horses in Cades Cove

How Far is Cades Cove from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?

Gorgeous view from Cades Cove Loop Road
March 13, 2020

If you have never been to Cades Cove before, you may be wondering how far away it is from where you are staying. The drive from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and other cities really isn’t that bad! Plus, Cades Cove is full of beautiful things you don’t want to miss out on! Keep reading to find the answer to the question of how far is Cades Cove from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge:

How Far is Cades Cove from Gatlinburg?

Cades Cove really isn’t that far from Gatlinburg. The most straightforward directions to Cades Cove is to take Little River Gorge Road and Old State Highway 73 scenic, which is 33.4 miles. Here’s a breakdown of these directions:

fall in the smokies cades cove

  • Follow the main Parkway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Take a right on Little River Road after the Sugarlands Visitor Center
  • Stay on Little River Road for about 20 miles
  • Continue onto Laurel Creek Road and into Cades Cove

Along this road, you will have plenty of places to stop, such as picnic areas, if you want to get out and stretch. There are also scenic stops, such as places with mountain views, a few waterfalls, and much more. You’ll also be driving alongside a river, so you have plenty to enjoy on your way to Cades Cove!

How Far is Cades Cove from Pigeon Forge?

You may also be wondering how far is Cades Cove from Pigeon Forge. It’s just about the same distance as Gatlinburg! If you take Wears Valley, it’s about 31.3 miles. Here’s a breakdown of the directions:

  • Take the Pigeon Forge Parkway to Traffic Light #3 to Wears Valley Road
  • Take 321 to Townsend
  • Take TN-73 E into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Head southwest on Laurel Creek Road until you reach Cades Cove

You’ll also see quite a bit along this road. There are rolling countrysides where you will see farmland, as well as mountain views. You will also find little mountain shops in Wears Valley that are typically less crowded and full of Smoky Mountain charm.

How Far is Cades Cove from Other Cities?

If you want to visit Cades Cove from other nearby cities, you can easily do that! If you happen to be staying in Cherokee, North Carolina, Cades Cove is just 61.9 miles away. To get to Cades Cove from Cherokee, take US-441 North. Are you spending some time in Asheville and want to explore the Tennessee side of the Smokies? Cades Cove is only 113.9 miles from Asheville if you take I-40 West.

What You’ll See in Cades Cove

Carter Shields Cabin in Cades Cove

Wondering what all you can experience at Cades Cove? You’ll drive along the 11-mile paved loop and make your way past meadows full of wildflowers with the Smoky Mountains in the background. Depending on the time of day and the time of year, you might see black bears, white tailed deer, wild turkey, and other wildlife. You will definitely be able to experience the history of the area with historical buildings that are accessible all year round, weather permitting.

Now you know how far Cades Cove is from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! Want even more information and a map? Check out our Cades Cove map for even more information!

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