Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Cades Cove Nature Trail

4.5 (16 Ratings)
A great loop full of wildlife and historic structures.
0.8
mi
Distance
222
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Family FriendlyRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.81mi
Distance
222ft
Elevation Gain
205ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
2,156ft
High Point
1,937ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. This short loop allows you to experience the rich history of the valley as you you'll pass through open fields, dense forest, and over creeks. This loop is a memorable trip you'll never forget, and you may want to come back every year. At the beginning of this trail is a campground that is open year round.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Spence Field Loop

Hike Route

Spence Field Loop

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
12.85 mi
+3,224 ft
Thunderhead Mountain + Rocky Top

Hike Route

Thunderhead Mountain + Rocky Top

Views
extreme
16.17 mi
+4,383 ft
Cades Cove Loop

Hike Route

Cades Cove Loop

Wildflowers
moderate
10.46 mi
+654 ft
Schoolhouse Gap Trail to White Oak Sinks

Hike Route

Schoolhouse Gap Trail to White Oak Sinks

Birding
easy
2.03 mi
+511 ft
Abrams Falls Out and Back

Hike Route

Abrams Falls Out and Back

Birding
moderate
4.92 mi
+707 ft
Spruce Flats Falls Trail

Hike Route

Spruce Flats Falls Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
1.65 mi
+502 ft
Contributors
Parker Hertenstein