2 to 4 hours (approx.)
Daily Tour
4 people
English
Explore beautiful Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains without the hassle of a guided tour when you book this self-guided audio-driving tour. Experience the natural beauty and delve into the area’s rich history on this popular loop. Encounter cascading waterfalls, lush hiking trails, and historic churches, and uncover the tale of how the Civil War cast its shadow over this serene cove.
Your tour of Cades Cove begins near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. From here, you’ll drive down a scenic route to reach the main attraction: Cades Cove Loop.
Note: This 25+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Cades Cove in 3-5 hours.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
The first landmark you’ll encounter is the John Oliver Place, a historic homestead dating back to the early 1800s.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Next up is the Primitive Baptist Church, one of three historic churches in Cades Cove which offers a window into the area’s past.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Past that is the Methodist Church, which cost only $115 to build when it was constructed in 1902!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Then there’s the Missionary Baptist Church, which split off from the Primitive Baptist Church during the early days of Cades Cove due to ideological divides.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Continuing on, you’ll come to the Elijah Oliver Place, accessible via a half-mile trail. This secluded homestead once belonged to an abolitionist who found himself in grave danger when the Civil War broke out.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Up next is the Abrams Falls Trail, which takes hikers to a powerful waterfall hidden deep in the wilderness.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
After that, you’ll see the John Cable Grist Mill. This mill dates back to 1870 and you can still see it in operation today!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
From the John Cable Grist Mill, you’ll have the option to make a detour to the Henry Whitehead House. This pleasant cabin was actually built as a wedding gift!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Next on your route is Tipton Place, which was once home to a war hero of the American Revolution..
• Admission Ticket Free
Finally, you’ll come next to the Carter Shields Cabin, a staunchly abolitionist home that lost much during the Civil War.
There are many stories that you’ll hear along the way, including
• A Cherokee Homeland
• White Settlers Arrive in Cades Cove
• Smokies Wildlife
• The Cussing Cover
• Last Family who lived in Cades Cove and more.
Explore the captivating Great Smoky Mountains and the stunning Cades Cove by purchasing our special bundle that includes both destinations.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
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