The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 18. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. While driving the loop road, please be courteous to other visitors and use pullouts when stopping to enjoy the scenery or view wildlife.Īn inexpensive self-guiding tour booklet available at the entrance to the road provides a map and information about the cove.Ĭardinal flowers blooming beside the Tipton Place.

Traffic is heavy during the tourist season in summer and fall and on weekends year-round. Allow at least two to four hours to tour Cades Cove, longer if you walk some of the area's trails. On these days, the 11-mile loop can be enjoyed on foot or bicycle.Īn 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace. Vehicle-free access along the Cades Cove Loop Road takes place each Wednesday, from May 4 through September 28, 2022. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Even turkeys have been known to attack humans in the Smokies, so be a friend to wildlife, and keep your distance.Ĭades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. Are you too close? Approaching wildlife endangers both humans, and the wildlife they're getting to close to for that ultimate photo.

Cades cove waterfall