Cades Cove Scenic Loop, Tennessee

By Ann Johnson

Nestled within the embrace of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, easily accessible via U.S. 441 near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, lies a captivating destination: the Cades Cove Scenic Loop. To truly appreciate its charm, it’s best to avoid the crowded Sunday afternoon rush. Instead, venture into this historical and natural haven when you can savor its tranquility and immerse yourself in its rich tapestry of sights and sounds.

The Cades Cove Scenic Loop is an 11-mile paved, one-way road, purposefully designed to encourage a leisurely pace with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour. This thoughtful constraint allows visitors to fully absorb the beauty that unfolds around every bend. However, the loop is far more than just a scenic drive. It’s an invitation to explore. Hiking trails beckon, bike paths whisper promises of adventure, and horseback riding trails offer a unique perspective of the landscape.

The air itself seems different here, fresher and cleaner. Crystal-clear streams meander through the landscape, their gentle murmurs creating a soothing soundtrack to your journey. These streams, often shallow and inviting, are perfect for a refreshing tubing experience on a warm day. Adding to the picture postcard scenery are the historic structures that dot the loop, including the iconic Primitive Baptist Church, weathered cabins, and sturdy barns, all set against the backdrop of vast, rolling meadows framed by the majestic Smoky Mountains.

As you commence your journey along the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, prepare to be enveloped by nature’s embrace. Almost immediately, a verdant canopy arches overhead, creating a tunnel of foliage. Sunlight filters through the leaves, dappling the road in shifting patterns of light and shadow. The transition is palpable; the modern world fades away, replaced by a sense of stepping back in time to a simpler, more authentic era.

The streams and panoramic mountain vistas within Cades Cove Scenic Loop are a magnet for photographers and artists, drawn to capture the ethereal beauty in lasting mementos. A short walk along the creeks leads to hidden waterfalls, cascading jewels tucked away in the verdant undergrowth. These secluded spots, along with the rustic cabins, offer the perfect setting for a picnic, a moment of quiet contemplation, or even a once-in-a-lifetime event. It’s not uncommon to see couples exchanging vows against this stunning backdrop or families posing for portraits amidst the timeless scenery.

The gentle music of rippling water as it dances over river rocks and the sweet fragrance of wildflowers in full bloom create an immersive sensory experience. Cades Cove Scenic Loop offers an escape from the noise and distractions of modern life, allowing you to reconnect with the natural world and rediscover the simple pleasures of sight and sound.

In one of the expansive meadows, you might encounter a group of magnificent horses, their coats gleaming in the sunlight. These animals are available for rent, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the many horseback riding trails that wind through the cove. Even if you don’t plan to ride, seeing these gentle giants grazing in the pastures is a delightful experience. For more information on horseback riding rentals, contact Cades Cove Stables.

Several historical structures along the Cades Cove Scenic Loop stand out as particularly noteworthy, each with its own unique story to tell:

• The John Oliver Cabin: This is one of the first cabins you’ll encounter. It’s a testament to the resilience of early settlers. This cabin remained in the Oliver family for over a century, and remarkably, it is the oldest standing structure within the national park. Its weathered logs and simple design speak volumes about the lives of those who carved a living from this land.

• The Primitive Baptist Church: This simple yet elegant structure holds a special place in the history of Cades Cove. The Primitive Baptist Church is a reminder of the importance of community and faith in the lives of the early settlers. It’s one of the most recent additions to the National Register of Historical Society. Its unadorned interior and peaceful surroundings evoke a sense of reverence and connection to the past.

• The Dan Lawson Place: Another prominent landmark is the Dan Lawson Place. It offers a glimpse into the architectural styles of the past. The original brick chimney, a testament to the craftsmanship of the era, still stands proudly today. Imagine the warmth and comfort it provided to the Lawson family during the cold winter months.

• The Tipton Place: Further along the loop, you’ll find the Tipton Place. While the owner, Colonel Hamp Tipton, never actually resided there, his daughters, Lucy and Lizzie, made the cabin their home. These two sisters are fondly remembered as dedicated school teachers who shaped the minds of generations of Cades Cove children.

Cades Cove Scenic Loop isn’t just for avid hikers or seasoned equestrians. Its accessibility makes it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages and abilities. Whether you prefer to explore on foot, horseback, or from the comfort of your car, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The loop can be experienced as a leisurely couple of hours or transformed into a full-day excursion, depending on the number of stops you make and the activities you choose to pursue.

If your travel plans include a visit to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, make sure to carve out time for a journey to the Cades Cove Scenic Loop. It’s more than just a scenic drive; it’s a step back in time, an immersion in nature, and an opportunity to connect with the rich history and culture of the Great Smoky Mountains. A day trip to Cades Cove Scenic Loop is a highly recommended experience when visiting the Great Smokies.

Before you head out, don’t forget to visit the Cades Cove Trading Company. Here, you can rent bicycles, purchase food and drinks, and stock up on firewood for camping (be sure to review the regulations regarding bringing outside firewood into the campgrounds to prevent the spread of invasive species). And, as always, remember to practice responsible camping etiquette, leaving no trace behind and preserving the natural beauty of this special place for future generations to enjoy.

©Ann Johnson, 2017, updated February 2020.

About the Author: Ann Johnson is a Florida-based freelance travel writer with a passion for traveling, photography, writing, and cooking. "I am always in search of the next great bakery. A passion learned from my grandmother." Contact Ann at – Annj.travels@gmail.com

More Information:

• Cade Cove
• Cade Cove Stables

Also See:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• The Legend of Daisy Town: A Journey Through Time in the Smoky Mountains
• Tennessee – The Volunteer State
• National Parks, Monuments & Historic Sites
• National Park Photo Galleries