintaining the park. On the other hand, you don’t need a parking tag when you drive around the park. Take Cades Cove Loop Road to enjoy all the scenery from your vehicle.
We hope these directions to Cades Cove help you navigate this beautiful area of the Smokies. Still need help finding your way around? Take advantage of our free Cades Cove maps!
