Cades Cove is a big place, as the area comes in at a vast 6,800 acres of flat and fertile land. You may be wondering how long it takes to get to everything. We are here to give you helpful insights on timing for your next visit! Just keep reading. Here is our answer to the question, “How long does it take to travel through Cades Cove?”
Driving Through the Loop Without Stopping
One of the crown jewels of Cades Cove is the Cades Cove Loop. This is an 11-mile scenic drive with lots of stunning sights. The time it takes to complete the loop without stopping depends on the amount of traffic. When there is little to no traffic, the whole drive takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Moderate traffic can increase the time to 1 hour.
Peak season in Cades Cove occurs between April and November. Driving the loop during these months can take up to 2 hours. As you cruise along, look up at the sunlight through the trees. Roll your window down to let some fresh mountain air in. One perk of driving the loop without stopping is that you can have your dog in the car!
Driving Through the Loop With Stops
Do you want to drive on Cades Cove Loop Road and get a closer look at sights along the way? If so, then you should plan to make some stops! You should set aside 2 to 4 hours and give yourself plenty of time to explore. Park and go into historical structures, such as the John Oliver Cabin and the churches.
There are also stops where you can pull off to admire the mountain views. A named overlook is the Wildlife Overlook Area. It is located in the northwest part of Cades Cove, around half a mile past the Missionary Baptist Church. It boasts a combination of mountain and meadow views.
Want other vantage points? The loop road has many other unnamed pull-off sights to visit. Excellent activities to do here include picnics and photography. Make sure to get a parking pass if you plan to be parked longer than 15 minutes.
Bike Ride Around the Loop
A unique way to travel around Cades Cove is to go for a bike ride. This can take around 2 to 3 hours. Rent a bike at Cades Cove campground or bring your own. Wear a helmet and other safety equipment like knee pads. A great time to go for a bike ride is on vehicle-free Wednesdays. They take place every week from May through September. Bikers won’t have to worry about cars as they explore the area. They should still be mindful of other bikers and those on foot!
Horseback Riding
Cades Cove Riding Stables offers seasonal guided horseback riding tours in March through November. It is open to all skill levels for children as young as 6 years old. The guided tours take about 1 hour with groups of no more than 9 people. While you won’t be traveling on the loop road, the guide will take you across some scenic Cades Cove landscapes. They will answer questions about the area as you go along!
Plan a Visit to Cades Cove TN
Now you know the answer to the question, “How long does it take to travel through Cades Cove?” Want to learn more about getting around the popular tourist destination? Here is a list of secrets to avoiding crowds!
